Sarah's Bookshelves Live Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves

In Episode 166, author Andrew Boryga joins me to discuss his debut novel, Victim, a funny and gripping satire about success and identity. Through the adventures of Javier, Victim explores what “diversity” means, why society loves a victim narrative, and the pitfalls of chasing fame online. Boryga combines humor with biting social commentary without sacrificing heart. This is a juicy and highly discussable story! In our chat, Andrew shares his inspiration behind the book, his decade long road to publication, and what he finds most effective in a satirical novel.  Plus, Andrew shares some fantastic 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 A spoiler-free overview of Victim. Andrew shares the inspiration and decade-long development of the story. How his journalism background is reflected in his book. Why Andrew decided to craft Javier’s story as a memoir. Andrew’s journey to finding an agent and getting published. Why Andrew followed his dream of writing fiction, rather than publishing an essay collection like many publishing insiders were advising him. The way his story drafts and characters evolved over time. How his MFA workshop helped shaped the story. Riding that fine line for a balanced satire: focusing on the social commentary without going over the top. The themes Andrew is exploring in his next book! Andrew’s Book Recommendations [34:19] Two OLD Books He Loves
Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quiñonez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:30] Loving Day by Mat Johnson  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:11] Other Book Mentioned: Pym by Mat Johnson [37:56] Two NEW Books He Loves
The Birthparents by Frank Santo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:09] Blackouts by Justin Torres | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:38] Other Book Mentioned: We the Animals by Justin Torres [40:57] One Book He DIDN’T Love
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:13] Other Book Mentioned: The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz [43:21] One NEW RELEASE He’s Excited About
Oye by Melissa Mogollon (May 14, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14] Last 5-Star Book Andrew Read
Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:37] Other Books Mentioned Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [27:31] The Sellout by Paul Beatty [31:14] About Andrew Boryga Website | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)
Andrew Boryga is a writer, editor, and author from the Bronx, New York, currently residing in Miami, Florida with his wife and two children. Victim is his debut novel.
Boryga began his career writing for a local newspaper in the Bronx at age 16, eventually securing an internship with The New York Timesby age 18. His nonfiction writing has since been featured in prominent publications such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Paris Review, and The Daily Beast, among others.  Boryga’s contributions to writing education extend beyond his own work, encompassing teaching roles for elementary school students, college students, and incarcerated individuals in Florida. He has also shared his insights on writing and the writing life through lectures at various academic institutions.  Throughout his career, Boryga has been awarded prizes by Cornell University, The University of Miami, The Susquehanna Review, and The Michener Foundation. 

Welcome to the Spring 2024 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  
In this episode, Catherine and I share 12 of our most anticipated books releasing in April and May.  

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 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! Highlights Catherine is fully embracing spring with some lighter, fun reading. Sarah is joining the fun with lighter reads as she preps for the Summer Reading Guide. Among weddings, homecomings, and books set in Washington State, Catherine is bringing 5 out of 6 familiar authors. With some atypical stories, Sarah has some with historical fiction elements and a nonfiction book. Sarah’s choices feature 2 debuts and 3 returning authors. Hopefully going for a tamer wildcard pick will work out for Sarah this season. Sarah has read and liked 2 of her chosen books, and has also started one of Catherine’s picks! And don’t forget to catch their top #1 picks for the spring season! Spring 2024 Book Preview [3:52] April
Sarah’s Picks
The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (April 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:54] The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza (April 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:10] Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zenter (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[19:51] Catherine’s Picks
Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:54] Honey by Victor Lodato (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:08] Real Americans by Rachel Khong (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:45] Other Books Mentioned
The Wanderers by Meg Howrey [7:16] You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith [8:10] Maid by Stephanie Land [8:13] Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad [8:17] Know My Name by Chanel Miller [8:20] Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance [8:22] Educated by Tara Westover [8:24] Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman [10:37] We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza [13:53] Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza [14:01] Edgar and Lucy by Victor Lodato [17:17] All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [19:14] The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner [20:16] Normal People by Sally Rooney [22:36] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [24:55] May
Sarah’s Picks
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley  (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:20]  The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:13] Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli  (May 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:05] Catherine’s Picks
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:00]  The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:12] Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:31]  Other Books Mentioned
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon [32:03] The Holdout by Graham Moore [36:22] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin [36:59] The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore [37:39] The Guncle by Steven Rowley [39:36] The Editor by Steven Rowley [41:45] Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli [42:12] The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton [46:28] Other Books Mentioned Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet [3:39] About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X  (formerly Twitter)
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.

In today’s episode, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I circle back to the 16 books we featured in the Winter 2024 Book Preview. We’ll be sharing our reading stats and thoughts on the books we’ve read (or attempted), to help you decide which ones to add to your reading list and which ones to skip.

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 and Sarah share their Winter 2024 reading stats and success rates. Despite some trouble in her reading early on, Catherine ended up with a successful winter. Sarah’s reading had a mix of fiction and nonfiction with several debuts. We’ve got a total of 3 five-star books! Does a mythology retelling always work for Catherine? Was Sarah’s wildcard pick a little too out there for her? Plus, don’t miss their #1 picks for winter. Books We Read Before the Preview [3:44] Sarah’s Picks
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns (January 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:49] The Fortune Seller by Rachel Kapelke-Dale (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:30] Other Books Mentioned
Shiner by Amy Jo Burns [3:54] Cinderland by Amy Jo Burns [5:30] The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [8:34] The Ingenue by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [8:35] Winter 2024 Circle Back [9:14] January
Sarah’s Picks
River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure (January 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:00] Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (January 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52] Catherine’s Picks
The Fury by Alex Michaelides (January 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:23] Family Family by Laurie Frankel (January 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:35] Other Books Mentioned
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides [11:32] This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel [22:42] One Two Three by Laurie Frankel [22:43] Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson [22:57] Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie [23:14] February
Sarah’s Picks
Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:04]  Leaving by Roxana Robinson  (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:06] Catherine’s Picks
The Things We Didn’t Know by Elba Iris Pérez (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:06]  Medea by Eilish Quin (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:17] Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:29]  Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:49] After Annie by Anna Quindlen (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:20] Other Books Mentioned
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer [33:13] There There by Tommy Orange [41:02] March
Sarah’s Picks
Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet  (March 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:23] Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (March 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:55] Catherine’s Pick
James by Percival Everett (March 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:13] Other Books Mentioned
My Time Among the Whites by Jennine Capó Crucet [45:10] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [48:26] Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman [49:52] Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain [50:29] Other Links Sara Hildreth (FictionMatters) on Substack | Reading in Public No. 32: Six things to know about Huck Finn before you read James About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X  (formerly Twitter)
Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA.

In Episode 163, Sara Hildreth, from @FictionMatters and co-host of the podcast Novel Pairings, returns for her third appearance on our show as our expert for Classics & Retellings 101. Sara guides us through the sometimes intimidating world of timeless reads in an accessible way. She busted some myths about classics and changed my mind about some elements of the classics. And, she has a great approach to find the perfect retelling of your favorite classics for your next read. 

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 Sara explores the definitions of a classic and a modern classic book. We talk about separating the American literature canon from the idea of a classic. Sara talks about being free to define classics on personal terms. The idea of a book being labeled a “future classic.” Now-famous books that went unnoticed initially when they were released. Sara’s personal reading motivations. Common issues people have when trying to tackle classic books. Notable quirks of many classics that were first published as serials. Tips and advice for approaching older books. Addressing the pressure surrounding reading or revisiting classics. Examples of nonfiction classics. Legal considerations for all those retellings. The rise of retellings as a trend with today’s audience. The difference between retellings and fan fiction. Sara’s recommendations for accessible classic literature. A different approach to finding the right retelling for your reading. Please note: Sara mistakenly mentions during the discussion that The Great Gatsbydid not come into popularity until its distribution to soldiers during World War I, when this actually occurred during World War II.
Sara’s Book Recommendations [49:02] Two OLD Books She Loves — Classics
The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:43] Passing by Nella Larson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [53:12] Other Books Mentioned The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton [50:58] The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton [50:59] Roman Fever and Other Stories by Edith Wharton [51:03] The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett [55:44] Two NEW Books She Loves — Retellings
Anna K by Jenny Lee | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:35] The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vho | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:28] Other Books Mentioned Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy [59:01] Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar [59:53] Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan [59:58] One Book She DIDN’T Love — Classic
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain | Amazon | Bookshop.org[1:03:25] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About — Retelling and Classic Pairing
The Garden by Claire Beams (April 9, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:12] Other Books Mentioned The Illness Lesson by Claire Beams [1:05:37] Little Women by Louisa May Alcott [1:05:41] The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett [1:06:21] Last 5-Star Book Sara Read
James by Percival Everett (March 19, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:47] Books Mentioned During the Classics Discussion The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe [3:44] Beloved by Toni Morrison [10:46] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [12:05] David Copperfield by Charles Dickens [12:19] James by Percival Everett (March 19, 2024) [13:29] Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain [13:34] Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys [13:51] Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë [14:02] The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald [14:45] Frankenstein by Mary Shelley [15:09] Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn [15:20] Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë [24:27] A Model of Christian Charity: A City on a Hill by John Winthrop [26:35] A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft [26:47] Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass [26:54] The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank [26:59] A Room of One

