Sarah's Bookshelves Live

• Ep. 208: Best of Narrative Nonfiction with Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop (@FabledBookshop)

  Ep. 208 brings the third installment of our “Best of…” series. Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop joined Sarah for the Best of Narrative Nonfiction, sharing her ALL-TIME TOP books in this genre. Plus, she brings a few popular nonfiction reads that didn’t work for her.⁠ This episode is chock-full of fantastic book recommendations to get you ready for Nonfiction November or just your next nonfiction pick. 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. Highlights How Elizabeth got started with narrative nonfiction. How the pull of “real stories” has her returning to this category again and again. Her favorite sub-genres and what doesn’t work for her. Elizabeth picks a book from her list that would be a good starter book for those new to the genre. All books mentioned in this episode are linked through Fabled Bookshop or Libro.FM. If you decide to purchase, we’d love for you to use our Fabled links in the show notes — if your budget allows.  As a bonus, use promo code SARAH at checkout on Fabled’s website for 10% off your order! Prefer audio? You can find the titles on Libro.fm and select Fabled as the store you’d like to support. You can also find a list of Elizabeth’s books from this episode on both Fabled’s website. Elizabeth’s Favorite Narrative Nonfiction Sub-Genres [9:53] NATURAL DISASTER STORIES In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides (2014) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [10:42] The Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin (2004) | Fabled | Libro.FM [11:13] The Vortex by Scott Carney and Jason Miklian (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [11:29] The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown (2009) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [12:18] What Stands in a Storm by Kim Cross (2015) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [13:11] Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson (1999) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [13:33] LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS One Summer by Bill Bryson (2013) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [14:24] Pappyland by Wright Thompson (2020) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [15:05] The Facemaker by Lindsey Fitzharris (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [15:43] POP SCIENCE Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (2019) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [16:54] The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [17:50] Replaceable You by Mary Roach (2025) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [18:35] HISTORY TOLD IN INTERESTING WAYS Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [19:03] The Great Halifax Explosion by John U. Bacon (2017) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [20:21] The Big Rich by Bryan Burrough (2009) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [21:17] In Harm’s Way by Doug Stanton (2001) | Fabled  [21:43] Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (2010) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [22:11] ORDINARY PEOPLE MEMOIRS Red Notice by Bill Browder (2015) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [22:32] Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin (1988) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [23:06] GOTCHA / PEOPLE BEHAVING BADLY Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [24:22] Bad City by Paul Pringle (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [24:24] Bully Market by Jamie Fiore Higgins (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [24:31] Elizabeth’s All-Time Top Narrative Nonfiction [26:07] Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr. (2013) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [26:56] The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan (2006) | Fabled | Libro.FM [28:07] The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (2016) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [29:13] Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard (2011) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [30:57] The Deepest South of All by Richard Grant (2020) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [33:03] Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall (2019) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [35:01] All Over but the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg (1991) | Fabled | Libro.FM   [37:41] Sudden Sea by R. A. Scotti (2003) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [39:52] The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede (2002) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [43:09] High-Profile Narrative Nonfiction That She Didn’t Love [47:37]  In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (1965) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [47:52] When the Sea Came Alive by Garrett M. Graff (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM [49:19] Challenger by Adam Higginbotham (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM [50:48] Other Books Mentioned Finding Flora by Elinor Florence (2025) [4:51] Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose (1996) [5:21] The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (2013) [12:22] Patty Reed’s Doll by Rachel K. Laurgaard (1956) [12:59]   In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross (2023) [13:15] The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (2024) [17:45] Grunt by Mary Roach (2016) [18:27] Family Happiness by Laurie Colwin (1984) [23:48] Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis (2018) [25:10] I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara (2018) [25:39] A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan (2023) [28:57] The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan (2016) [29:02] Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (1994) [33:48] Natchez Burning (Natchez Burning, 1 and Penn Cage, 4) by Greg Iles (2014) [34:49] Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (2009) [35:21] My Southern Journey by Rick Bragg (2015) [39:03] Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce (2023) [41:45] A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams (2013) [42:33] The Only Place in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2019) [45:44] The Devil Reached Toward the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2025) [50:41] Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham (2019) [42:33]

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• Ep. 207: Regina Black (Author of August Lane)

  In Episode 207, Sarah chats with author Regina Black about her newest novel, August Lane. A second-chance romance about two people healing from trauma, August Lane is set in Arcadia, Arkansas, with themes of family, generational scars, and a unique thread of Black country music. Regina also talks about how she got into writing Romance on top of her job as a law school administrator, how long she’s been writing, and what spurred her on to seeking publication. Plus, Regina shares some of her top 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. Highlights Books by Regina Black: The Art of Scandal and August Lane A brief, spoiler-free overview of August Lane.  How long Regina has been writing and what moved her to seeking publication. Her unique journey to finding an agent What exactly does it mean to have a likable character? The way Regina uses and leans into typical romance tropes. Her decision to step away from social media to write like “no one’s watching.” A bit about the novel she’s working on. Regina talks about how a lot of writers become lawyers rather than the reverse. Regina’s Book Recommendations [34:41] Two OLD Books She Loves The Space Between Worlds (The Space Between Worlds, 1) by Micaiah Johnson (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:57] Indigo by Beverly Jenkins (1996) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:54]   Two NEW Books She Loves The Princess and the P.I. by Nikki Payne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:59] Black in Blues:How a Color Tells the Story of My People by Imani Perry (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:03] Other Books Mentioned South to America by Imani Perry (2022) [41:14]  One Book She DIDN’T Love Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:41] Other Books Mentioned Persuasion by Jane Austen (1817) [44:54]  One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Where the Wild Flowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris (February 17, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:36] Books From the Discussion Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [7:34]

