Sarah's Bookshelves Live

In Episode 215, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books share the best backlist books they read in 2025. They discuss their top 5 backlist books from last year, highlight some underrated backlist gems, and review their backlist reading statistics. Devoting an entire episode to backlist reading is both a team and listener favorite annual tradition! 

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 Best of the Backlist Guide: Favorite Backlist Books Read in 2025 is available now! Members of the Sarah's Bookshelves Live community share the best backlist book they read last year in a beautiful PDF guide. To get the guide, you can sign up to join us on Patreon here. or Substack here. You'll also get access to monthly bonus podcast episodes and the new-for-2026 Rock Your Reading Tracker and the Lite Reading Tracker.
Highlights
Sarah and Catherine share their full stats for backlist reading in 2025.
Backlist reading quantity was stable last year for Sarah, but backlist reading quality dipped a bit.
Catherine had a slight increase in the number of backlist books she read, AND her backlist reading remained incredibly successful.
Sarah's backlist reading may change just a bit looking ahead to 2026.
Our Top 5 Backlist Books We Read in 2025 [10:44] 
Catherine
The No-Show by Beth O'Leary (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:50] 
Georgia by Dawn Tripp (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:44] 
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:48] 
Don't You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:57] 
The Death of Bees by Lisa O'Donnell (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:21] 
Sarah
The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:37] 
The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis (1983) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:58] 
We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:42] 
Family Happiness by Laurie Colwin (1982) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:30] 
Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:37] 
Other Books Mentioned
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019) [13:19] 
The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (2023) [20:28] 
Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman (2020) [20:31] 
Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [20:33] 
Heated Rivalry (Game Changers, 2) by Rachel Reid (2023) [33:50] 
Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin (1978) [37:58] 
Guess Again by Charlie Donlea (2025) [40:54] 
Underrated Backlist Gems [43:34] 
Catherine
Miss Jane by Brad Watson (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:46] 
Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist by Sunil Yapa (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:40] 
Sarah
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:28] 
Euphoria by Lily King (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:04] 
Other Books Mentioned
Talking at Night by Claire Davelery (2023) [48:25] 
Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (2025) [51:20] 
Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) [51:38]

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

In Episode 213, Sarah and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) wrap up the year with the Best Books of 2025 Genre Awards. They reveal their Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction) and a full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction, Best Romance, Best Brain Candy, Best Genre Mash-Up, and more! Plus, they share the winners for these same genres as chosen by the Sarah's Bookshelves Live Member Community.

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
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)!
Highlights
Podcast reflections from 2025 — including top episodes based on download stats.
A brief overview of Sarah's and Chrissie's 2025 year in reading.
Their favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Member Community's picks.
2025 Genre Awards [12:39]
Sarah
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:45] 
The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:32] 
The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:13] 
One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [23:48] 
The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:47] 
August Lane by Regina Black (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:03] 
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:54] 
Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:36]
This American Woman by Zarna Garg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:00]
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:59]
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [54:44] 
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [56:29]
Next of Kin by Gabrielle Hamilton (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [1:00:10] 
The Elements by John Boyne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:10]
Chrissie
Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:42] 
Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:36] 
Marble Hall Murders (Susan Ryeland, 3) by Anthony Horowitz (2025) | Amazon| Bookshop.org  [21:39] 
The Pretender by Jo Harkin (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:51] 
What We Can Know by Ian McEwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:28] 
To Clutch a Razor (Curse Bearer, 2) by Veronica Roth (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:39] 
The Love Haters by Katherine Center (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:03] 
These Heathens by Mia McKenzie (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:31] 
The Zorg by Siddarth Kara (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:11] 
Misbehaving at the Crossroads by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:09]
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:38] 
Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[55:11]
Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [57:16] 
Future Boy by Michael J. Fox (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:01:23] 
Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated by James Goodhand (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:06:07] 
SBL Member Community
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:43]
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:02]
Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:52] 
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:21]
The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:28] 
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:23] 
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:39]
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:57]
Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:15]
Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:17]
Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:19]
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:22]
Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:24]
So Far Gone by Jess Walter (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:27]
This American Woman by Zarna Garg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:28]
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:20]
Ordinary Time by Annie Jones (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:32]
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:31] 
Among Friends by Hal Ebbott (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [59:25]
Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:02:33]
Other Books Mentioned
Leaving by Roxana Robinson (2024) [13:51] 
Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) [15:35] 
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [15:58] 
Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) [16:09] 
The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) [16:11]
Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) [16:13]
Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne (2023) [17:45] 
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (2025) [18:46] 
Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (2025) [18:56] 
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham (2025) [19:18]
Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (2025) [19:23]
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [21:28] 
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark (2025) [23:03]
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman (2025) [23:07]  
Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) [23:13]
The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [23:15]  
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter (2017) [24:09] 
Tell Me an Ending by Jo Harkin (2022) [26:03]
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) [26:55]
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) [27:06]  
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis (2025) [27:12]
Isola by Allegra Goodman (2025) [28:13] 
Merge by Grace Walker (2025) [31:35]
The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve (2025) [31:43] 
Sunrise on the Reaping by Susanna Collins (2025) [31:48]
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (2025) [31:01]
The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) [32:05]
When Among Crows by Veronica Roth (2024) [33:05] 
Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (2025) [34:23]
Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) [34:36]
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [34:37]
A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett (2025) [34:49]
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (2024) [34:54]
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [34:58]
The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow (2025) [35:05]
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) [35:31]
The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [36:49]
The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [38:54] 
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones (2025) [40:30]
Hungerstone by Kat Dunn (2025) [40:37]
We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad (2025) [40:42]
The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (2025) [41:19]
Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker (2025) [41:30]
When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi (2025) [44:56]
The Wager by David Grann (2023) [47:34] 
Replaceable You by Mary Roach (2025) [49:04]
The Gales of November by John U. Bacon (2025) [49:11]
Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025) [51:58]
All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert (2025) [52:08]
Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) [52:24]
Nobody's Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre (2025) [52:28]
One Day, Everyone Will Always Have Been Against This by Omar El Akkad (2025) [52:49]
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [53:22]
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) [54:21]
Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo (2025) [54:27]
Woodworking by Emily St. James (2025) [56:16]
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (2025) [58:57]
The Elements by John Boyne (2025) [59:15]  
Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) [59:49]
My Friends by Fredrik Backman (2025) [59:51]
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [1:05:51]
James by Percival Everett (2024) [1:08:07] 
Top Podcast Episodes
Ep. 199: Best Books of 2025 (So Far) with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Susie (@NovelVisits)
Ep. 184: Best Books of 2024 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits)
Ep. 185: Winter 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Ep. 205: Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Ep. 192: Spring 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Ep. 198: Best of Thrillers with Anderson McKean of Page & Palette (@PagePalette)
Ep. 188: Best of Fantasy with Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley)
Ep. 193: Clare Leslie Hall (author of Broken Country)
Ep. 187: State of the Industry in 2024 with Kathleen Schmidt (@KathMSchmidt), author of the Publishing Confidential Substack
Ep. 208: Best of Narrative Nonfiction with Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop (@FabledBookshop)

