From the Front Porch

It's award season, and some of our absolute favorites got robbed. As much as we are Professional Book People™️, we're not professional critics--and we're the first people to admit that the critics don't always know what they're talking about. Join us as we talk through some of those books. + Fire Sermon by Jamie Quatro + Difficult Women by Roxane Gay + Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi + An American Marriage by Tayari Jones + The Mothers by Brit Bennett + Commonwealth by Ann Patchett + Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng + Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng + The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt + Department of Speculation by Jenny Offill + The Afterlives by Thomas Pierce + The End We Start From by Megan Hunter + Less by Andrew Sean Greer Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like Chris and Annie's Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Annie is joined by frequent guest Hunter to chat about listener-favorite Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. What are your thoughts on this suspense classic? It's so funny, but thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like Chris and Annie's Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

In addition to being Professional Book People™️, Annie and Chris are also avid TV watchers. Take that as you will. This week, book recommendations based on new and upcoming television. Binge with us a little bit, won't you? Also, The VVitch is a very scary movie. For fans of Murphy Brown: + Amanda Wakes Up by Alisyn Camerota + Hello, Sunshine by Laura Dave For fans of The Good Place: + How to Invent Everything by Ryan North + How to Live Safely in a Science-Fictional Universe by Charles Yu For fans of I Feel Bad: + I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron + The Misfortune of Marion Palm by Emily Culliton For fans of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: + The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa + Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero For fans of The Romanoffs: + I Was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon + Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal + A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like Chris and Annie's Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

It's time for our regular jaunt through the books we finished this month. Join us for the recap! Also, and very importantly: teenage penguins. + Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller + Fear by Bob Woodward + Waiting for Eden by Elliot Ackerman + A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl by Jean Thompson (on sale October 9) + The Wondering Years by Knox McCoy + A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti + Property of the Rebel Librarian by Allison Varnes + I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott (on sale April 2, 2019) Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like Chris and Annie's Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Annie hosted Books and Brunch event in the shop last week and previewed some of her favorite coming releases of the fall season. This week, we're giving you an opportunity to get caught up! Annie recommends: + Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller + Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver (on sale October 16--preorder here) + Gone So Long by Andre Dubus III (on sale October 2) + Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan (on sale October 2) + The Witch Elm by Tana French (on sale October 9) + I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel + The Power of Love by Michael Curry (on sale October 30) + Gmorning Gnight by Lin Manuel Miranda (on sale October 23) + Becoming by Michelle Obama (on sale November 13) + Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty + A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl by Jean Thompson (on sale October 9) + Personality Brokers by Merve Emre + All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung (on sale October 2) + Transcription by Kate Atkinson (on sale September 25) + Melmoth by Sarah Perry (on sale October 16) + Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy (on sale October 23) Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like brief interviews with not-so-hideous booksellers, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

In preparation for Thomasville's annual One Book festival, Annie sat down with New York Times bestselling author Georgia Hunter, the great mind behind We Were the Lucky Ones. Georgia will be in Thomasville on Thursday, October 4 at 7:00 PM in the Thomas County Board of Education Auditorium. For more information, including how to purchase tickets for the event, visit the One Book website here.

When authors endlessly tweet about what was actually happening in the background of a given book, or, worse, release a sequel or companion text, does that thrill you or make you cringe? This week, Annie and Chris field a listener question about what counts as "canon" in the books we love. Also, more #blandsome files. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like brief interviews with not-so-hideous booksellers, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

As with salsa, some readers prefer their literature mild. And that's okay! Although Annie and Chris often prefer some darkness in their books, they recognize that's not for everyone, so this episode is dedicated to those readers who prefer something a little PG. It's not just for kids! Also, somebody finally watched Set It Up. Mentioned this week: + The Port William Series by Wendell Berry + The Mitford series by Jan Karon + Gods in Alabama Joshilyn Jackson + Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan + Dreams of Falling by Karen White + Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson + Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple + The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows + The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert + The Rosie Project by Graeme Simison + The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our monthly secret show, Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

