Sarah's Bookshelves Live

Sarah and Catherine circle back to the 12 new releases they shared in the Summer 2026 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to!  Find out which books worked, which didn't, and whether their most anticipated summer reads lived up to expectations.

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.
Want More Book Preview Picks?
Paid members of our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both $7/month with the same member benefits) get even more seasonal recommendations with Book Preview Extras! In each episode, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 additional books they're excited about that didn't make the main Book Preview. Join on Patreon or Substack to listen — and get access to all our other bonus podcast episodes and paid-member content.
Highlights
Catherine calls her summer Preview reading "upwardly mobile," while Sarah sees hers as "the downside of high-risk picks."
Catherine liked 4 of her 6 picks, while Sarah's riskier summer ended with one 5-star read — and 3 DNFs.
Catherine and Sarah each tried one of the other's Preview picks … and neither made it to the finish line.
Some deep thoughts on books where you can "feel the writing device" — and why that rarely works for either of them.
Plus, Sarah has a new label for those deeply immersive, cozy reads: "warm bath books."
And, of course, their best and worst book picks of the summer!
Books Read Before the Preview
Sarah's Pick
Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:17] 
Other Books Mentioned
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026) [4:02] 
Summer 2026 Circle Back
June
Catherine's Picks
A Year of Marvelous Ways by Sarah Winman (US Release June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:37] 
Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi (June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:41] 
The Top of the World by Ethan Joella (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:26] 
Keep Them Close by David Ellis (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:17]
Other Books Mentioned
Pearce Oysters by Joselyn Takacs (2024) [7:08]
July
Sarah's Picks
The Half Life by Rachel Beanland (July 14) |Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:33] 
Dad, Love, Me by Matthew Quick (July 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:08] 
Catherine's Pick
City of Widows by Nadia Hashimi (July 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:19] 
Other Books Mentioned
The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick (2008) [15:34] 
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi (2014) [34:42] 
August
Sarah's Picks
Everything That Is Beautiful by Louise Nealon (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:25] 
Sunlight Finds You by Laura Moriarty (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:03] 
Kitten by Stacey Yu (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:39] 
Catherine's Pick
You'll Love It Here by Natalie Sue (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:26] 
Other Books Mentioned
Snowflake by Louise Nealon (2021) [24:09] 
Normal People by Sally Rooney (2019) [24:15] 
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [25:07] 
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) [25:11]
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (2014) [30:25] 
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty (2012) [30:57] 
I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (2024) [41:53]

In Episode 232, Sarah is joined by returning guest Anderson McKean of Page & Palette Bookstore for the 2026 edition of Micro Genres! Each year, this series gives us a chance to niche down even further into the kinds of books we love — spotlighting those very specific sub-sub-genres that capture a particular reading taste. This year, Sarah and Anderson have 10 all-new Micro Genres to share, along with standout books for each. With more than 80 books mentioned, you're bound to find a few new additions to your TBR — and maybe recognize a Micro Genre or two of your own.

