Today, we’re bringing you a sneak peek of a new podcast series for patrons! 

Double Booked is a monthly series where a co-host (Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and Susie from Novel Visits will alternate months) and I will each share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show (2 old books we love, 2 new books we love, 1 book we didn’t love, and 1 upcoming release we’re excited about).

Moving forward, these episodes will be available to “Superstars” patrons for $7 / month (join here).

This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

Announcements

• Along with this Double Booked bonus episode series, “Superstars” patrons will get:
  • My 2022 Rock Your Reading Tracker (normally $14.99)
  • Summer Reading Guide Supplement (additional summer reading recommendations from patrons and hopefully previous podcast guests).
  • Everything in the “Stars” tier ($5 /month)

Highlights

• Our ongoing search for the right word to replace “love” when talking about books that deal with really tough topics. 
• A chance in Catherine’s reading preferences.
• If there should be a word count limit on book titles.
• The fiction trend Catherine is sick of.

Sarah’s Recommendations [8:39]

Two OLD Books She Loves

• Plague Years: A Doctor’s Journey Through the AIDS Crisis by Dr. Ross Slotten | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [8:47]
• The Defenseby Steve Cavanagh | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [18:49]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [27:43]
• Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [34:43]

One Book She DIDN’T LOVE

• Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [41:39]

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang (September 7, 2021) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [48:48]

Catherine’s Recommendations [5:49]

Two OLD Books She Loves

• The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [14:35]
• Other People’s Housesby Abbi Waxman | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [23:47]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Margreete’s Harbor by Eleanor Morse | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [31:37]
• Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [38:11]

One Book She DIDN’T LOVE

• In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [44:58]

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman (October 5, 2021) | Buy from Amazon | Buy from Bookshop.org [53:04]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai [12:07] 
• The Prettiest Starby Carter Sickles [12:07] 
• The Two Mrs. Grenvilles by Dominick Dunne [17:26]
• Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh [19:07]
• The Plea by Steve Cavanagh[23:11]
• Sorrow & Blissby Meg Mason [30:50]
• The Northern Reachby W.S. Winslow [31:44] 
• Commonwealthby Ann Patchett [34:06] 
• Blacktop Wastelandby S.A. Cosby [42:41] 
• The Girls are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn [46:03] 
• Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman [53:50] 
• Magic Lessonsby Alice Hoffman [53:56] 
• The Rules of Magicby Alice Hoffman [55:48] 

About Catherine Gilmore

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Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 6 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI.