Announcement In addition to my annual 2023 Summer Reading Guide, I’m once again offering Superstars Patrons ($7/mo) exclusive access to Summer Shelves, featuring even more recommendations for the season. Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from 17 former podcast guests, our team members, and — for the first time — 20+ Superstars patrons! 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. Also, one of the many benefits to joining our Patreon Community 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 to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here! Get Summer Shelves Highlights Catherine’s picks include 4 repeat authors! Sarah picked some debuts and several repeat authors. With no July picks, August might be the new September and July might be the new December. Sarah continues with a variety of genres and micro genres, but on the lighter side this season. Two books Sarah has already read, loved, and included in her 2023 Summer Reading Guide, including a 5-star book! Plus, their #1 picks for summer! Summer 2023 Book Preview [5:13] June Sarah’s Picks: Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan (June 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:49] My Murder by Katie Williams (June 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:58] The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue (June 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:09] Invisible Son by Kim Johnson (June 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:39] Catherine’s Picks: Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See (June 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[11:41] All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby (June 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[17:42]  You Can’t Stay Here Forever by Katherine Lin (June 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:46]  Other Books Mentioned: Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan [6:19] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [9:10] Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby [19:54] Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler [24:06] Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson [24:28] One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle [26:40] This Is My America by Kim Johnson [27:49] Corrections in Ink by Keri Blakinger [28:59] The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas [29:33] August Sarah’s Picks: The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:35]  Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:27] Catherine’s Picks: The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:52] Mobility by Lydia Kiesling (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:40] Western Alliances by Wilton Barnhardt (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[43:54]  Other Books Mentioned: Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman [33:06] Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond [33:09] Seven Days in June by Tia Williams [35:24] The Golden State by Lydia Kiesling [38:45] Red Notice by Bill Browder [40:48] Commonwealth by Ann Patchett [42:15] The Dutch House by Ann Patchett [42:18] These Precious Days by Ann Patchett [43:42] Lookaway, Lookaway by Wilton Barnhardt [45:25] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [46:56] The Marriage Act by John Marrs [47:49]

Catherine (Gilmore Guide to Books) and I revisit the 12 books released in April and May featured in the Spring 2023 Book Preview.  We give updates on our reading stats, share our thoughts on the books we’ve read or attempted, and offer recommendations on which ones deserve a spot on your reading list and which ones you might want to skip. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Announcement In addition to my annual 2023 Summer Reading Guide, I’m once again offering Superstars Patrons ($7/mo) exclusive access to Summer Shelves, featuring even more recommendations for the season. Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from 17 former podcast guests, our team members, and — for the first time — 20+ Superstars patrons! 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. Highlights Catherine and Sarah share their Spring 2023 reading stats and success rates. How these stats compare to springs of previous years. Even more book talk, since Catherine has read several of Sarah’s picks, too! Sarah shares something that’s never happened before on the podcast! Plus, they name their best and worst books from the Spring 2023 Book Preview. Books Read Before the Preview [6:03] Sarah’s Picks: Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:31] Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan (May 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:16]  Other Books Mentioned: The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb [7:37] Spring 2023 Circle Back [13:27] April Sarah’s Picks: The One by Julia Argy (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:03] The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants by Orlando Ortega-Medina (April 18) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [25:43] If We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[32:55] Catherine’s Picks: Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:31] The Skin and Its Girl by Sarah Cypher (April 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[22:57]  Searching for Savanna by Mona Gable (April 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:14]  Other Books Mentioned: Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal [16:22] The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal [16:28] May Sarah’s Picks: The Marriage Act by John Marrs (May 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:16] Catherine’s Picks: The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese (May 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:39] Dances by Nicole Cuffy (May 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:03] The Celebrants by Steven Rowley (May 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:14]  Other Books Mentioned: The One by John Marrs [44:35]  The Passengers by John Marrs [46:32] The Guncle by Steven Rowley [53:21] The Editor by Steven Rowley [53:42]

Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share our favorite books that missed last year’s Summer Reading Guides, some nonfiction books we think are great for summer reading, and our #1 picks for four categories, including what I have featured in my 2023 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!). Get Even More Summer Reading Recommendations with Summer Shelves: In addition to my annual 2023 Summer Reading Guide, I’m once again offering Superstars Patrons ($7/mo) exclusive access to Summer Shelves, featuring even more recommendations for the season. Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from 17 former podcast guests, our team members, and — for the first time — 20 Superstars patrons! 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. Summer Reading [4:33] Books That Missed Last Year’s Summer Reading Guides [5:29] Sarah Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:53] Red Widow by Alma Katsu | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:30] Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:24]  Susie The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:25] Dinosaurs by Lydia Millet | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:30]  Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:09]  Nonfiction Books That Are Great for Summer Reading [22:35] Sarah True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa by Michael Finkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52]  Memorial Drive by Natasha Tretheway | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:31] Still Points North by Leigh Newman | Amazon | [34:44] Susie Provence, 1970: M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, James Beard, and the Reinvention of American Taste by Luke Barr | Amazon | [25:02]  Stash: My Life in Hiding by Laura Cathcart Robbins | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:27] Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening by Manal al-Sharif | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:00] Our #1 Summer Picks by Category  [40:16] Something Light / Fun Sarah: A Likely Story by Leigh McMullan Abramson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:12]  Susie: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:28]  Something Fast-Paced / Intense Sarah: Drowning: The Rescue of Flight 1421 by T. J. Newman (May 30, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:45]  Susie: I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:05]  Something With Substance Sarah: Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:24]  Susie: Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah  | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:53]  Something Different Sarah: Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World by Lauren Fleshman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:33]  Susie: Big Swiss by Jen Beagin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:13]  Other Books Mentioned The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [3:47]  Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [4:01] Cover Story by Susan Rigetti [9:11] The Hunger by Alma Katsu [10:43] Red London by Alma Katsu [12:47] The Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet [14:45] Untamed by Glennon Doyle [18:15] Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson [20:52] The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel [23:13] In Cold Blood by Truman Capote [23:57] The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls [35:57] Wild by Cheryl Strayed [36:13] Falling by T. J. Newman [47:05] Miracle on the Hudson by William Prochnau and Laura Parker [48:04] Raven Rock by Garrett M. Graff [48:38] The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai [51:14] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [52:59] Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano [53:54] Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [56:32] Other Links Vogue | In Finishing Her Book, Lauren McBrayer…