School's back in session and Annie's door is swollen shut, so you know it's almost September. (Don't worry. We set an alarm to wake up Green Day.) Here at the end of the month, we like to recap what we've read for our listeners. Join us as we enter the rom-comaissance. Annie read: + The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows + The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis + Are You Sleeping? by Kathleen Barber + Joy Enough by Sarah McColl (on sale January 2019) + There There by Tommy Orange + Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid + To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han + P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han + Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han + Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Anne Boyd Rioux Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like an interview with Fiona Davis, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Annie, Emily, and Hunter discuss one of the hottest literary books of 2018: Tommy Orange's There, There. It's a difficult, sometimes harrowing read of contemporary Native American life with important insights into how we got to now. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like the author Q&As with Annie, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Since this was Annie's show last week, it's only fair that Chris gets a turn, too! He's thoughtfully prepared four sets of discussion-based course curriculum just like he would for one of his classes at Florida State--in fact, two of them are adapted from courses he's actually taught. These curated lists of five books each are centered around asking questions. Perfect for book clubs! The ranking Annie mentions at the top of the show can be found here. The 'Other' Mother (for fans of That Kind of Mother) + Dear Ijeawele by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie + The Mothers by Brit Bennett + Marriage of a Thousand Lies by SJ Sindu + The First Bad Man by Miranda July + Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett How to be a Human (for fans of Station Eleven) + Brave New World by Aldous Huxley + Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury + A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller, Jr. + Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro + The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood Florida, O Florida (for people who wonder how we live here) + Best. State. Ever. by Dave Barry + Swamplandia! by Karen Russell + Sunshine State by Sarah Gerard + Florida by Lauren Groff + Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer Small Town Living (for fans of A Man Called Ove) + Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry + This is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick + The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap by Wendy Welch + The From-Aways by CJ Hauser + Beartown by Frederik Backman Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like a collaborative newsletter, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

We asked, and it seems like a lot of people want to know: Who is Annie B. Jones? This week, Chris sits down with Annie to talk about how she came to be owner of the Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in beautiful downtown Thomasville, Georgia. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like behind-the-scenes content from life at the Bookshelf, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

At the end of every month, Annie and Chris sit down to talk about the books they read, and listener, it's the end of the month. Annie accidentally read to sort of a theme this month, and Chris doesn't think it's a coincidence. Also, we need to talk about the train. Annie read: + Save the Date by Morgan Matson + Marriage Vacation by "Pauline Brooks" + Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (on sale August 14) + The Witch Elm by Tana French (on sale October 9) + The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert + A Well-Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler (on sale October 16) + Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza + Beartown by Frederick Bakman + The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like a blow-by-blow account of a terrible wedding, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

We talk a lot about brand new books on the show, but we thought it might be time to talk about some of our favorites from the "backlist." They're not new, but they're not "classics" yet, either. In any case, we think you should read them. You can find all of these books for sale in our online store. Chris and Annie recommend: + The Secret History by Donna Tartt + Everybody Rise by Stephanie Clifford + Loving Frank by Nancy Horan + The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco + Gilead by Marilynne Robinson + The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber + The Explanation for Everything by Lauren Grodstein + Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal + Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer + A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan + The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker + The Afterlives by Thomas Pierce + The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman + How to Live Safely in a Science-Fictional Universe by Charles Yu + A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara + The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl + Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like a tour through market with Annie, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

One of the most exciting options the Bookshelf offers is the Shelf Subscription, a book-a-month club featuring newly released hardcovers from your favorite independent booksellers. This week on the podcast, Chris and Annie break down what the Shelf Subscription is, how it works, what you can expect, and how to get started. Listen closely for code that will net you a 10% discount on your subscription--only available through August 19! For more information or to start your subscription today, click here. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like a tour through market with Annie, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

We're taking a quick break from books this week to talk about the small businesses on our street as we take you on a tour of our slice of life in the South: beautiful downtown Thomasville, GA. Special thanks to our neighbors: + The Paxton + Sweet Grass Dairy + South Life Supply + Grassroots Coffee + Firefly + Farmer's Daughter Vineyard + The Hare and the Hart + Kathy's Shoes + Savannah Moon + Q Cafe + Liam's + Jonah's + Chop House on the Bricks + Caroline Hill + Fuzzy Goat + Smith Collective + Empire Bagel + Wildflower Interiors + Lapham-Patterson House + Jack Hadley Black History Museum + Taste of Thomasville Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like Chris and Annie's walking tour of downtown Thomasville, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