In Episode 162, Leigh Stein (author and journalist) joins me to jump into the world of BookTok, the bookish corner of TikTok. We talk about what early elements started this sensation, how creators and their content are different on this platform, and the main audience engaging with the app’s evolving algorithm. We also discuss the continuing gap in marketing and authentic social media content, and how we think publishers could address this issue. (Did we solve it?!) Plus, Leigh shares some great 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 Leigh kicks off our discussion by defining BookTok and tracing its rapid rise to phenomenon status. We talk about BookTok’s current and future trajectory. Leigh brings in some sales stats for the top BookTok authors. We talk about the way younger and younger readers are being drawn to the bookshelves. The appeal of BookTok versus Bookstagram as recommendation media versus social media. The percentage of Gen Z and Millennials that find their next book on BookTok. Addressing the bigger criticisms of TikTok. How the type of content on BookTok differs from the type of content on Bookstagram. The genres that perform the best on BookTok. We talk about the profound impact of BookTok on the publishing industry and how it’s reshaping traditional media coverage. The marketing risk of trying to find the balance between authenticity and effective promotion on BookTok. Leigh shares some awesome tips for authors trying to engage with the BookTok community. Leigh’s Book Recommendations [39:59] Two OLD Books She Loves
Verity by Colleen Hoover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:19] Vladimir by Julia May Jonas | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:51] Other Books Mentioned It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover [40:36] Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov [42:33] Two NEW Books She Loves
Y / N by Esther Yi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:59] Big Swiss by Jen Beagin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:10] One Book She DIDN’T Love
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:41] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About
Victim by Andrew Boryga (March 12, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:54] Other Books Mentioned Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [50:09] Self Care by Leigh Stein [50:45] Last 5-Star Book Leigh Read
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:10] Other Books Mentioned The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller [4:49] The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan [5:02] Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh [21:54] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [23:26] Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner [23:36] Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry [23:54] A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers [24:50] City on Fire by Don Winslow [29:14] Diary of a Void by Emi Yagi [30:55] Emotional Labor by Rose Hackman [37:57] My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh [38:39] Other Links LitHub | BookTok is Good, Actually: On the Undersung Joys of a Vast and Multifarious Platform by Leigh Stein YouTube | Simon & Schuster: How 2022’s Hottest Cover Was Created About Leigh Stein Website | Instagram | Substack | TikTok 
Leigh Stein is a writer interested in what the internet is doing to our identities, relationships, and politics. She is the author of five books, including the critically acclaimed satirical novel Self Care and the poetry collection What to Miss When. Her nonfiction writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Yorker online, and more. She was co-founder and executive director of Out of the Binders/BinderCon, a feminist literary nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the careers of women and gender variant writers.

In Episode 161, author Amanda Peters joins me to discuss her surprise hit novel, The Berry Pickers. This debut novel (which was the 2023 Barnes & Noble Discover Pick) seamlessly blends sadness and heartwarming moments.  In our chat, Amanda shares what (or who) started her on this journey, the road to publication, and what she hopes readers take away from her first novel.  Plus, Amanda shares some great 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 A brief, spoiler-free overview of The Berry Pickers. How Amanda’s family history shaped the story. Amanda’s journey from book concept to securing an agent and getting published. Recognition as a Barnes & Noble Discover Pick for both November and 2023 overall. How Amanda’s life has changed in the wake of the book’s runaway success. What it’s like to be an introverted author on tour. Amanda’s decision to focus on character journeys rather than presenting the book as a typical mystery. Examining the topic of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. The recurring theme of the unconscious mind’s ability to remember trauma. The role of self-forgiveness and how difficult that can be. A glimpse into what’s next for Amanda, including a collection of short stories and a new manuscript. Amanda’s Book Recommendations [25:28] Two OLD Books She Loves
A Burning by Megha Majumdar | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:12] The Underpainter by Jane Urquhart  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:55] Two NEW Books She Loves
Truth Telling by Michelle Good | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:28] We Rip the World Apart by Charlene Carr (expected US release October 8, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:24] Other Books Mentioned: Five Little Indians by Michelle Good [42:08] Hold My Girl by Charlene Carr [30:42] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About
Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:29] Other Books Mentioned: Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [32:40] Last 5-Star Book Amanda Read
Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:32] Other Books Mentioned A Burning by Megha Majumdar [5:16] Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah [10:06] The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. [21:19] Waiting for the Long Night Moon: Stories by Amanda Peters (expected publication August 13, 2024) [24:11] About Amanda Peters Website | Instagram 
Amanda Peters is a writer of Mi’kmaq and settler ancestry. Her debut novel, The Berry Pickers is the Winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Excellence in Fiction, the 2023 Barnes & Noble Discovery Prize Winner, and was shortlisted for the Barnes & Noble Book of the Year and the Atwood Gibson Fiction Award from the Writers Trust of Canada. Her work has also appeared in the Antigonish Review, Grain Magazine, the Alaska Quarterly Review, the Dalhousie Review and Filling Station Magazine. She is the winner of the 2021 Indigenous Voices Award for Unpublished Prose and a participant in the 2021 Writers’ Trust Rising Stars program. Amanda is a graduate of the Master of Fine Arts Program at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and has a Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Toronto.