Sarah's Bookshelves Live

Author Deesha Philyaw joins Sarah to discuss her debut novel, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman. Deesha first started writing this book more than 20 years ago, before her short story collection, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, became a National Book Award finalist. She shares the journey of bringing this novel to life, the women who inspired its characters, and how the story (and its author) evolved along the way. Plus, Deesha shares 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 Deesha Philyaw: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies and The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman What it means to be a "First Lady" in Black churches — and how that role figures into the novel. How Deesha's own experiences as a church lady more than 20 years ago first inspired the story. Why she put the novel aside to publish The Secret Lives of Church Ladies — and what that experience taught her. How the novel changed between its earliest version and the finished book. Sarah and Deesha talk about the importance of a great opening line — and when those first sentences come together in Deesha's writing process. Plus, a bit about her upcoming work! Deesha's Book Recommendations Two OLD Books She Loves Daddy Was a Number Runner by Louise Meriwether (1970) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:14] The Sellout by Paul Beatty (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:16] Two NEW Books She Loves The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams (Jan 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:51] Desperate Bodies by Lydia Mathis (Sep 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:17] Other Books Mentioned Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) [38:52] The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers (2021) [38:53] Two Books She DIDN'T Love The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (1951) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:13] The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (1952) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:31] Other Books Mentioned Black Boy by Richard Wright (1945) [41:23] Native Son by Richard Wright (1940) [41:24] In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (1966) [42:13] The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway (1926) [42:52] Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville (1851) [43:07] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About These Girls Out Here by Dawnie Walton (June 15, 2027) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:50] Other Books Mentioned The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton (2021) [45:35] About Deesha Philyaw Website | Instagram | Facebook Deesha Philyaw is the author of the debut novel, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman. Her debut short story collection, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, the Story Prize, the LA Times Book Prize: The Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction and was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction. Deesha is a Kimbilio Fiction Fellow, a Baldwin for the Arts Fellow, a United States Artists Fellow, and co-host of two podcasts, Ursa Short Fiction (with Dawnie Walton) and Reckon True Stories (with Kiese Laymon). She is currently at work developing TV shows based on her short fiction. Next Episode Coming October 28: Gayle Weiswasser, co-owner of Wonderland Books, returns to catch up with Sarah and talk about what she's learned after two years of owning an indie bookstore.

Sarah and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) dig into their very different relationships with big books, from what counts as "big" and knowing when the moment is right to what makes a long book worth the extra pages. They also share some of their favorite big books — and a few they wish had been shorter. 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 Where Sarah and Chrissie each draw the line between a regular book and a big book. Is a 700-page book intimidating … or an invitation to settle in? When, and why, are they most likely to pick up a long book? Does format or genre change how big a book feels? What makes a book actually deserve its high page count? Some of their favorite big books … and a few they really wish had been shorter. Some Favorite BIG Books Chrissie 4 3 2 1 by Paul Auster (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:38] The Princes of Ireland (The Dublin Saga, 1) by Edward Rutherfurd (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:36] Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:54] Red Comet by Heather Clark (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:10] Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:45] The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:30] Sarah 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:31] I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb (1998) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:32] A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (1989) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:23] The World According to Garp by John Irving (1978) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:25] Natchez Burning (Penn Cage, 4; Natchez Burning, 1) by Greg Iles (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:19] Wanderers (Wanderers, 1) by Chuck Wendig (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:40] Other Books Mentioned War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (1869) [30:06] The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1846) [30:07] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [31:43] Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd (1987) [33:49] London by Edward Rutherfurd (1998) [33:53] The Rebels of Ireland (The Dublin Saga, 2) by Edward Rutherfurd (2006) [34:19] Whistler by Ann Patchett (2026) [38:04] Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard (2011) [40:23] Some BIG Books That Felt Too Long Chrissie Ordinary Monsters (The Talents, 1) by J. M. Miro (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:39] Wellness by Nathan Hill (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:24] Sarah City on Fire by Garth Risk Hallberg (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:39] The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy (1986) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:51] Other Books Mentioned The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe (1987) [46:06] The Second Coming by Garth Risk Hallberg (2024) [48:05] Books From the Opening Discussion The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (1989) [9:24] The Brightness by Chad Harbach (October 27, 2026) [11:47] I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb (1998) [14:07] Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, 1) by Sarah J. Maas (2012) [14:51] Outlander (Outlander, 1) by Diana Gabaldon (1991) [19:05] 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin (2025) [22:12] Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi with Curt Gentry (1974) [22:19] Generations by Jean M. Twenge, PhD (2023) [22:26] Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026) [26:13] The Elements by John Boyne (2025) [29:08] A Court of Forgotten Memory (ACOTAR, 7) by Sarah J. Maas (January 12, 2027) [29:39] Other Links The Gilmore Guide to Books | Catherine's Review of Ordinary Monsters