It's the end of the month, and we made it--along with some thoughts and feelings about cover songs and Canadian ice dancers. Chris and Annie talk through the books they read in the month of June. If you'd like to purchase any of the books we discussed this episode, just follow the links below! Annie read: + Dreams of Falling by Karen White + Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman + Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan + China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan + Clock Dance by Anne Tyler + A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza Chris read: + Me, Myself and Them by Dan Mooney + Calypso by David Sedaris + Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like some brief one-on-ones with the Bookshelf staff, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Sorry for the delay! This week, Emily and Hunter are back for Love It or Loathe It to talk with Annie about Kevin Kwon's Crazy Rich Asians. If you would like to purchase Crazy Rich Asians, you can do so from The Bookshelf. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like the author Q&As with Annie, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

It's time for our seasonal look at what's on the horizon in Book World! These are Chris and Annie's picks for summer 2018. Also, not every novel whose title is just a woman's first name was necessarily written in the 18th century. New in June: + There There by Tommy Orange + Florida by Lauren Groff + A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza + Campaign Widows by Aimee Agresti + Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton + The Book of Essie by Meghan Maclean Weir + Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai + The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz + Dreams of Falling by Karen White + Us Against You by Frederik Backman New in July: + The Incendiaries by R. O. Kwon (on sale July 31) + The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager (on sale July 3) + The Late Bloomers' Club by Louise Miller (on sale July 17) + Clock Dance by Anne Tyler (on sale July 10) + A Double Life by Flynn Berry (on sale July 31) New in August: + The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis (on sale August 7) + Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (on sale August 14)

This week, we have a very special live show with friend of the show Anne Bogel, host of What Should I Read Next? By the way! Our next Love It or Loathe It (in two weeks) will be centered around Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like the audience Q&A with Anne and Annie, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

PBS has recently released a two-part special called The Great American Read, hosted by Meredith Vieira and filled with interviews and sound bites from well-known authors and readers on the hundred novels that America loves best. This week on the show, Annie and Chris give their takes on the list. Also, goat or beaver? Please take just a minute to fill out our short survey. PBS's list can be found here. You can watch the special through your local PBS affiliate here. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

As the old and definitely very common saying goes, May is the December of the spring, and with that in mind, it's time for our regular recap of the books Chris and Annie read this month. If you've got a few minutes, help us out by filling out this survey. Annie read: + The Incendiaries by R. O. Kwon + The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager + Minding the Store by Julie Gaines (on sale October 30) + Hey Ladies! by Caroline Moss and Michelle Markowitz + The Optimistic Decade by Heather Abel + Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson + Devil in the Grove by Gilbert King + The Gunners by Rebecca Kauffman + A Double Life by Flynn Berry (on sale July 31) Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Annie puts her journalism degree to use as she and Chris conduct a deep dive into the complicated legal and literary legacy of Harper Lee and Monroeville, AL. We also have a short survey for you. Thanks so much for your time! Mentioned this week: + To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee + The Mockingbird Next Door by Marja Mills Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Want to take a book-themed summer road trip and see where some of your favorite Southern authors lived and breathed? Well then we have the show for you. This week, Chris and Annie talk about the Southern Literary Trail, organized by the Mississippi State University libraries. Learn more at their website. Selected authors on the Trail: + Truman Capote + Harper Lee + F. Scott Fitzgerald + Zelda Fitzgerald + Ralph Ellison + Carson McCullers + Flannery O'Connor + Alice Walker + Tennessee Williams + Eudora Welty + Walker Percy + Richard Wright + William Faulkner Check out the Outdoor Kitchens menu for the 2018 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival here. Learn more about the Historic Mary Elizabeth Stallworth Home Bed and Breakfast in Beatrice, Alabama here. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

We missed Children's Book Week last week because our Reading Recap real estate is very valuable, but we want to take this opportunity to tell you about some of our favorite new books for kids and get side-tracked several times along the way! We also have new Shelf Subscription options available for children, middle readers, and young adults! Learn more and subscribe here. Mentioned this week: + Hedge Hog + Not Quite Narwhal + Part-Time Mermaid + Is It a Mermaid? + Alma + Happy Birthday, Madame Chapeau + Phoebe and Her Unicorn+ Izzy Gizmo + Out of Left Field + Last Kids on Earth+ Be Prepared Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like What Annie Didn't Finish, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

