Sarah's Bookshelves Live

A lot has happened in the world over the past couple weeks that hasn't been reflected on the podcast because June episodes were recorded in mid-May. So, I wanted to bring you this special bonus episode to highlight some books by black authors that I've loved over the past couple years.  These are stories of the lives of particular black characters and people that have stuck with me (in many cases...

Special Note This episode was recorded on May 14, 2020. A lot has happened since then, so I wanted to time-stamp this to provide appropriate context for our discussion. Next Wednesday, I'm releasing a special bonus episode sharing my favorite books by black authors. In Episode 61, Kimberly McCreight (author of  A Good Marriage ) shares her 11 year journey to publishing her first novel, why she wan...

Welcome to the Summer 2020 Book Preview with Catherine of  Gilmore Guide to Books ! Catherine and I share our most anticipated books coming out in June and July 2020. Also, stay tuned for my Most Anticipated Books of Summer 2020 blog post, which is coming out tomorrow. I'll share some of the books I talked about in this podcast, but also some that I didn't! This post contains affiliate links, thro...

In Mini Episode 59, Alyssa Hertzig ( @alyssahertzig ,  @alyssaisbooked ) shares how she got back into reading after a long hiatus and we do an impromptu deep dive on Ann Patchett (one of my all-time favorite authors)…plus, celebrity memoirs. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Sponsor This episode is sponsored b...

In Episode 58, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share our favorite books that missed last year's Summer Reading Guides, books set in cool travel destinations, and our #1 picks for the four categories featured in Sarah's 2020 Summer Reading Guide. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcement Starting in June...

In Mini Episode 57, Liz Hein ( @lizhein89 ) and I talk about two old books we both love and a beloved campus novel Liz didn't love. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights The situation with distance learning at my kids' school and Liz's school where she's an administrator. How coronavirus has impacted Li...

In Episode 56, Holly Root (Literary Agent and Owner of  Root Literary ) talks about the rise of the rom-com and publishing in the coronavirus era…plus, the story of selling Jasmine Guillory's debut novel to publishers. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcement Starting in June, the podcast will move to a ...

In Mini Episode 55, Sarah Saba Cetra ( @bookedinadvance ) shares Middle Eastern books on her TBR list, books from a publisher we both love (Riverhead), and we both share how coronavirus is impacting our reading. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights How coronavirus is impacting both of our reading. How...

In Episode 54, Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks (authors of  You Are Not Alone ) go behind-the-scenes of their writing process, how they decided to write psychological thrillers, and share where their next novel is set (it's not in New York City!). This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights The themes Sara...

Welcome to the Spring 2020 Book Preview with Catherine of  Gilmore Guide to Books ! Catherine and I share our most anticipated books coming out in April and May 2020. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Supporting Local Bookstores Libro.fm  (affiliate link for audiobooks) Order online from your local bookstore (...

In Mini Episode 52, Sarah Verity Collica ( @seize_the_page ) and I talk about a couple books we have differing opinions about…plus,  She Said  vs.  Catch and Kill . This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). 2020 Podcast Survey I'd love it if you could take a couple minutes to complete the  2020 Podcast Survey . I'd lo...

In Episode 51, Steph Hockersmith ( @pieladybooks ), fresh off her appearance on  Good Morning America , shares all the behind-the-scenes details of her book-themed pies, including her favorite dessert (it's not pie!) and her goals for expanding Pie Lady Books. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Sponsor This epi...

In Mini Episode 50, Julia Spence (@gameofreading) talks about her love for dual timelines in her books and reading an author's backlist. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights Julia talks about how, when she reads a book she loves by a new-to-her author, she loves to read all of that author's backlist. J...

In Episode 49, Zibby Owens (Host of the  Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books Podcast ) talks about what it's like to interview authors and shares some of her favorite memoirs. This post contains affiliate links (plus: here's your  Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link ), through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Sponsor This episode is sponsored by  Book...

In Mini Episode 48, Genevieve Trono ( @genthebookworm ) talks mood reading and shares her thoughts about Brit Bennett's new book (which she's already read)! Sponsor This episode is sponsored by  Book of the Month . Use the code  SARAHSBOOKSHELVES  at checkout to get your first book for just $9.99! This month, I chose  You Are Not Alone ,  The Holdout , and  Anna K . Check out  my commentary  on al...

In Episode 47, Caroline Zancan (author of  We Wish You Luck ) discuss her time getting her MFA at the Bennington Writing Seminars, how her job as an editor at Henry Holt impacted her as an author, and the allure of campus novels. This post contains affiliate links (plus: here's your  Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link ), through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cos...

In Mini Episode 46, Aubree Cheadle ( @mnreadingmama ) shares her love for heart-breaking, but hopeful books and we talk about overdone literary comparisons. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Sponsor This episode is sponsored by  Book of the Month . Use the code  SARAHSBOOKSHELVES  at checkout to get your first...

In Episode 45, Liz Moore (author of  Long Bright River ) talks about the inspiration and research for her novel, mystery / thriller twists, and that comparison to  The Girl on the Train . This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights How Liz comes up with inspiration for her books. Her time working with a photo...

In Mini Episode 44, Jayda Justus ( @thehistorymom ) shares historical fiction and nonfiction history books paired with historical sites. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights Recent books about women's roles in past wars. Jayda's and my Enneagram numbers. Jayda's 2020 reading goal of reading 85% histori...

In Episode 43, Jordan Moblo talks about how he grew his #bookstagram account to over 35,000 followers in a year and a half and shares tips for growing your own #bookstagram account. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights Why Jordan started his #bookstagram account (and what his husband thought about it i...

In Mini Episode 42, Brittany Block ( @brbreads ) and I talk about the logistics of reading abroad, bleak books, and books that help you learn something. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights How Brittany gets access to books while living abroad (including her library access, e-book access, and what she...

Welcome back for the first episode of 2020…the Winter 2020 Book Preview with Catherine of  Gilmore Guide to Books ! Catherine and I share our most anticipated books coming out for the first quarter (January – March) of 2020. Also, stay tuned for my Most Anticipated Books of Winter 2020 blog post, which is coming out tomorrow. I'll share some of the books I talked about in this podcast, but also so...

In Episode 40, Byrd Leavell (Talent Agent at  United Talent Agency ) talks about the business of publishing, the truth behind publisher marketing dollars, and shares holiday book recommendations for husbands / dads / sons / boyfriends. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcement Links 2020 Rock Your Reading...

In Mini Episode 39, Lindsay Creech ( @littlelindsreads ) and I talk about Southern books and character-driven dramas. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights Lindsay's mom's parent gift-giving nightmare (which involves books). Sarah's least favorite Pat Conroy book. A DNF tangent. Lindsay's Book Recommend...

In Episode 38, Garrett M. Graff goes behind the scenes of his new book,  The Only Plane in the Sky  (one of my top books of 2019). This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights Where Garrett was on 9/11. What he was trying to accomplish with his book. The big challenge of understanding 9/11 as it moves "from me...