In Episode 139, Brendan Slocumb talks about his sophomore novel, Symphony of Secrets, and the inspiration behind it. He shares a fascinating look into musical history of the 1920’s, his unique approach to writing musical thrillers, and how he balances musical detail with readability. He also delves into the exploitation of musicians in the industry and how many are simply lost to history. Plus, stick around to hear Brendan’s book recommendations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights The story behind Symphony of Secrets and the composer who partially inspired it. Brendan’s unique approach to writing and his goal to become the “Stephen King of musical thrillers.” The pressure of writing a second book so soon after such a successful debut (The Violin Conspiracy). How Brendan blends musical analysis and character development without overwhelming the reader while staying true to the story. The exploitation and appropriation of musicians and their work in the music industry. Why he chose to make a main character neurodivergent and his experience with teaching neurodivergent music students. His inspiration for the badass character Eboni. The title changes for both of his books, including the original title for Symphony of Secrets. A bit about his upcoming third book and a potential fourth book in the future. Brendan’s Book Recommendations [28:38] Two OLD Books He Loves A Little Devil in America by Hanif Abdurraqib | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:51] Riker’s Calling by Rico Lamoureux | Amazon  [30:08] Two NEW Books He Loves Ozark Dogs by Eli Cranor | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:15] Sea Change by Gina Chung | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:54] One NEW RELEASE He’s Excited About Closer by Sea by Perry Chafe (May 23, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:54] Last 5-Star Book Brendan Read Ozark Dogs by Eli Cranor | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:32] Other Books Mentioned Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb [0:56] The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb [1:03] Don’t Know Tough by Eli Cranor [31:47] Other Links Currently Reading Podcast | Minisode: An Interview with “The Violin Conspiracy” Author Brendan Slocumb About Brendan Slocumb Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Brendan Slocumb was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and holds a degree in music education (with concentrations in violin and viola) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. For more than twenty years he has been a public and private school music educator and has performed with orchestras throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. 

In Episode 138, author Rebecca Makkai discusses I Have Some Questions for You, her latest novel that explores societal issues such as racism and wrongful incarceration through the lens of a crime story. This was a five-star book for me and looks to be *the book* of 2023 so far! Rebecca shared how she engaged with readers using click-bait style headlines and created a sense of intimacy through the second-person point of view. She also goes behind the scenes of how she pitches her new book ideas to her agent and publisher. Plus, Rebecca gives us her book recommendations! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights A spoiler-free glimpse into her latest book, I Have Some Questions for You. What inspired her to start writing the book, including the initial wave of the #MeToo movement and the public’s fascination with true crime. Insider knowledge about when she shares her work with agents and publishers. How she blended elements of crime within her literary fiction novel. How she uses click-bait style headlines to draw readers in from the opening of the book and throughout the story. Why Rebecca used the second-person point of view and how that created an intimate connection between readers and the protagonist. How she used student testimony and gossip to shape the narrative and delve into issues such as racism, sexism, and abuse. How she reconciled the viewpoints of the ’90s with modern perspectives in her novel. A sneak peek of what Rebecca has planned next, including a hint about her upcoming book, and learn about her 84 Books Project. Rebecca’s Book Recommendations [30:43] Two OLD Books She Loves The Door by Magda Szabó | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:57] We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:32] Two NEW Books She Loves If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Naga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:34] The Guest Lecture by Martin Riker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:06] A Book With Which She Has a Complicated Relationship London Fields by Martin Amis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:11] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Maddalena and the Dark by Julia Fine (June 13, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:52] Last 5-Star Book Rebecca Read Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:09] Other Books Mentioned The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai [1:05] The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai [1:58] The Hundred-Year House by Rebecca Makkai [2:01] Music for Wartime by Rebecca Makkai [2:02] The Tiger’s Wife by Téa Obreht [7:01] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [9:43] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain [12:09] The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson [34:29] The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson [34:39] The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan [42:02] Time’s Arrow by Martin Amis [42:47] Stella Maris by Cormac McCarthy [45:39] The Upstairs House by Julia Fine [48:02] The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb [48:51] The Ensemble by Aja Gable [48:53] About Rebecca Makkai Website| Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Substack Rebecca Makkai is the author of the novels I Have Some Questions for You, The Great Believers, The Hundred-Year House, and The Borrower, and the story collection Music for Wartime. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, The Great Believers received an American Library Association Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, among other honors, and was named one of the Ten Best Books of 2018 by The New York Times. A 202 Guggenheim fellow, Makkai is on the MFA faculties of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe and Northwestern University, and is the artistic director of StoryStudio Chicago. She lives on the campus of the midwestern boarding school where her husband teaches, and in Vermont.