April showers bring Mayflowers, but what do Mayflowers bring? Well, that's complicated, but what Annie and Chris bring to the table is a new recap of what they read in April. Also, social media? Donezo. Annie read: + Look Alive Out There by Sloane Crosley + Limelight by Amy Poeppel + The Mockingbird Next Door by Marja Mills + Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton (on sale June 5) + Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann + The Sarah Book by Scott McClanahan For a fantastic story about a local production of Peter Pan gone awry, check out this classic episode of This American Life. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like What Annie Didn't Finish, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Have you ever finished a book and thought, "...Really?" This week on the show, Chris and Annie talk you through the [mostly good] books they've read with endings or other elements that just should have been a little different. Also, Lordy, I hope there are tapes. Mentioned this week: + Little Women by Louisa May Alcott + The Wanderers by Meg Howrey + The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin + Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn + Divergent by Veronica Roth + The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins + 11/22/63 by Stephen King + The Mothers by Brit Bennett + The Power by Naomi Alderman Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like What Annie Didn't Finish, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

It's time to forge ahead into the wild unknown. Are you ready to earn 20% off a Bookshelf purchase? Follow along with Chris and Annie as they explain the terms of this year's Bookshelf Reading Challenge! Also, do we sound different? Mentioned this week: + Heating and Cooling by Beth Ann Fennelly + The End We Start From by Megan Hunter + Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck + Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park + Encyclopedia Brown by Daniel J. Sobol + The All of a Kind Family by Sydney Taylor + The Familiar Enemy by Ardis Butterfield + Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen + Dead Wake by Erik Larsen + Tale of Two Americas by various + A Colony in a Nation by Chris Hayes + The Evangelicals by Frances FitzGerald + Prairie Fires by Caroline Fraser + Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly + Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow + The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman + The Oracle Year by Charles Soule + Arrival by Ted Chiang + How to Live Safely in a Science-Fictional Universe by Charles Yu + The Book of Strange New Things by Michael Faber + Dark Matter by Blake Crouch + Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis + The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien + A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle + Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer + Ready Player One by Ernest Cline + Black Panther by various + The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood + Big Little Lies by Lianne Moriarty + Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng + Far from the Tree by Robin Benway + Emergency Contact by Mary H. K. Choi + The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas + Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell + When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon + Difficult Women by Roxane Gay + Hunger by Roxane Gay + Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche + Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi + The Mothers by Brit Bennett + The Color of Water by James McBride + My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante + Tangerine by Christine Mangan + The Hospital by Ahmed Bouanani + You, Me, Everything by Catherine Isaac + Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery + Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery + The Dry by Jane Harper + Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter + To Dance with the White Dog by Terry Kay + Ecology of a Cracker Childhood by Janisse Ray + Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt + Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson + An American Marriage by + Reunion by Hannah Pittard + Sean of the South by Sean Dietrich + Portrait of the Alcoholic by Kaveh Akbar + Calling a Wolf a Wolf by Kaveh Akbar + French Milk by Lucy Knisley + Displacement by Lucy Knisley + Last Things by Marissa Moss + Rosalie Lightning by Tom Hart + Blankets by Craig Thompson + Fun Home by Alison Bechdel + Nimona by Noelle Stevenson + Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson + Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson This episode is sponsored by the Thomasville Entertainment Foundation. Learn more at their website. We talked about poetry with Will Fargason and Ruth Baumann in Episode 114. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like What Annie Didn't Finish, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Annie sits down for our bi-monthly show-within-a-show with frequent guests Emily and Hunter. This month, one of President Obama's favorite books of 2017, The Power by Naomi Alderman. This week's episode is brought to you in part by the City of Thomasville's 97th annual Rose Show and Festival. To learn more (and to begin booking your trip), check out the City of Thomasville's website. ​​​​​​​Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our weekly behind-the-scenes newsletter, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

