Sarah and Ellison Weist convene for the fourth annual summer reading podcast to discuss their favorite new books—plus a few fabulous classics. They start with fiction, and the duo soon realizes how many of the novels have a British bent to them. Fittingly, Ellison makes excellent use of the adjective “twee” with regards to a ballyhooed book she recommends steering clear of. Sarah voices her Jetsonian desire about a new way to experience books. Sprinkled amidst the literary conversation are mentions of film and TV adaptations of stories—and numerous “hot vicar” allusions! The BAMRs recommend a few non-fiction tomes. Ever-in-the-know, Ellison also offers numerous suggestions for books coming out in the next few months, including a collection of short stories by Tom Hanks. Below are all the new books mentioned in the episode, plus a few novels Sarah and Ellison can’t let go of.
The gals talk movies (and more) in the intro; the book talk starts at 13:49.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
American War by Omar El Akkad
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
The Party by Elizabeth Day
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
The Heirs by Susan Rieger
Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout
The Best Land under Heaven: the Donner Party in the Age of Manifest Destiny by Michael Wallis
Grocery: the Buying and Selling of Food in America by Michael Ruhlman
Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta
The Misfortunes of Marion Palm by Emily Culliton
My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent
The Ninth Hour: A Novel by Alice McDermott
Manhattan Beach: A Novel by Jennifer Egan
Fresh Complaint: Stories by Jeffrey Eugenides
Uncommon Type: Some Stories by Tom Hanks (yeah, THAT Tom Hanks!)
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino
Blue Horse Dreaming by Melanie Wallace
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Run Like a Mother by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea
Train Like a Mother by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea
Tales from Another Mother Runner by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea
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So excited! I am listening to Magpie Murders on my long runs right now, and listened to News of the World last month because of Ellison’s recommendation. I love hearing Ellison talk about books :)
I love these episodes so much! This was probably covered before, but how does Ellison have access to all of these advanced copies? JEALOUS! :)
Thanks so much for this podcast — it got me through a 7-mile tempo run. I added so many books to my Goodreads “to-read” list that it’s close to catching up to my “read” list. The two books I’ve enjoyed most lately were the audiobook versions of The Running Man by Charlie Engle (dealing with running and addiction), and The World’s Strongest Librarian (dealing with Tourette’s, the Mormon religion, and strength training) — note that these are both best listened to without the kids in earshot!
Yay! Many thanks for these comments. Angela – It’s a tough problem to tackle, those TBR piles, but I know you are up for the job! And thank you for your recommendations. Susan – I used to be a book reviewer for a local newspaper so continue to have publicist friends. Thank goodness! Oh, Cindy, wasn’t NEWS OF THE WORLD amazing? I recently bullied a woman at my local library into checking it out. You may also like THE WHITE by Deborah Larsen. Came out several years ago, similar to “News.” Happy Reading, everyone!
Thank you! YES to winter reading podcast! I discovered the summer reading podcasts a month or so ago so I’m currently reading two veterans – The Goldfinch (on audiobook) and Find a Way by Dianna Nyad. Both are very good!!
Do either of you have Goodreads accounts that the tribe could follow?
Oh, Lori, I absolutely adored THE GOLDFINCH as did SBS. In fact we were talking about how both of us hated to see it end. My GoodReads account is listed as BookBully.
Just finished Rebecca, thank you for that recommendation, Ellison! Wow. I love the reading podcasts, adding lots of good books to my ‘to read’ list.
Many thanks, Kellsey, for such kind words. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed REBECCA. If you decide you want a bit more of du Maurier, I recommend a collection of her short stories called DON’T LOOK NOW. Several of them are outstanding. Happy reading!
Just finished The Runner (Patrick Lee), a pick up at the Dollar Store in College Station, TX, and had to come back to the podcast and see what I’ll read next! Love this podcast and look forward to it every time! Ellison, will you be on the retreat? Would love to meet you!!!
Just finished “My Absolute Darling” (disturbing but so good) and got an email that my reserved copy of “Eleanor Oliphant…” is ready. Read the Donner book last month and it was fascinating. You guys killed it!
Susan! Thank you so much for the kind words. Sadly, I will not be at the retreat but hope everyone has a blast. In the meantime, I’m going to look for THE RUNNER. So many books, etc, etc!
I am right there with you on MY ABSOLUTE DARLING, Lisa. And I think ELEANOR will be a nice way to clear your reading palate. Light but well-done. Glad you enjoyed the podcast and hope you enjoy a fall full of great reads.