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.
Politically-Adjacent Stories (Sarah)
The Hopefuls by Jennifer Close (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:00] 
Charlotte Walsh Like to Win by Jo Piazza (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:11] 
American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:36]
Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:38]  
Vantage Point by Sara Sligar (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:47]
The Emperor of Ocean Park (Elm Harbor, 1) by Stephen L. Carter (2002) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:48]  
Palace Council (Elm Harbor, 3) by Stephen L. Carter (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:49] 
The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:23]
State of Terror by Louise Penny and Hillary Clinton (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:14] 
The Situation Room by George Stephanopoulos (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:55] 
Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:18] 
From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:53] 
Retellings that Are NOT Mythological (Anderson)
Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:41] 
The Beheading Game by Rebecca Lehmann (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:58] 
Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:55] 
Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:23] 
Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:55] 
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:03] 
Anna K (Anna K, 1) by Jenny Lee (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:08] 
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:20] 
The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:36] 
The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:48] 
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:57] 
Wasp's Nest by Kat Stoddard (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:26] 
A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley (1991) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:39] 
Other Books Mentioned
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1850) [12:32] 
James by Percival Everett (2024) [12:36] 
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813) [14:07] 
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1878) [14:11] 
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (1850) [14:24] 
Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith (1950) [14:41] 
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (1847) [14:55] 
The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley (1953) [15:03] 
The Philadelphia Story by Philip Barry (1939) [15:32] 
King Lear by William Shakespeare (1608) [15:45] 
Ministers Behaving Badly (Sarah)
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:36]
Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:45]
God Spare the Girls by Kelsey McKinney (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:19]
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw (Sep 29, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:36]
The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:51]
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (1998) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:16]
Dear Reader / Love Letters to Books (Anderson)
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:14]
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:53]
The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:22]
Dear Fahrenheit 451 by Anne Spence (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:24]
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:37]
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:56]
Other Books Mentioned
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai (2023) [20:29]
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (2018) [20:31]
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [22:15]
Dark Humor (Sarah)
Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:52]
Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:53]
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:55]
Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:41]
Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead by Mai Nguyen (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:42]
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:51]
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:00]
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:47]
Other Books Mentioned
Real Americans by Rachel Khong (2024)  [24:44]
Fantasy Even Sarah Might Like / Fantasy-Lite (Anderson)
Conform (Conform Series, 1) by Ariel Sullivan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:54]
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:13]
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:39]
The Atlas Six (The Atlas Trilogy, 1) by Olivie Blake (2022)* | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:53]
A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, 1) by V. E. Schwab (2015) | Amazon| Bookshop.org  [31:57]
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:02]
The Midnight Train (The Midnight World, 2) by Matt Haig (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:04]
The Midnight Library (The Midnight World, 1) by Matt Haig (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:05]
The Measure by Nikki Erlick (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:20]
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:25]
The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:28]
Other Books Mentioned
The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, 1) by Suzanne Collins (2008) [29:03]
The Handmaid's Tale (The Handmaid's Tale, 1) by Margaret Atwood (1985) [29:04]
Like Friday Night Lights, But Book Form (Sarah)
a.k.a. Sports Books That Are About Far More Than Sports
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:06] 
The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:15] 
The World According to Garp by John Irving (1978) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:51]
In One Person by John Irving (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:53]  
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:12] 
The Flock by Ellen Bar (Apr 27, 2027) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:41] 
The Last Days of Vic & Coco by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Mar 2, 2027) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:31] 
Other Books Mentioned
The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian (2026)  [37:29] 
The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian (2007)  [37:48] 
Women Rule the World (Anderson)
The Romanov Empress by C. W. Gortner (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:16] 
Mademoiselle Chanel by C. W. Gortner (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:41]
Marlene by C. W. Gortner (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:43]
The Woman with the Cure by Lynn Cullen (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:07] 
Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:28] 
Twain's End by Lynn Cullen (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:31]
Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:36] 
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:53]
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:47]
Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:03]
Other Books Mentioned
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler (2013) [43:13] 
Isola by Allegra Goodman (2025) [43:32] 
Royals (Sarah)
The Royal We (The Royal We, 1) by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:04] 
Red, White & Royal Blue (Red, White & Royal Blue, 1) by Casey McQuiston(2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:06] 
American Royals (American Royals, 1) by Katharine McGee (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:09] 
Spare by Prince Harry (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:19]
The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:29]
The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:48]  
The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:03] 
This Land is Your Land (Anderson)
Land by Maggie O'Farrell (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:34] 
Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:33] 
I Will Send Rain by Rae Meadows (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:52] 
The Well and the Mine by Gin Phillips (2007) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:07] 
Greenwood by Michael Christie (US Release 2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:03] 
The Islanders by Lewis Robinson (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:32] 
The Shark House by Sara Ackerman (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:40] 
*Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition for a book originally self-published.

In Episode 231, Al Woodworth (Amazon Senior Editor) returns to the show to discuss Amazon's Best Books of 2026 So Far. They break down this year's list, discuss the books that rose to the top, and explore how the Amazon Books editorial team selected, debated, and ultimately ranked this year's Top 20. Plus, Al shares her personal 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
Al shares the defining characteristics of Amazon's Best Books of 2026 So Far list.
How the Amazon Books editorial team selected and ranked this year's Top 20.
Whether this year's list sparked debate and how disagreements were resolved.
Why Kin was chosen as Amazon's #1 book of the year so far.
The genres that have stood out (and the ones that haven't) in 2026.
A look at how books are assigned to Amazon's genre-specific lists.
Why some books rank differently on genre lists than on the overall Top 20 list.
Under-the-radar books from the list that deserve more attention.
Al's personal favorites that didn't quite make the Top 20.
Al's Book Recommendations
Two OLD Books She Loves
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:54] 
Almond by Won-Pyung Sohn (US Release: 2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:22] 
Other Books Mentioned Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [35:56] 

Two NEW Books She Loves
The Nightingales by Emil Wilson (Aug 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:32]  
American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee (Sep 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:07]  
Other Books Mentioned Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) [44:12] 

One Book She DIDN'T Love
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:05] 
One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About
The Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker (Sep 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[50:10]  
Other Books Mentioned Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker (2020) [50:42]  