It's April, which means it's time to talk about what Chris and Annie were able to read in March. Follow along as we give our reviews! And hey, so sorry about all that background noise. Starting with episode 167, we will be recording with a brand new microphone setup and our quality should dramatically improve. Thank you so much for bearing with us in this transition period! Annie read: + Emergency Contact by Mary H. K. Choi (on sale now) + A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle + All of This is True by Lygia Day Peñafor (on sale May 15) + The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer + The Arrangement by Sarah Dunn + Sociable by Rebecca Harrington Chris read: + The Oracle Year by Charles Soule Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like Spotify playlists, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Do you have a favorite chair for reading? Maybe a front porch swing or a cozy bay window? A hammock, perhaps? This week, Annie and Chris talk about reading preferences. How to do it, why, under what circumstances, and how much at a time. Also, there aren't waterproof casts, right? Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like Spotify playlists, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Spring is in the air, which means pollen is in our sinuses, but Chris and Annie are here for your curated and almost week-by-week guide through some of this season's exciting new releases. Also, it occurs to me that many of you probably don't listen all the way to the end of the episode... You might enjoy what you find back there--and for the past 30 or so episodes. :) Featured books: + Tangerine by Christine Mangan (on sale now) + The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer (on sale April 3) + The Optimistic Decade by Heather Abel (on sale May 1) + That Kind of Mother by Rumaan Alam (on sale May 8) + The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (on sale May 15) + Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton (on sale June 5) + The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir (on sale June 12) Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like Spotify playlists, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Annie sits down for her husband Jordan for their annual March Madness episode, a long-standing FTFP tradition. This episode is sponsored by the Thomasville Entertainment Foundation; the Foundation's new book, Thomasville in Concert, celebrates the Foundation's 80 years in Thomasville. You can purchase the beautiful new book (written by our friend Nadia Watts) on the TEF website or in-store at The Bookshelf. This year's book bracket features The Bookshelf's "sweet sixteen" -- the 16 bestselling books of 2018 thus far: + Gracism by David Anderson + Beauty by John O'Donohue + Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan + Text Me When You Get Home by Kayleen Schaefer + The Afterlives by Thomas Pierce + The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin + A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle + Awayland by Ramona Ausubel + Sunburn by Laura Lippman + Only Child by Rhiannon Navin + Fire Sermon by Jamie Quatro + The Driest Season by Meghan Kenny + We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter + The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey + Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward + Feel Free by Zadie Smith Other books mentioned on today's episode include: + Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott + To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue + Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett + Room by Emma Donoghue + To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee + The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon + Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle You can listen to previous March Madness episodes here. The Out of Print book bracket from 2016 is still online. This episode of On Being with John O'Donohue is so worth your time. Follow along with Anne Bogel's Book Flight Bonanza here. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like what Annie didn't finish reading this month, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

You've heard us talk about Shelf Subscriptions before, but it occurred to us that many of our listeners may not know exactly what it is we're talking about. This week, Annie and Chris are joined by bookseller Kate Sutton, one of the main cogs in the machine that is fulfilling Shelf Subscription mailing orders. Also, read the reviews on your Airbnb before book. Interested in subscribing? Learn more and set up your pick at our store website. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like what Annie didn't finish reading this month, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

February flew by, but Annie and Chris read some great books along the way. Follow along as they recap what they read. Also, ice dancing. Annie read: + Tangerine by Christine Mangan (on sale March 27) + Places I Stopped on the Way Home by Meg Fee (on sale May 8) + The All of It by Jeanette Haien + The Year of Less by Cait Flanders + That Kind of Mother by Rumaan Alam (on sale May 8) + Educated by Tara Westover Chris read: + The Hospital by Ahmed Bouanani (on sale June 26) Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like what Annie didn't finish reading this month, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

It's that time of year again. Chris and Annie are here to talk about the Academy's If you liked Lady Bird, we recommend: + Dumplin' by Julie Murphy + Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple + Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal If you liked The Shape of Water, we recommend: + Awayland by Ramona Ausubel + Borne by Jeff VanderMeer If you liked Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, we recommend: + A False Report by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong + The Hunting Ground by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering If you liked Call Me By Your Name, we recommend: + Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin + My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante If you liked The Post, we recommend: + The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman + Scoop by Evelyn Waugh If you liked Dunkirk, we recommend: + We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter + The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak If you liked Phantom Thread, reevaluate your choices, and then we recommend: + The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger If you liked Get Out, we recommend: + So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo + Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates + We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

In the spirit of St. Valentine and Fabio, Annie and Chris are talking about romance in literature--the kind we like, the kind we don't, and why it seems like YA seems to be doing it best. Mentioned this week: + When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon + Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell + Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum + What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum + This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills + Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch + The Meet Cute Series by HarperCollins Publishers You can listen to this week's This American Life here. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like in-store playlists or Chris's comprehensive media log, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

It's the latest installment of our show within a show, Love It or Loathe It, in which frequent contributors Emily and Hunter discuss a contentious book with Annie in a book club-style roundtable. This week: Fire Sermon by Jamie Quatro. Also mentioned this week: + What Belongs to You by Garth Greenwell + Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff + At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon + Gilead by Marilynne Robinson + Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer + The Book of American Martyrs by Joyce Carol Oates Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our weekly behind-the-scenes newsletter, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

