Podcast appearances and mentions of Christopher J Yates

In Episode 204, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Summer 2025 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to!  They share their reading stats, chat about what worked — and discuss which books didn't work and why.    This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcement One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights After Catherine's 100% success rate this spring, she encountered a near-full reversal of fortune this summer. Sarah's summer reading improved dramatically over her spring selections. Between Sarah and Catherine, there are several DNFs, one 5-star book, one 3-star book, and a scattering of books in the 4-star range. Sarah's summer circle back theme seems to be “Why aren't more people reading these books?!” Meanwhile, someone please hand Catherine MORE in her books and with a heavy side of PLOT. They name the best and worst books picks for summer! Books Read Before the Preview [5:09]  June Sarah's Pick The Compound by Aisling Rawle (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:14] Other Books Mentioned Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954) [7:03]  FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven (2016) [7:06]  July Sarah's Pick Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:24] Other Books Mentioned The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) [9:31]  Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler (2023) [9:34]  Summer 2025 Circle Back [10:59] June Catherine's Picks The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:08] King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:43] I'll Be Right Here by Amy Bloom (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:15] Other Books Mentioned Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [20:06]  All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby  (2023) [20:08]  July Sarah's Picks Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[13:54] The Rabbit Club by Christopher J. Yates (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[25:07] Her Many Faces by Nicci Cloke (July 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:56] August Lane by Regina Black (July 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:14] Catherine's Picks The Satisfaction Café by Kathy Wang (July 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:27]  Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:50] Other Books Mentioned Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [25:12]  Grist Mill Road by Christopher J. Yates (2018) [25:18] Craigslist Confessional by Helena Dea Bala (2020) [33:52]  Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang (2021) [34:39]  Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [37:39] The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon (2023) [40:02]  The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [44:01]  Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [46:47]  July Catherine's Pick The Frequency of Living Things by Nick Fuller Googins (August 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:10] 

In Episode 202, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah explore some of their new favorite Micro Genres. Since starting the Micro Genres series, they've loved taking the opportunity each year to examine and define their tastes in these sub-sub-genres. This year, they have curated a list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with notable books for each category. With over 80 books mentioned, this is another year of niching down for some great book recommendations! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Books Told From the Perspective of the Person Left Behind (Sarah) [2:26] Sarah The Wanderers by Meg Howrey (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:39] Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:52] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:29] Miracle Creek by Angie Kim (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:31] Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:42] Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:52] Z by Therese Ann Fowler (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:11] The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:19] An American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:26] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:35] The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:59] A Mother's Reckoning by Sue Klebold (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:41] Susie Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:07] Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:35] The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:37] Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:52] We Begin at the End (Susie) [8:22] Sarah Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:46] Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:16] I'm That Girl by Jordan Chiles (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:20]  Susie The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:20] What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:49]  Victim by Andrew Boryga (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:48] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:21]  Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:28]  Other Books Mentioned We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (2021) [8:33]  A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst (2025)  [13:54]  Big Business Women (Sarah) [14:34] Sarah Anna Bright is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:29] The Boys' Club by Erica Katz (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:46]  Women Are the Fiercest Creatures by Andrea Dunlop (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:51]  Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:55]  Susie The Whisper Network by Chandler Baker (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[16:30] The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:55]  Other Books Mentioned Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018) [15:34]  Books By Irish Authors Telling Distinctly Irish Stories (Susie) [17:35] Sarah Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:30]  Northern Spy by Flynn Berry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:43]  The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52]  56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:39]  Susie Nesting by Roisín O'Donnell (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:39] The Coast Road by Alan Murrin (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:07] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:54]  Juno Loves Legs by Karl Geary (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:59] Home Stretch by Graham Norton (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:02]  Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:50]   Trespasses by Louise Kennedy (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:07]  Other Books Mentioned Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (1996) [19:20]  Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) [23:16]  Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent (2023) [24:07]  Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent (2013) [24:09]  The Collective “We” Narration (Sarah) [24:33] Sarah The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (1993) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[25:59]  We Wish You Luck by Caroline Zancan (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:16]  The Mothers by Britt Bennett (2016)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:31]  Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:56]  Susie The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:38] The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:58]   Other Books Mentioned The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) [25:09]  The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) [25:11]  The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (2020) [27:39]  Torn Between Two Lovers: The Women's Edition (Susie) [29:40] Sarah Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:05]  Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding (1996) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:14]  Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:35] Susie Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:18]  The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:38]  One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:18]  An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:44]  Fiction Modeled on Real-Life Serial Killers or Crimes (Sarah) [33:50] Sarah The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:33]  Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:39]  Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:42]   We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:52]  The Girls by Emma Cline (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:00] Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:05] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:29]  Monday, Monday by Elizabeth Crook (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:39]  Susie Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:05]  Books with Characters Struggling with Mental Health (Susie) [36:57] Sarah Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:24]  Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:58]  Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:13]  Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:23]  When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:28] The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon (2003) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:36]   Susie Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:56]  More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:06]  Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:43]  My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward by Mark Lukach (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:13]  I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:58] Other Books Mentioned Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy (2023) [42:33]  Dude Thrillers (Sarah) [42:45] Sarah Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:34]  The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:40]  Departure 37 by Scott Carson (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:55]  The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:10]  Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:27] Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:28]   Susie The Holdout by Graham Moore (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:57]  The River by Peter Heller (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:24]  Burn by Peter Heller (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:25]  The Martian by Andy Weir (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:36]  Other Books Mentioned Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [45:41]  All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby (2023) [45:33]  Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby (2020) [46:06]  Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [46:13]  Standalone Fantasy Set on Earth (Susie) [46:36] Susie The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:36] Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:39] The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:07] Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:08] Weyward by Emilia Hart (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:28]  The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:32]  Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:50]  The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:51]  Other Books Mentioned A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) [47:03]  Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [50:30] 

