Sarah's Bookshelves Live

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]

In Episode 228, Sarah, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide), and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) take stock of the reading year so far, discussing the books, publishing trends, and industry chatter that have defined the first half of 2026. They dive into the biggest publishing stories of the year, the rise of "cozy everything," the continued influence of self-publishing and book-to-screen success stories, and whether it's possible to tap a Book of the Year before the second half of the publishing calendar arrives. Then, they share their Top 5 Books of 2026 So Far and a few disappointing reads that didn't quite live 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.
Highlights
How our 2026 reading has been so far
How 2026 compares to this point in 2025 
Each person's current Book of the Year pick
Whether it's too early to crown a Book of the Year
Midyear reading stats and surprise wins
Each of our Top 5 books of 2026 so far
Their biggest disappointments of the year so far
Top 5 Books of 2026 So Far
Sarah
No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (Mar 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42]
A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36] 
Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:44] 
London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (Apr 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:55]
The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:55]
Catherine
The Poet Empress by Shen Tao (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:11]
A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36] 
Land by Maggie O'Farrell (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:55]
Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (Mar 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:42]
Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:09]
Chrissie
A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36] 
Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:44] 
The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:44]
Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell (Mar 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:10] 
Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire, 1) by Veronica Roth (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:55]
Other Books Mentioned
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [41:31] 
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2020) [42:14] 
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [53:03] 
Dune (Dune, 1) by Frank Herbert (1965) [59:38] 
Some Disappointing Books So Far
Sarah
Kin by Tayari Jones (Feb 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:33] 
Go Gentle by Maria Semple (Apr 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:00:55]
Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (Apr 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:35]
Catherine
The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:03]
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:31]
Chrissie
Artifacts by Natalie Lemle (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:39]
Hell's Heart by Alexis Hall (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:04:13]
Fatherland by Victoria Shorr (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:04:54]
Other Books Mentioned
Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple (2012) [1:01:01] 
Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville (1851) [1:04:19] 
Books From the Opening Discussion
Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, 3) by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [2:39] 
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [3:18] 
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl, 1) by Matt Dinniman (2024)* [3:22] 
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) [4:34] 
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (2025)* [4:41] 
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [5:03] 
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (2024) [5:57] 
Game Changer (Game Changers: Heated Rivalry, 1) by Rachel Reid (2024) [6:09] 
KPop Demon Hunters (Junior Novelization) by Jessica Yoon (Mar 31) [6:13] 
KPop Demon Hunters (Screen Comic Boxed Set) by Netflix (Nov 3, 2026) [6:13] 
The Martian by Andy Weir (2014)* [6:48] 
The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) [11:17] 
Trad Wife by Michelle Brandon (Aug 4, 2026) [16:57] 
Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer (Feb 10) [16:59] 
Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik (Mar 3) [17:02] 
The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (Apr 7) [17:29]
Good People by Patmeena Sabit (Feb 3) [17:35] 
So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder (Feb 17) [17:40] 
No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (Mar 10) [18:00] 
Upward Bound by Woody Brown (Mar 31) [18:33]
This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman (Feb 10) [18:35]  
The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman (Feb 24) [18:38] 
Brawler by Lauren Groff (Feb 24) [18:43] 
My Dear You by Rachel Khong (Apr 7) [18:46] 
All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (Mar 10) [19:16]
The Shippers by Katherine Center (May 19) [19:18]  
American Fantasy by Emma Straub (Apr 7) [19:32] 
Man Overboard by Kathleen Rooney (Jul 7, 2026) [19:37] 
Swept Away by Beth O'Leary (2025) [19:47] 
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (Vol. 1) by Beth Brower (2019) [22:45] 
*Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition. These titles were originally self-published.
Additional Links
The New Yorker | Glowworms by Ann Patchett  (Sep 29, 2025)

In Episode 227, Sarah talks with book industry analyst Brenna Connor about the behind-the-scenes world of book sales, bestseller lists, and publishing trends. Brenna shares insight into how sales data is gathered and used across the publishing industry, from tracking pre-orders and audiobooks to measuring the impact of celebrity book clubs and award recognition. They also discuss what makes a book commercially "successful," what current reading trends are revealing about 2026 so far, and what Brenna is watching for in the second half of the year. Plus, Brenna shares her own 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
Why tracking book sales is far more complicated than most readers realize — including what Circana can and can't actually measure.
A behind-the-scenes look at bestseller lists and the role Circana data plays in lists like the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly.
The famously secretive methodology behind the New York Times Bestseller List.
The impact celebrity book clubs and reading lists from Reese, Oprah, and Obama have on book sales.
What current sales data is revealing about 2026 reading trends — and how the economy may be shaping book buying habits.
Brenna shares the books she recommends — and the trends she's watching for the rest of the year.
Brenna's Book Recommendations
Two OLD Books She Loves
The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:13]
Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:00]  
Other Books Mentioned The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [40:22]
Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [40:23]  