It's our first monthly reading recap of 2018, and it's relatively light--in a good way! Follow along as Annie and Chris work their way through what they read, tropical fungal rash, and whatever David Duchovny is doing blurbing novels. Annie read: + The Ensemble by Aja Gabel + History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund + Campaign Widows by Aimee Agresti + This Love Story Will Self-Destruct by Leslie Cohen Chris read: + The Infinite Future by Tim Wirkus Also mentioned: + The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin + Swamplandia by Karen Russell + Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin + The Hopefuls by Jennifer Close + All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg + Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell + Dark Matter by Blake Crouch Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like in-store playlists or Chris's comprehensive media log, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

There's a lot happening in the news lately, and it's hard to know where to turn sometimes when it seems like everyone has hard opinions and no one wants to give. We like being a cozy place for you, but that's honestly kind of difficult sometimes, especially when we're passionate about something. This week, Chris and Annie talk about that difficulty. Also, check your tire pressure. Mentioned this week: + This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel + We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie + Dear Ijeawele by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie + Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin + Big Little Lies by Lianne Moriarty + Dumplin' by Julie Murphy + The Impossible Fortress by Jason Rekulak + The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood + Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg + If I Lean In, Will Men Just Look Down My Blouse by Gina Barreca + You'll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klein + Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit + Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay + Difficult Women by Roxane Gay + Shrill by Lindy West + This Will Be My Undoing by Morgan Jerkins (on sale January 30) + Text Me When You Get Home by Kayleen Schaefer (on sale February 8) + Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo + Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our side-podcast Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

It's a new year and we've got our resolutions ready, but what about all those books that are supposed to help us sort ourselves out? This week, Annie and Chris chat about self-help and personal growth. Pretty scary, right? Mentioned this week: + The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton + Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller + A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller + Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell + The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo + The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell + The New Minimalism by Cary Telander Fortin and Kyle Louise Quilici + The Capsule Wardrobe by Wendy Mak + The Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees + The Art of Stopping Time by Pedram Shojai + How to Stop Time by Matt Haig (on sale February 6) + The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead + Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill by Gretchen Rubin + The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin + Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin + The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin + The Family Manager by Kathy Peel + The Simplified Life by Emily Ley + When by Daniel H. Pink + Originals by Adam Grant + Grit by Angela Duckworth + What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast by Laura Vanderkam Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our side-podcast Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

It's a new year, so Chris and Annie are back to discuss their reading plans for 2018. Spoiler: We're not doing quantitative tracking. Also, what is the natural habitat of the North American beaver? Additionally, an extended discussion on Jason Rekulak's The Impossible Fortress​​​​​​​ and what "YA" means in terms of readership. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our side-podcast Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Annie sits down with Jamie Golden, cohost of The Popcast, in front of a LIVE audience to talk about books and pop culture. Learn more about The Popcast here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our side-podcast Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

It's our last episode of 2017, so it's time for a SUPER-SIZED reading recap. Chris and Annie walk you through their favorite books of 2017, and here they are! Thanks so much for sticking with us, even when our sound quality is far below what we typically aim for. + The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry + The Wanderers by Meg Howrey + This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel + The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson + Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett + Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng + The End We Start From by Megan Hunter + Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward + The Impossible Fortress by Jason Rekulak + We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter + Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie + Option B by Sheryl Sandberg + Calling a Wolf a Wolf by Kaveh Akbar + Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin + Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our side-podcast Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here. See you in 2018!

Thank you for getting us to 150 episodes! This week, Annie and Chris answer YOUR questions. One popular question was, "Where does Annie get her own book recommendations?" Well, here's a big shout out to: @avidbookshop @tylergoodson @_marcidarling @bookshelf.tees @annebogel @bookofthemonth @jaclyncrupi @riverheadbooks @booksaremagicbk @laura.tremaine @notetosarah @erindotsmith @etst @leighkramer @karibaumann @jamiebgolden @knoxmccoy If you want to hear Chris and Annie talk about Great Books curriculum at a time when they didn't know one another very well, listen to Episode 35 here. This episode is sponsored in part by Fontaine Maury, a branding and design firm with offices in Thomasville and Tallahassee. Check them out at their website. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our side-podcast Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