Welcome to the Summer 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!   Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing from June through mid-August.   This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcement One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this summer (lightning-round style). Of Catherine's six book picks, 3 are about sisters and most are from repeat authors. Sarah's choices feature 3 debut authors, 2 repeat authors, and 1 new author. And, 5 of Sarah's six books are European novels. From literary picks to thrillers to romances, they've got a range of books for summer. Sarah has already read two of her picks — and they're on the 2025 Summer Reading Guide (be sure to check out the full list) Plus, their #1 picks for summer. Big Summer Releases Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:12] With a Vengeance by Riley Sager (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:18] Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:32] The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick (June 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:36] A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:45] The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (July 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:57] The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:08] Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:13] A Most Puzzling Murder by Bianca Marais (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:17]  Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:27]  The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:29]  Don't Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine (June 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:32]  The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen (August 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:36]  Summer 2025 Book Preview [4:07] June Sarah's Pick The Compound by Aisling Rawle (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:19] Catherine's Picks The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:40] King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:02] I'll Be Right Here by Amy Bloom (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:01] Other Books Mentioned  Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954) [10:01]  FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven (2016) [10:04]  The Godfather by Mario Puzo (1969) [20:29]  All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby  (2023) [20:55]  Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [21:00]  Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby (2020) [21:01]  White Houses by Amy Bloom (2018) [27:08]  This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (2017) [27:52]  The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (2019) [27:57]  The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden (2024) [28:28]  July Sarah's Picks Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:36] Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:44] The Rabbit Club by Christopher J. Yates (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:48] Her Many Faces by Nicci Cloke (July 15*) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:38](Updated release date following the recording of this episode.) August Lane by Regina Black (July 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:44] Catherine's Picks The Satisfaction Café by Kathy Wang (July 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:37]  Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:32] Other Books Mentioned Shark Heart by Emily Habeck (2023) [18:12]  Writers and Lovers by Lily King (2020) [18:17]  The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) [25:06]  Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler (2023) [25:09]  Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [28:57]  The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer (2013) [31:13]  The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) [31:15]  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008) [31:16]  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865) []  If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) [32:37]  Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang (2021) [35:16]  Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (2023) [35:40]  Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) [35:42]  The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz (2022) [35:45]  Girl A by Abigail Dean (2021) [38:21]  The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) [38:24]  Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka (2022) [38:28]  The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon (2023) [40:16]  The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [41:58]  Colton Gentry's Third Act by Jeff Zentner (2024) [43:30]  Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [43:41]  The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton (2021) [43:46]  Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [45:01]  August Catherine's Pick The Frequency of Living Things by Nick Fuller Googins (August 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:15] Other Books Mentioned She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb (1992) [48:08]  Other Links Sarah's Bookshelves | The Possibility of a Black Chalk Sequel: Guest Post by Christopher J. Yates 

In season 4 episode 165, we discuss Black Chalk by Christopher J. YatesVisit our website at https://www.tbrlowdown.com to see our show notes, join our Discord, book club, and subscribe to our Substack newsletters.