Two NEW Books She Loves
Whale Harbor by Mary Beth Keane (November 3, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:07]
Joyride by Susan Orlean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:01]
Other Books Mentioned Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [45:12]
The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane (2023) [45:14] 
The Library Book by Susan Orlean (2018) [46:12] 

One Book She DIDN'T Love
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:29]
Other Books Mentioned The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (2019) [47:51]
These Precious Days by Ann Patchett (2021) [47:57] 
Whistler by Ann Patchett (2026) [48:55] 

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About
Life Out of Order (The Time Traveler's Wife, 2) by Audrey Niffenegger (October 6, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:25]
Other Books Mentioned The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003) [49:37] 

Books From the Discussion
Untitled (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 6) by Sarah J. Maas (October 27, 2026) [9:38]
Untitled (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 7) by Sarah J. Maas (January 12, 2027) [9:38]
Strangers by Belle Burden (2026) [11:54] 
Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) [15:35] 
The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (2023) [15:45]
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) [15:53]
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [25:52]  
No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (2026) [31:38] 
London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (2026) [31:53] 
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [33:35]
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl, 1) by Matt Dinniman (2024)* [33:40] 
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026) [36:58] 
Life Out of Order (The Time Traveler's Wife, 2) by Audrey Niffenegger (October 6, 2026) [37:00] 
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (2025)* [38:39] 
*Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition. These titles were originally self-published.
Other Links
Publishing Confidential, on Substack | "A Tale of Three Bestseller Lists" by Kathleen Schmidt

Welcome to the Summer 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  
Today, Sarah and Catherine share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in June through mid – August.  

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.
Announcements
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 4 bonus books (2 each) 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 summer releases that are NOT our personal preview picks.
Catherine's theme this season was following her initial emotional reaction to a book, while Sarah's picks skew a bit outside of her usual comfort zone.
Catherine chose books across historical fiction, cultural fiction, romance, humor, and thriller.
One of the season's more challenging reads for Catherine comes from an author she trusts, while Sarah has two books over 450 pages.
There's one debut in Sarah's stack this season — along with some historical fiction.
Sarah has already read one of her picks — not only was it 5 stars, it's already a strong contender for book of the year.
Plus, their #1 picks for summer.
Big Summer Releases
Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer (June 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:28] 
God's Country (Cork O'Connor, 22) by William Kent Krueger (August 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:33] 
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:36] 
Biological War by Annie Jacobsen (July 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:43] 
Cool Machine (The Harlem Trilogy, 3) by Colson Whitehead (July 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:48]
A Tender Age by Chang-rae Lee (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:53]  
Under the Falls by Richard Russo (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:55] 
Sunrise by Téa Obreht (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:14] 
Dominion (The Silk and Iron Trilogy, 1) by Jean Kwok (July 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:26] 
Other Books Mentioned
Less (The Arthur Books, 1) by Andrew Sean Greer (2017) [1:32] 
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson (2023) [1:41] 
Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen (2024) [1:47] 
Empire Falls by Richard Russo (2001) [3:04] 
Summer 2026 Book Preview
June
Sarah's Pick
Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:53] 
Catherine's Picks
A Year of Marvelous Ways by Sarah Winman (US Release June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:23]
Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi (June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:29] 
The Top of the World by Ethan Joella (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:59] 
Keep Them Close by David Ellis (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:39]
Other Books Mentioned
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) [8:05] 
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [8:54] 
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (2016) [9:12] 
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (2001) [9:16]
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (2019) [9:17]  
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (2011) [9:18] 
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [10:07] 
Tin Man by Sarah Winman (US 2018) [13:39] 
Still Life by Sarah Winman (2021) [14:24] 
Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, 1) by Kevin Kwan (2013) [19:54] 
Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (2025) [20:12] 
The Best Lies by David Ellis (2024) [26:44] 
July
Sarah's Picks
The Half Life by Rachel Beanland (July 14) |Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:40]
Dad, Love, Me by Matthew Quick (July 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:27]
Catherine's Pick
City of Widows by Nadia Hashimi (July 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:28]
Other Books Mentioned
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland (2020) [15:26] 
The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland (2023) [15:28] 
The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) [16:27] 
The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (2024) [17:48] 
The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick (2008) [20:39] 
August
Sarah's Picks
Everything That Is Beautiful by Louise Nealon (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:33]
Sunlight Finds You by Laura Moriarty (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:32]
Kitten by Stacey Yu (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:07] 
Catherine's Pick
You'll Love It Here by Natalie Sue (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:41]
Other Books Mentioned
Snowflake by Louise Nealon (2021) [25:05] 
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [26:25] 
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (2014) [28:54] 
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty (2012) [29:14] 
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) [36:01] 
I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (2024) [37:51]