Books From the Discussion
Kin by Tayari Jones (Feb 24)  [2:06]
London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (Apr 7) [3:07] 
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) [6:43] 
Strangers by Belle Burden (Jan 13) [6:50] 
Night Objects by Eli Raphael (May 26) [6:57] 
The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) [7:51] 
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [7:54] 
Land by Maggie O'Farrell (Jun 2) [11:14]
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell (2020) [12:15]
Nothing Tastes as Good by Luke Dumas (Mar 31) [12:56] 
Famesick by Lena Dunham (Apr 14) [13:04] 
Transcription by Ben Lerner (Apr 7) [13:48] 
John of John by Douglas Stuart (May 5) [15:23] 
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart (2020) [15:27] 
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart (2022) [15:28] 
Homebound by Portia Elan (May 5) [16:15] 
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5) [17:16] 
The Help by Kathryn Stockett (2009) [17:23] 
Educated by Tara Westover (2018) [18:52] 
James by Percival Everett (2024) [19:00] 
The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller (2024) [19:09] 
No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (Mar 3) [23:43] 
American Men by Jordan Ritter Conn (Apr 21) [25:29] 
A Far-Flung Life by M. L. Stedman (Mar 3) [28:25] 
Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) [28:38] 
Into the Blue by Emma Brodie (Apr 7) [32:12] 
Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell (Apr 14) [32:14] 
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell (2024) [32:19] 
How to Rule the World by Theo Baker (May 19) [33:16]

In Episode 230, Sarah chats with Kevin Hazzard about his new book, No One's Coming, the true story of the daring mission to rescue two Americans infected with Ebola during the 2014 West African outbreak. They discuss the unlikely team behind the unprecedented operation, the challenges of telling a real-life story with the pacing of a thriller, and what Kevin learned about the ordinary people who stepped up when no one else could. Plus, Kevin 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
Books by Kevin Hazzard: No One's Coming, American Sirens, and A Thousand Naked Strangers
How Kevin first came across this remarkable true story — and how he knew he had to write it
Why the Phoenix Air team agreed to take on an unprecedented and incredibly dangerous mission
The challenge of getting people to speak candidly about such a high-pressure, high-stakes operation
The qualities Kevin saw in the people who said "yes" when everyone else was saying "no"
Kevin answers the question: Would he have agreed to go on this ebola mission?
If he plans to stay in the world of medical nonfiction for future books
Kevin's Book Recommendations
Two OLD Books He Loves
Apeirogon by Colum McCann (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:45] 
The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:07] 
Other Books Mentioned The Tiger by John Vaillant (2010) [40:17]
Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry (2019) [42:59] 
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett (1952) [43:03] 

Two NEW Books He Loves
In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means To Be A Man by Tom Junod (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:11] 
Black Dahlia by William Mann (Jan 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:57] 
Other Books Mentioned Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012) [44:16]
Black Dahlia, Red Rose by Piu Eatwell (2017) [45:56] 
I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara (2018) [46:27] 

One Book He DIDN'T Love
The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:44] 
One NEW RELEASE He's Excited About
High Road by Hank Idsinga (Apr 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:39] 
Other Books Mentioned Homicide by David Simon (1991) [48:52]

In Episode 229, Sarah talks with Laura B. McGrath about her new book, Middlemen, and the behind-the-scenes role literary agents play in publishing. They discuss what agents actually do, how they shape an author's career, the hype surrounding debut novels, and what Laura learned while researching one of publishing's least visible professions. Plus, Laura shares 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!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Highlights
Middlemen by Laura B. McGrath (April 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org 
Why a literary agent's most important job isn't what most readers think.
What agents are really looking for when they decide to represent an author.
The surprising amount of homework agents do before signing a new client.
The hype surrounding debut novels — and some of the downsides that come with it.
Why the publishing industry was initially wary of public book sales data.
Laura's Book Recommendations
Two OLD Books She Loves
Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson (1980) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:12] 
Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger (1961) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:59] 
Other Books Mentioned   Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (2004) [46:36] 

Two NEW Books She Loves
London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:25] 
Discipline by Larissa Pham (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:42] 
Other Books Mentioned  Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) [50:31] 

One Book She DIDN'T Love
The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:14] 
Other Books Mentioned Erasure by Percival Everett (2001) [53:30] 
The Wife by Meg Wolitzer (2003) [53:32] 
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (1939) [54:16]
The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie (1947/1952) [54:19]  
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [55:34] 

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About
Music Against the Night by Yiyun Li (October 13, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:04]
Sneak Pick: Miss Lambert Steps Aboard Danger by Kazuo Ishiguro (March 9, 2027) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [57:04] 
Other Books Mentioned Things in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li (2025) [57:39] 
The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro (1995) [58:43] 
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (1989) [59:27] 

Books From the Discussion
The Middle Man by Paul R. Reynolds (1972) [3:09]
Talking at Night by Claire Daverley (2023) [10:40]
Zone One by Colson Whitehead (2011) [11:20]
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1961)  [12:36] 
Mila 18 by Leon Uris (1961) [13:33]
The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead (1999) [14:18]
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) [33:52] 
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [34:28] 
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [34:34] 
Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [34:36] 
The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) [34:39]