Welcome to season 8 of The Dark Academicals!We're kicking off with ‘Black Chalk' by Christopher J Yates, a psychological thriller campus novel from 2013, that features on nearly every dark academia reading list out there. It's much more similar to the earlier dark academia than our explorations of modern dark academia so we were eager to really give it a go.One game. Six students. Five survivors. It was only ever meant to be a game played by six best friends in their first year at Oxford University; a game of consequences, silly forfeits, and childish dares. But then the game changed: the stakes grew higher and the dares more personal and more humiliating, finally evolving into a vicious struggle with unpredictable and tragic results. Now, 14 years later, the remaining players must meet again for the final round. Who knows better than your best friends what would break you? A gripping psychological thriller partly inspired by the author's own time at Oxford University, this is perfect for fans of The Secret History and The Bellwether Revivals. The author's background in puzzle writing and setting can clearly be seen in the plotting of this clever, tricky book that will keep readers guessing to the very end.With an Oxford setting, a dangerous game, and fracturing friendship, this has the makings of everything we look for for the podcast. Will it make the cut?

Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share our favorite books that missed last year's Summer Reading Guides, some deep backlist books we think are great for summer reading, and our #1 picks for four categories featured in Sarah's 2022 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!). Introducing Summer Shelves (a companion to my Summer Reading Guide)… In addition to my annual 2022 Summer Reading Guide, I'm introducing Summer Shelves, a companion exclusively for Superstars Patrons ($7/mo). Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from over 25 former podcast guests and our team members. The Summer Shelves design is clean, crisp, and unique and you'll receive it in a PDF file format via Patreon. If you'd like to get the Summer Shelves companion guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You'll also get access to a monthly bonus podcast series called Double Booked (where Catherine or Susie and I share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show) and my Rock Your Reading Tracker. Our Summer Reading Guides Sarah's 2022 Summer Reading Guide Susie's 2022 Summer Reading Guide Summer Reading [4:23] Books That Missed Last Year's Summer Reading Guides [4:58] Sarah The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:29] The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:12] Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography by Laurie Woolever | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:24]  Susie For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:29] Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:06]  Embassy Wife by Katie Crouch | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:32]  Backlist Books That Are Great for Summer Reading [25:30] Sarah Quicksand by Malin Persson Giolito | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:53]  Red Notice by Bill Browder | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:39] The Fever by Megan Abbott | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:52] Susie Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:12]  The Diver's Clothes Lie Empty by Vendela Vida | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:09] The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:15] Our #1 Summer Picks by Category  [42:08] Something Light / Fun Sarah: Dilettante by Dana Brown | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:46]  Susie: Cover Story by Susan Rigetti | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:03]  Something Fast Paced / Intense Sarah: Upgrade by Blake Crouch (July 12, 2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:48]  Susie: Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavone (May 24, 2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:52]  Something with a Bit More Substance Sarah: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:27]  Susie: Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:05]  Something Different Sarah: Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:45]  Susie: This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:23]  Other Books Mentioned The Family by Naomi Krupitsky [6:53]  The Turnout by Megan Abbott [7:01]  Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll [7:21]  My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing [9:35] The Secret History by Donna Tartt [9:48] Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates [9:48] One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London [12:37]  Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston [12:44]  Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid [15:14]  The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [15:14]  Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau [15:14]  The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton [15:14]  The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [20:08]  The Office by Andy Greene [20:57] Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [30:15]  Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez [30:41] Moneyball by Michael Lewis [33:21]  We Run the Tides by Vendela Vida [34:17]  Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight [38:18]  My Friend Anna by Rachel DeLoache Williams [45:51]  The Accident by Chris Pavone [55:54]  The Expats by Chris Pavone [56:02]  One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle [1:04:10]  Other Links The New York Times Magazine | What Happened to the Girls in Le Roy About Susie Boutry Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Susie has loved reading for as long as she can remember. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve long afternoons at the library and then reading late into the night. More than ten years ago, she began journaling about the books she read and turned that passion into writing about books. Her first forays were as a guest reviewer on a friend's blog, but she soon realized she wanted to be reviewing and talking about books on a blog of her own. From there, Novel Visits was born. That was in 2016 and, though the learning curve was steep, she loves being a part of the book community. Novel Visits focuses on new novel reviews (print and audio), previews of upcoming releases, and musings on all things bookish.