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 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 220, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 16 new releases they shared in the Winter 2026 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to! They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't…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 Sarah 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 had a high success rate, but a pretty "meh" overall feel Sarah's reading followed a familiar barbell pattern: some standout hits, several DNFs, and not much in between Catherine's ratings mostly landed as mid-range reads — with two 4.5 star wins. Sarah had one 5-star read (and a new favorite of the year), two 4.5-star reads, and one big disappointment Some of Sarah's risk-taking paid off, while other picks didn't land They share their best and worst picks from winter Books Read Before the Preview [6:08] Sarah's Pick Whidbey by T Kira Madden (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:13] Winter 2026 Book Preview [8:20] January Catherine's Picks Skylark by Paula McLain (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:49] Vigil by George Saunders (January 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:43] Other Books Mentioned When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) [14:53] Love and Ruin by Paula McLain (2018) [15:21] February Sarah's Picks Good People by Patmeena Sabit (February 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:25] Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:49] Kin by Tayari Jones (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:15] Catherine's Picks More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:40] Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:47] Other Books Mentioned The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland (2022) [17:32] A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) [26:04] An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) [26:58] Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones (2011) [26:59] March Sarah's Picks No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:51] All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:23] She Fell Away by Lenore Nash (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:23] The Complex by Karan Mahajan (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:07] Catherine's Picks Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:34] No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (US Release March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:07] Son of Nobody by Yann Martel (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:17] How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:08] Other Books Mentioned The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2019) [32:10] Shelter by Jung Yun (2016) [38:26] Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) [44:17] Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) [44:18] From the Top of the Episode Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [1:10]

In Episode 218, Sarah chats with Enneagram author, speaker, and podcaster Sarajane Case about Reading Through the Enneagram. After a brief introduction to the Enneagram and how it differs from other personality systems, they dive into how Enneagram types show up in our reading lives — from guessing an author's type to rethinking our own habits as readers. Sarajane walks through the nine types, shares a book recommendation for each, and offers her own personal picks. 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 Sarajane Case: The Honest Enneagram and The Enneagram Letters A brief introduction to the Enneagram — and how it differs from other personality systems Sarajane's personal approach to working with the Enneagram A quick overview of the nine Enneagram types How each Enneagram type might approach reading Whether (and how) we can discern an author's Enneagram type through their work (and the Enneagram types most and least likely to be authors themselves) Practical tips for using your type to improve your reading life Reading Through the Enneagram [29:51] Type 1: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:08] Type 2: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:50] Type 3: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:27] Type 4: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42] Type 5: Fourth Wing (Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:56] Type 6: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:32] Type 7: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:56] Type 8: Crook Manifesto (The Harlem Trilogy, 2) by Colson Whitehead (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:20] Type 9: Severance by Ling Ma (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:16] Other Books Mentioned The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, 1) by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) [32:08] Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) [33:49] The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (2019) [34:57] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) [35:23] Sarajane's Book Recommendations [36:37] Two OLD Books She Loves The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:50] Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:08] Two NEW Books She Loves Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:09] A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:14] Other Books Mentioned Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [42:05] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) [42:16] Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2021) [42:28] Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2022) [42:37] The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (2022) [43:28] One Book She DIDN'T Love Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami (1987) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14] Other Books Mentioned South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami (1992) [44:20] 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (2009) [44:49] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Theodora's Tea Shop by Christy Anne Jones (July 28, 2026 — no US release date set yet) | Link to Blackwell's for US Orders [45:52] Other Links Truity | Enneagram Personality Test