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• An Important Podcast Announcement

  Please listen to the accompanying (less than 4 minute) episode for an important update about the Sarah's Bookshelves Live podcast. Thank you, Sarah

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• Ep. 206: Behind the Scenes of Book Festivals & Author Interviews with Jason Blitman (Host of the Gays Reading Podcast)

  For Episode 206, fellow podcaster Jason Blitman, host of the Gays Reading podcast, joins Sarah to go behind the scenes of producing book festivals. They talk about how he came to reading later in his life and how his journey as a reader led him to his current role. Also, they discuss how he approaches author interviews. Plus, Jason shares his 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. Highlights Jason’s experience with becoming a “later in life reader” How Jason got his start in podcasting and started the Gays Reading podcast The method and madness behind choosing which authors to feature Jason turns the tables on Sarah and asks her an interview question With 2 different book festivals under his belt, Jason shares what producing these events entails How authors and special guests are chosen for book festivals Managing authors’ expectations, difficulties, and comfort levels at these large events Plus, ALL of Jason’s book recommendations are from LGBTQIA+ authors! Jason’s Book Recommendations [39:38] Two OLD Books He Loves A Star is Bored by Byron Lane (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:00] Still Life by Sarah Winman (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:01] Other Books Mentioned Tin Man by Sarah Winman (2017) [43:32]   Two NEW Books He Loves Disappoint Me by Nicola Dinan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:02] The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:26] One Book He DIDN’T Love Blackouts by Justin Torres (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:48] Other Books Mentioned Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig (1976) [50:14]  One NEW RELEASE He’s Excited About Lean Cat, Savage Cat by Lauren John Joseph (February 17, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:40] Books From the Discussion and Other Links The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) [1:01] Gays Reading | Season 4, Episode 36: Lucas Schaefer (The Slip) feat. Mike Curato, Guest Gay Reader [1:04]  We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (2021) [1:39]  Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) [1:48]  The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien (1937) [3:29]  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) [4:03]  How I Paid for College by Marc Acito (2004) [5:10]  A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (2010) [6:11]  Find Me by André Aciman (2019) [7:31]  Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman (2007) [7:34]  The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han (2009) [8:09] The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (2018) [8:37]  The Nix by Nathan Hill (2016) [8:54]  Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) [8:57]  The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel (2021) [11:24]  Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau (2021) [11:50] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [12:55] The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue (2023) [14:48] Real Americans by Rachel Khong (2024) [37:20] Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White (1952) [38:41] Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean (2008) [38:43]

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• Ep. 205: Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine GIlmore (@GilmoreGuide)

  Welcome to the Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!   Today, Catherine and Sarah share 14 of their most anticipated books releasing from mid-August through December.   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 A lightning round of some big releases coming this fall that we’re not featuring in today’s preview. Odd fall pickings meant they both chose to feature 7 books each. Catherine’s choices are a grab bag mix: academia, mysteries, a love story, and a snarky lighter read. Of Sarah’s seven books, there are 3 debut authors and 1 repeat author — and 2 sports books! Some of Sarah’s picks slide her right from sad girl summer into sad girl fall.  Sarah has already read and rated one of her picks — and it was a success! Plus, their #1 picks for fall. Big Fall Releases Wreck by Catherine Newman (October 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:15] King Sorrow by Joe Hill (October 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:22] Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:25] What We Can Know by Ian McEwan (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:29] Palaver by Bryan Washington (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:32] Replaceable You by Mary Roach (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:35] Circle of Days by Ken Follett (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:51] People Like Us by Jason Mott (August 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:14] The Black Wolf by Louise Penny (October 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:33]  All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert (September 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:38]  Queen Esther by John Irving (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:46]  Hot Wax by M. L. Rio (September 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:02]  Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:51]  Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:55]  Other Books Mentioned Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) [1:18]  The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (1989) [2:06]  Hell of a Book by Jason Mott (2021) [2:20]  If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) [3:06]  The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (2019) [4:04]  Fall 2025 Book Preview [7:26] August Sarah’s Picks Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (August 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:09] We Loved to Run by Stephanie Reents (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:09] Catherine’s Pick Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:19] Other Books Mentioned God Spare the Girls by Kelsey McKinney (2021) [9:49] Search by Michelle Huneven (2022) [9:58]   The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (2020) [10:08] Olga Dies Dreaming by Xóchitl González (2022) [10:12]   Inferno by Dante (c. 1321) [11:36]   Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) [13:30]  Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [13:32] Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (2024) [14:57]  The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue (2023) [14:59]  Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) [15:53]  The Mothers by Brit Bennett (2016) [15:54]  Good For a Girl by Lauren Fleshman (2023) [16:20]  The Longest Race by Kara Goucher (2023) [16:22]  September Sarah’s Picks Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:17] Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:31] The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:23] Underspin by E. Y. Zhao (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:14] Catherine’s Picks The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:08]  Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent (US release: September 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:07] Other Books Mentioned Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [18:15]  Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (2023) [20:05]  Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (2025) [20:38]  The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary (2019) [24:46]  Younger by Pamela Redmond Satran (2005) [26:10] (The book upon which the television series is based.) Writers & Lovers by Lily King (2020) [26:12]  The Turner House by Angela Flournoy (2015) [29:49]  Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (2024) [38:49]  October Catherine’s Picks Workhorse by Caroline Palmer (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:25] The Wayfinder by Adam Johnson (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:14] November Sarah’s Pick Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:31] Catherine’s Pick Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (November 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:02] Other Books Mentioned The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (2018) [43:57]  December Catherine’s Pick The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini (US release: December 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:19] Other Books Mentioned The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini (2024) [47:22] 

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