In Episode 96, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share some of our favorite debut novels and discuss why we gravitate toward debuts.  We also discuss our reading stats for debut novels, as well as exploring some sophomore novels...the good, the not so good, and those we're still awaiting. This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). I also included Bookshop.org affiliate links. Highlights Why I like having debut authors on the podcast. A full breakdown of debut-related stats and our best year for debuts Debuts we love, divided into four categories: All-Time Favorite Debuts Sophomore Slumps — alongside the debuts that came before them Anxiously Awaiting — debut novelists who've not yet released a second novel Upcoming Sophomore Novels All-Time Favorite Debuts [9:35] Sarah The Mothers by Brit Bennett | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org[11:00] Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [16:35] & [41:05] Honorable Mentions Shelter by Jung Yun | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [10:00] Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [10:16] Susie Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [13:22] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [18:46] Honorable Mention Mudbound by Hillary Jordan | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [10:26] Sophomore Slumps [21:05] Sarah Debut: The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress by Ariel Lawhon | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [21:20] Sophomore: Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [23:40] Debut: Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [29:46] Sophomore: We Went to the Woods by Caite Dolan-Leach | Buy from Amazon| Buy from Bookshop.org [32:03] Susie Debut: Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [25:04] Sophomore: Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [28:13] Debut: Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [33:14] Sophomore: The End of the Day by Bill Clegg | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [35:09] Anxiously Awaiting [36:25] Sarah The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [36:37] We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [41:13] Susie If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org[38:54] Tuesday Nights in 1980 by Molly Prentiss | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [43:57] Upcoming Sophomore Novels [45:40] Sarah Debut: Miracle Creek by Angie Kim | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [45:55] Upcoming: Happiness Quotient by Angie Kim (TBA) [46:19] Debut: Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [48:51] Upcoming: Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (January 18, 2022) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [50:02] Susie Debut: Girl at War by Sara Nović | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [47:04] Upcoming: True Biz by Sara Nović (March 15, 2022) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [47:58] Debut: Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [51:03] Upcoming: Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (April 12, 2022) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [52:39] Other Books Mentioned The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett [11:40]  Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi [13:53]  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins [17:21] The Secret History by Donna Tartt [17:24] & [39:31] The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer [17:26]  Rules of Civility by Amor Towles [22:18] A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara [34:06]  Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee [52:28]  Other Links Podcast Episode 93: Fall 2021 Book Preview with Catherine from @GilmoreGuide Podcast Episode 83: 2021 Summer Reading Special with Susie from @NovelVisits Podcast Episode 78: Deep Backlist Books with Catherine from @GilmoreGuide Podcast Episode 64: Catherine Adel West (Author of Saving Ruby King) If you'd like to track your own reading stats, check out my downloadable spreadsheet.  Learn more about the 2021 Rock Your Reading Tracking Spreadsheet here, or by becoming a supporter on Patreon and choosing the Superstar level, you'll get the upcoming 2022 Reading Tracker included with your membership.

Ep. #478 - Back to school time has arrived and who doesn't love books set around fancy private schools? Also, there is a lot of murdery mysteries in these selections. Books mentioned in this episode The Sidekicks By Will Kostakis The Secret History By Donna Tartt Truly Devious By Maureen Johnson Black Chalk By Christopher J. Yates The Tenth Girl By Sara Faring Catherine House By Elisabeth Thomas A Spy in the House By Y. S. Lee Special Topics in Calamity Physics By Marisha Pessl Echo After Echo By Amy Rose Capetta Undead Girl Gang By Lily Anderson