It's the latest installment of our show within a show, Love It or Loathe It, in which Annie, Emily, and Hunter discuss a contentious book in a book club-style roundtable. This week: Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips. Also mentioned this week: + Room by Emma Donoghue + Get Out SPOILER DISCUSSION OCCURS BETWEEN 19:00 AND 21:12. This episode is brought to you in part by the city of Thomasville. Come join us for Victorian Christmas, our annual celebration of the holiday in the manner of a Victorian street fair! Mark December 14 and 15 on your calendars and learn more here. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our side-podcast Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

The holiday season is upon us, which means it's time for us to recap what we read in the month of November. Give thanks! Also, Universal, please consider changing how your lockers work. Annie read: + Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman (on sale February 27) + The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule + Loving Frank by Nancy Horan + Rosie Colored Glasses by Brianna Wolfson (on sale February 20) Chris read: + Future Home of the Living God by Louise Erdrich Also mentioned: + Mindhunter + Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett This episode is brought to you in part by the city of Thomasville. Come join us for Victorian Christmas, our annual celebration of the holiday in the manner of a Victorian street fair! Mark December 14 and 15 on your calendars and learn more here. Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our side-podcast Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

'Tis the season to start thinking about children's books! What will you buy this year for the young reader in your life? Chris and Annie have some suggestions for you this week, hopefully beyond the old standards--not that there's anything wrong with the old standards! Also, weird moles. Mentioned this week: + Wild Things: The Joy of Reading Children's Literature as an Adult by Bruce Handy + Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin + Dragons Love Tacos Too by Adam Rubin + Dough Knights and Dragons by Dee Leone + Franklin's Flying Bookshop by Jen Campbell and Kathie Harnett + The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak + Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems + There's a Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone + This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen + Vegetables in Underwear by Jared Chapman + Little Red by Bethan Woollvin + The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz + Hooray for Hat by Dave Won + Boss Baby by Marla Frazee + Bossier Baby by Marla Frazee + King Baby by Kate Beaton + Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae + God's Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell + Big and Small, God Made Them All by Ben Wilder + The Story Cure by Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin This episode is brought to you in part by the city of Thomasville. Come join us for Victorian Christmas, our annual celebration of the holiday in the manner of a Victorian street fair! Mark December 14 and 15 on your calendars and learn more here. This week's episode is also sponsored by the Paxton House, a historic bed and breakfast in downtown Thomasville. Make a reservation at their website above and follow them on Instagram here! Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our side-podcast Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, we're coming to you a couple days early! Spend time with us, and then spend time with your loved ones. Best of both worlds. This week, Annie and Chris talk about food books, cookbooks, and how feasting structures our lives. Also, bedbugs. Featured this week: + The Comfort Food Diaries by Emily Nunn + Cooked by Michael Pollan + Sex, Economy, Freedom and Community by Wendell Berry + Voracious by Cara Nicoletti + A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg + Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal + The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller + Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin + Dough Knights and Dragons by Dee Leone + Supper of the Lamb by Robert Farrar Capon + Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist + Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker Follow Joy the Baker here. (Or Drake on Cake here.) This week's episode is sponsored by the Paxton House, a historic bed and breakfast in downtown Thomasville. Make a reservation at their website above and follow them on Instagram here! Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for the use of our theme music. Learn and listen more here. Listen to a full back catalogue of our show here, and, if you're interested in some exclusive content like our side-podcast Unpopular Opinions, consider supporting us on Patreon here.

Sometimes we talk about old books like they're sacred and have nothing to do with what we're reading day to day, but new books and old books both speak to us, don't they? And sometimes they speak to each other. This week, Chris and Annie discuss some of their favorite classics and their favorite new books as if they are cousins. Of the kissing variety? For instance, if you like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, check out Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett. If you like One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, you may enjoy Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo. If you like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, you may enjoy The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. If you like Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, you may enjoy My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. If you like The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, you may enjoy The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. If you like The Giver by Lois Lowry, you may enjoy Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn. If you like In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, you may enjoy American Fire by Monica Hesse. If you like The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, you may enjoy Blankets by Craig Thompson. If you like The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer, you may enjoy Delancey by Molly Wizenberg. If you like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, you may enjoy The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant. November 25 is Small Business Saturday! Come visit us at the Bookshelf and see all of our small business friends. If you can't come to Thomasville that weekend, support your local businesses! Thanks, as always, to Forlorn Strangers for our theme music. Listen to more here. If you'd like to gain access to our exclusive content, consider supporting us on Patreon here. Full episodes of our show are available here.