Episode 216 continues the Best of… series with a deep dive into the horror genre. Meredith Monday Schwartz of the Currently Reading podcast joins the show to discuss her all-time Top Ten favorite horror books, along with a few buzzy titles that didn't quite work for her. Meredith also talks about how she came to the genre and the wide range of reading experiences horror has to offer. 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 Meredith defines the horror genre — and where she draws the lines Subgenres of horror that don't get talked about as much Meredith's personal relationship with reading horror What draws her to the genre and how she approaches her horror TBR The role of women in horror, both as authors and within its themes Meredith's All-Time Top Ten Horror: Ranked [18:47] 10) Daphne by Josh Malerman (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:33] 9) How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:10] 8) The Ruins by Scott Smith (2006) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:42] 7) Near the Bone by Christina Henry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:02] 6) Diavola by Jennifer Thorne (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:19] 5) We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:44] 4) Slewfoot by Brom (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:01] 3) The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:40] 2) The Stand by Stephen King (1978) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:46] 1) I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:50] High-Profile Horror She Didn't Love [49:39] The September House by Carissa Orlando (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:03] The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:55] Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:34] Other Books Mentioned The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson (1977) [9:57] 101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered by Sadie Hartmann (2023) [13:25] Feral and Hysterical by Sadie Hartmann (2025) [13:37] Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) [22:47] The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre by Philip Fracassi (2025) [28:33] Psycho by Robert Bloch (1959) [31:01] The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer (April 21, 2026) [33:29] Krampus by Brom (2012) [36:42] The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James (2012) [39:07] The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James (2022) [39:23] 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) [43:13] Foe by Iain Reid (2018) [49:00] Bird Box by Josh Malerman (2014) [52:39] Other Links Sadie Hartmann (@Mother.Horror) on Instagram Talking Scared with Neil McRobert Slow Read: The Stand with Sarah Stewart Holland & Laura Tremaine

Welcome to the Winter 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! Today, Catherine and Sarah share 16 of their most anticipated books releasing from January through March. 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 The 2026 Reading Tracker is out! This year brings upgraded features across the board — including NEW average star rating and 5-star book tracking for every stat on the Dashboard — plus an updated Lite Tracker for those who prefer a streamlined version. Both Trackers are ONLY available to paid Patreon or Substack subscribers ($7/month) and is no longer sold separately. To avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from the Patreon website (mobile or desktop). Join our Patreon Community (here) OR become a Substack Paid Member (here)! 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 Sarah 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 winter that we're not featuring in today's preview. Catherine chose books by authors she knows and trusts. This year, Sarah dug deep into the publisher's catalog for potential hidden gems. Sarah's books cover literary suspense, literary fiction, brain candy, nonfiction, and a thriller from 2 debut authors and 3 repeat authors. Sarah has already read one of her picks — and it was 4.5 stars! Plus, their #1 picks for winter. Big Winter Releases The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:39] The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:43] My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:46] Once and Again by Rebecca Serle (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:49] Crux by Gabriel Tallent (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:53] Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:56] Two Kinds of Stranger by Steve Cavanagh (March 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:00] Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:03] Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict (March 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:21] Missing Sam by Thrity Umrigar (January 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:24] This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:28] Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:31] Other Books Mentioned I'm Glad My Mother Died by Jennette McCurdy (2022) [3:35] Winter 2026 Book Preview [6:57] January Catherine's Picks Skylark by Paula McLain (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:53] Vigil by George Saunders (January 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:48] Other Books Mentioned Circling the Sun by Paula McLain (2015) [11:04] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) [13:12] Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) [17:39] February Sarah's Picks Good People by Patmeena Sabit (February 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:59] Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:14] Kin by Tayari Jones (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:01] Catherine's Picks Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:19] More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:05] Other Books Mentioned Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (2014) [9:37] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) [9:40] Real Americans by Rachel Khong (2024) [9:42] The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2003) [9:50] Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019) [14:04] Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand (2020) [14:53] Endgame by Omid Scobie (2023) [14:57] Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden (2019) [19:20] An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) [24:11] Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones (2011) [24:13] Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones (2002) [26:48] Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen (2018) [29:43] After Annie by Anna Quindlen (2024) [29:51] March Sarah's Picks No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:07] Whidbey by T Kira Madden (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:50] All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:31] She Fell Away by Lenore Nash (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:01] The Complex by Karan Mahajan (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:35] Catherine's Picks Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:02] No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (US Release March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:44] Son of Nobody by Yann Martel (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:11] How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:15] Other Books Mentioned A Thousand Naked Strangers by Kevin Hazzard (2016) [30:48] The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) [33:06] Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) [33:13] Shelter by Jung Yun (2016) [35:41] Medium Rare by A. Natasha Joukovsky (March 3, 2026) [40:39] Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) [41:45] Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) [41:46] Life of Pi by Yann Martel (2001) [43:38] The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel (2016) [46:16] The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan (2016) [47:17] Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson (2012) [50:04] Other Links The New Yorker | "The True Margaret," by Karan Mahajan