Welcome to a special episode of the Sarah’s Book Shelves Live podcast…the Summer 2019 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! Catherine and I share our most anticipated books coming out in June and July 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 Catherine and my success rate for books we shared in our Winter 2019 Preview episode. Our Best and Worst picks from the Spring 2019 Preview episode. The book Sarah DNF’d at 3% and Catherine rated 1 star. Each of our #1 picks for Summer. A tangent about the day of the week new releases always come out (it’s Tuesday). A rant about thrillers with “Girls” and “Wife” in the title (in this case, related to Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger). Summer 2019 Book Preview June Sarah’s Picks: Beyond All Reasonable Doubt by Malin Persson Giolito (June 4) | Buy from Amazon [8:54](UPDATE: I DNF’d this book at 132 Pages) Recursion by Blake Crouch (June 11) | Buy from Amazon [14:04] (UPDATE: I’ve now read this book and rated it 4 stars!) The Body in Question by Jill Ciment (June 11) | Buy from Amazon [18:55]  Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner (June 11) | Buy from Amazon [23:00] (UPDATE: I DNF’d this book at 7%) Catherine’s Picks: Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok (June 4) | Buy from Amazon [11:30] The Paper Wasp by Lauren Acampora (June 11) | Buy from Amazon [16:35] Bunny by Mona Awad (June 11) | Buy from Amazon [21:18] The Body Lies by Jo Baker (June 13) | Buy from Amazon [25:40]  July Sarah’s Picks: Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger (July 2) | Buy from Amazon [28:20] We Came Here to Forget by Andrea Dunlap (July 2) | Buy from Amazon [32:15] We Went to the Woods by Caite Dolan-Leach (July 2) | Buy from Amazon [37:20] The Need by Helen Phillips (July 9) | Buy from Amazon [42:08] Catherine’s Picks: Whisper Network by Chandler Baker (July 2) | Buy from Amazon [31:09] A Prayer for Travelers by Ruchika Tomar (July 9) | Buy from Amazon [34:48] The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (July 16) | Buy from Amazon [39:59] If You Want to Make God Laugh by Bianca Marais (July 16) | Buy from Amazon [45:13] Other Books Mentioned I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [4:35] Out East by John Glenn | Buy from Amazon [4:45] Normal People by Sally Rooney | Buy from Amazon [5:19] Trust Exercise by Susan Choi | Buy from Amazon [6:24] The Spectators by Jennifer Dubois | Buy from Amazon [7:34] Quicksand by Malin Persson Giolito (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [9:07] Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok | Buy from Amazon [11:39] Mambo in Chinatown by Jean Kwok | Buy from Amazon [12:02] Dark Matter by Blake Crouch (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [14:35] The Wonder Garden by Lauren Acampora | Buy from Amazon [16:54] Hungry Heart by Jennifer Weiner (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [23:34] Longbourn by Jo Baker | Buy from Amazon [25:53] The Banker’s Wife by Cristina Alger (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [28:31] The Unraveling of Mercy Louis by Keija Parssinen (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [33:56] You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [33:56] The Falconer by Dana Czapnik | Buy from Amazon [33:56] The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [35:11] Sugar Run by Mesha Maron | Buy from Amazon [36:05] Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [37:20] The Secret History by Donna Tartt | Buy from Amazon [37:57] Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [37:57] We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [38:45] The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead | Buy from Amazon [41:25] The Beautiful Bureaucrat by Helen Phillips (My Review) |Buy from Amazon [42:22] The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [44:31] Some Possible Solutions by Helen Phillips (My Review) | Buy From Amazon [44:48] Hum If You Know the Words by Bianca Marais | Buy from Amazon [45:28] Everybody’s Son by Thrity Umrigar | Buy from Amazon [46:31] Other Links My Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2019 (Sarah’s blog post) The Literary Life podcast with Mary Laura Philpott The Readerly Report Podcast Anne Bogel’s One Great Book Patreon Podcast Running N Reading (Tara’s book blog) Annie Jones from the From the Front Porch podcast Ashley Spivey Kelly Massry from Kelly’s Collections Author Taylor Jenkins Reid Sarah’s Book Shelves Live Episode 1: Georgia Hunter (Historical Fiction) About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 6 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle. Next Week’s Episode Our Top 10 All-Time Favorite Summer Reads with Susie from Novel Visits (airing May 22) Support the Podcast Share - If you like the podcast, I’d love for you to share it with your reader friends…in real life and on social media (there’s easy share buttons at the bottom of this post!). Subscribe...wherever you listen to podcasts, so new episodes will appear in your feed as soon as they’re released. Rate and Review - Search for “Sarah’s Book Shelves” in Apple Podcasts…or wherever you listen to podcasts! Feedback - I want this podcast to fit what you’re looking for, so I truly do want your feedback! Please tell me (email me at sarahsbookshelves@gmail.com or DM me on social media) what you like, don’t like, want more of, want less of, etc. I’d also love to hear topics you’d like me to cover and guests you’d like to hear from.

Lori read this book on the way to Honolulu and could not put it down. It's a suspense thriller there girls are hoping gets turned into an 8 part mini-series for HBO.

Debut writer A.J. Finn's thriller THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW has been sold in 37 countries and Fox 2000 picked up the film rights. The story of an agoraphobic woman who swears she sees a violent act in the brownstone across from hers in Manhattan, the novel is rife with references to classic films and "crackles with tension," our reviewer says. Violence also is at the heart of Christopher J. Yates' psychological thriller, GRIST MILL ROAD, which our reviewer writes in a starred review is, "mesmerizing and impossible to put down." And our editors weigh in with their thoughts about which bestsellers are worth your time.