In Ep. 212, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books start wrapping up 2025 with the first of the two year-end episodes: Best Books of 2025 Superlatives. In this episode, they share their picks for over 25 superlative categories, including Weirdest 5-Star Read of 2025, The Book That Made Us Furious, Most Underrated Gem, Too Dark Even for Me, and so much more!

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
Our best books of the year from over 25 categories, including:
My First 5-Star 2025 Release of the Year
Weirdest 5-Star Read of 2025
The Book That Made Us Furious
Most Underrated Gem
Most Perplexing Book
Best Book to Be Made into a Reality Series
Too Dark Even for Me
Most Crushingly Depressing Book I Loved
Best Horror Book in the Victorian-Feminist-Gory Category
The Crime Novel That Hit Me Hardest Emotionally
2025 Superlatives [7:32]
Sarah
Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:58]
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[12:38]
Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025)| Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:22] 
Maggie; a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:43] 
The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:25] 
Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:22] 
The Dinner Party by Viola Van de Sandt (2025)  | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:25] 
Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:35]
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén (US release 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:37] 
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:30]
What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:53]
Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:52]
Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:06]
The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:38]
Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:07]
Catherine
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:58]
The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:37]
The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:31]
Murderland by Caroline Fraser (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:53]
Heart, Be At Peace by Donal Ryan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:07]
The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:13]
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:31]
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:12]
Sweet Fury by Sash Bischoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:45]
Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer, 2) by Laini Taylor (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:40]
Let's Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:39]
Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:31]
The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:18]
Other Books Mentioned
Defending Jacob by William Landay (2012) [8:59] 
All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay (2023) [9:00]
Pretty Things by Janelle Brown (2020) [10:40] 
I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) [30:25] 
The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan (2012) [33:08]
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (2025) [45:20] 
The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange (2023) [45:39] 
Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1934) [46:13]
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) [48:34]
Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler (2013) [48:35]  
Writers and Lovers by Lily King (2020) [51:32]

In Episode 211, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 14 new releases they shared in the Fall 2025 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.
Highlights
Catherine's success rate bounces back from summer.
Sarah's fall reading felt kind of "meh" despite a higher success rate.
They also share their combined 2025 Preview success rates.
Their fall pick ratings were all over the place, with only one DNF, but books range from 2 to 4 stars, with Catherine boasting the sole 5-star book!
A couple of books suffered from an identity crisis, while others were surprise successes. 
Catherine's assignment for next season is to check the page count and look for authors following-up award-winning books.
They name their best and worst books picks for fall!
Books We Read Before the Preview [5:57] 
SEPTEMBER
Sarah's Picks
The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[6:01]
Fall 2025 Circle Back [7:23]
AUGUST
Sarah's Picks
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (August 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:29]
We Loved to Run by Stephanie Reents (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[13:38]
Catherine's Pick
Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:59]
Other Books Mentioned
Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025) [9:28] 
Inferno by Dante (c. 1321) [11:29]  
Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) [13:16] 
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [13:25]
The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (2018) [16:12]
SEPTEMBER
Sarah's Picks
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:51]
Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:30]
Underspin by E. Y. Zhao (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:06]
Catherine's Picks
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:12] 
Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent (US release: September 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:01]
Other Books Mentioned
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019) [28:07] 
OCTOBER
Catherine's Picks
Workhorse by Caroline Palmer (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:24]
The Wayfinder by Adam Johnson (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[34:49]
Other Books Mentioned
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger (2003) [32:43] 
The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson (2012) [38:35] 
The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai (2006) [39:03] 
NOVEMBER
Sarah's Pick
Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:37]
Catherine's Pick
Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (November 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:48]
Other Books Mentioned
The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (2018) [44:43] 
DECEMBER
Catherine's Pick
The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini (US release: December 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:49]