Sarah's Bookshelves Live

By: Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves
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  • Summary

  • Sarah’s Bookshelves Live is a weekly show featuring real talk about books and book recommendations from a featured guest. Each week, Sarah of the blog Sarah’s Bookshelves will talk with her guest about: - 2 OLD BOOKS THEY LOVE - 2 NEW BOOKS THEY LOVE - 1 BOOK THEY DON’T LOVE - AND 1 NEW RELEASE THEY’RE EXCITED ABOUT I’m getting real about all things books and serving you up a bit of snark on the side.
    Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves
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Episodes
  • Ep. 182: Chelsea Bieker (Author of Madwoman) + Book Recommendations

    Ep. 182: Chelsea Bieker (Author of Madwoman) + Book Recommendations
    Nov 13 2024
    In Episode 182, author Chelsea Bieker discusss her new novel, Madwoman, with Sarah. Chelsea shares how her own childhood inspired the fictional characters in her book and what parts of the book differ from her own experience. They talk about the trajectory of this intense and personal novel that began as a “funny little book about motherhood” and morphed into a story about trauma and abuse. Plus, Chelsea 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 Books by Chelsea Bieker: Madwoman (2024), Heartbroke (2022), and Godshot (2020)A spoiler-free overview of Madwoman.How this story transformed from a “funny little book about motherhood” to an intense story about trauma and abuse.The ways Chelsea’s childhood experiences and memories shaped her story of Clove.The parts of Madwoman that were pulled directly from her own life and those that weren’t.Exploring the publisher’s statement that Madwoman would be Chelsea’s breakout.Conversations with her mom and dad about the book’s story.The relationship between Madwoman, Godshot, and Chelsea’s current work in progress. Chelsea’s Book Recommendations [46:01] Two OLD Books She Loves Animal by Lisa Taddeo (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:23]Hot Springs Drive by Lindsay Hunter (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:04] Two NEW Books She Loves We Were the Universe by Kimberly King Parsons (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:09]Solider Sailor by Claire Kilroy (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:09] One Book She DIDN’T Love It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:48] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About The Motherload by Sarah Hoover (Jan 14, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[01:01:49] Last 5-Star Book Chelsea Read How to Love Your Daughter by Hila Blum (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[01:03:42]Other Books Mentioned: I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin (2023) [01:04:04] About Chelsea Bieker Website | Instagram | X | Facebook | Substack Chelsea Bieker is the author of three books, most recently the nationally bestselling novel, Madwoman, a Book of the Month club pick the New York Times calls “brilliant in its depiction of the long shadows cast by domestic violence.” Her first novel, Godshot, was long-listed for The Center For Fiction’s First Novel Prize and named a Barnes & Noble Pick of the Month. Her story collection, Heartbroke, won the California Book Award and was a New York Times “Best California Book of 2022.” Her writing has appeared in The Paris Review, Marie Claire UK, People, The Cut, Wall Street Journal, No Tokens, and others. She is the recipient of a Rona Jaffe Writers’ Award, as well as residencies from MacDowell and Tin House. Raised in Hawai’i and California, she now lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two children.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ep. 181: Fall 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

    Ep. 181: Fall 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
    Oct 30 2024
    In Episode 181, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 16 new releases they shared in the Fall 2024 Book Preview, now that they’ve read them. They share their reading stats, chat about what worked — and hash out which books didn’t work and why. Check out the episode for their full reviews on all their fall picks and get recommendations for your next book! 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 Catherine describes her fall reading “trick or treat” — mostly treats (her first 5-star preview book since February), but a few tricks (two DNFs).Sarah had a higher DNF count than usual, but still had a high(ish) success rate for this season.Since this is the last Circle Back of 2024, they look at their stats for the entire year of Previews.They name the best and worst books picks for fall! Books We Read Before the Preview [3:30] Sarah’s Picks Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:58]The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:32] Other Books Mentioned The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [5:35] Fall 2024 Circle Back [7:28] Mid-August Catherine’s Picks There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (Aug 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[7:36] September Sarah’s Picks Guide Me Home by Attica Locke (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:23]The Siege by Ben Macintyre (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:41] Entitlement by Rumaan Alam (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:36] A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:51]Adam and Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:35] Catherine’s Picks Dear Dickhead by Virginie Despentes (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:54]Bringer of Dust by J. M. Miro (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:07] Other Books Mentioned Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke [10:44] Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke [10:48]The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre [15:46] Ordinary Monsters by J. M. Miro [20:12] Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam [24:29] Sandwich by Catherine Newman [25:03]All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [30:09]Banyan Moon by Thao Tai [37:01]The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza [37:32]The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl [37:48] October Sarah’s Picks Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:36] Catherine’s Picks A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:00] The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni (Oct 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:24]Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth (Oct 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:47]Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:21] Other Books Mentioned The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni [33:07]The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner [46:14] November Catherine’s Pick The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson (Nov 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:23] About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Booksover 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA. Next Episode In two weeks (November 13), Sarah will be back with Chelsea Bieker, author of Madwoman.
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    54 mins
  • Ep. 180: 2024 Debuts Special with Susie (@NovelVisits)

    Ep. 180: 2024 Debuts Special with Susie (@NovelVisits)
    Oct 16 2024
    In Episode 180, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and Sarah return with the 4th annual Debuts Special! They’re sharing their favorite debuts, new and backlist — so far for 2024. Plus, their reading stats for debuts this year and the best sophomore novels of 2024. 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 debuts from 2024 compare to those from previous years.A full breakdown of Sarah’s and Susie’s 2024 debut-related stats.Featured debuts, divided into three categories: Favorite Debuts of 2024 (so far)Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2024Best Sophomore Novels of 2024 Favorite Debuts of 2024 (so far) [7:13] Sarah Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:33]Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:50]Everest, Inc. by Will Cockrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:50]How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:30] Susie Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:18]How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:32]Perris, California by Rachel Stark | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:58]Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:29] Other Books Mentioned Victim by Andrew Boryga [7:54]Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen [8:04]River East, River West by Aub Rey Lescure [8:15]The Wives by Simone Gorrindo [8:23]The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin [8:43]Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen [14:59]Talking at Night by Claire Daverley [21:25]Groundskeeping by Lee Cole [21:29]People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry [29:38] Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld [31:26] No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister [34:55] The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [34:58] Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2024 [36:02] Sarah The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:09]Welcome to the O.C. by Alan Sepinwall, Josh Schwartz, and Stephanie Savage | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:20] Susie There There by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:33]Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:13] Other Books Mentioned Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange [39:06] Girl at War by Sara Nović [45:18]The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway [45:20] Best Sophomore Novels of 2024 [45:33] Sarah Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:39]A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:43] Susie Bear by Julia Phillips | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:07]Where the Forest Meets the River by Shannon Bowring | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:40] Other Books Mentioned Sandwich by Catherine Newman [47:52] The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [52:54] Additional Books Mentioned I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid [6:08] About Susie Boutry Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X 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. Next Episode In two weeks (October 30), Catherine and I will be back with our Fall 2024 Circle Back episode.
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    57 mins

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Fantastic Book Talk

I’m an avid reader and listening to Sarah and her guests really gets me excited about reading new writers and varied perspectives and subjects. Great questions and the show has a casual flow.

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