Ep 209: Best Books Lately (with Sara Hildreth of Fiction Matters)

Feb 29, 2024

01:18:10

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Episode notes

Sara Hildreth of Fiction Matters returns to the show so we can each share the best books that we've read lately.

This conversation starts with a thoughtful discussion about reviewing books on social media (#Bookstagram #BookTok) versus being a literary critic and Sara makes some excellent points about the way we talk about books online these days. And then Sara and I each share four of the best books we've read lately, including a novel I just finished that may be one of my favorites of all time.

SECRET STUFF MEMBERS GET BONUS MATERIAL FOR THIS EPISODE

Sara shares a great backlist title and a celebrity memoir, and I share an interesting novel that flew under the radar last year and the book I'm flat embarrassed to recommend (but kind of loved).

Follow Sara @fictionmatters on IG

Listen to Sara's podcast Novel Pairings

SIGN UP FOR THE SECRET STUFF PATREON

Secret Stuff Patreon members get an extended cut version of this episode that includes two more book recommendations coming out this spring and also Sara's new system for managing her TBR (To Be Read) stack, because who doesn't need help organizing all the amazing books we want to read?

Also on Secret Stuff this week will be a deep dive on The Bee Sting by Paul Murray (because I just had to talk about this incredible novel with someone)

Sara's Best Books Lately:

The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton

The Laughter by Sonora Jha

Best of Friends by Kamila Shamsie

Run Towards the Danger by Sarah Polley

Laura's Best Books Lately:

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

All The Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby

Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

The Future by Naomi Alderman

Also mentioned:

Episode 107: 10 Reasons to Read (A Conversation with Sara Hildreth of @fictionmatters)