From the Front Porch

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in October. You get 10% off your books when you order your the October Reading Recap Bundle, which features a bundle of some of Annie’s favorite books she read this month.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 600), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

October Reading Recap Bundle - $74

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Children of the Wolf by Abbi Geni

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Trust Fall by Lynn Painter

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The Rally by Carla Vass

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Children of the Wolf by Abbi Geni

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Trust Fall by Lynn Painter

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Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson

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Lane Being Lane by John Talty

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American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee

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The Rally by Carla Vass

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is listening to The Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth Phares, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, Jospeh Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, Gene Queens and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, we have a special treat: a recording of our live show from The Bookshelf’s September 2026 Reader Retreat! In this episode, Annie is joined by special guests, author Joshilyn Jackson, and Hunter and engage in a suspense/thriller fantasy draft with help from Ashley. Enjoy!

To purchase books by guest author Joshilyn Jackson, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 604), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Some Joshilyn Jackson titles:

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Missing Sister

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With My Little Eye

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God In Alabama

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Never Have I Ever

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth Phares, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, Jospeh Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, Gene Queens and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a Literary Therapy session! Our literary Frasier Crane, Annie, is back to answer more of your reading questions and dilemmas. If you have a question you would like Annie to answer in a future episode, you can leave us a voicemail here.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 603) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app.

Amy:

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You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith

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I Thought It Would Be Better Than This by Jessica N. Turner

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Splinters by Leslie Jamison

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Untamed by Glennon Doyle

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Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle

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Awake by Jen Hatmaker

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With Teeth by Kristen Arnett

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To the End edited by Morty Diamond

Mary Lynn:

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Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

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Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult (Hollow Bones)

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True Biz by Sara Novic

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The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline

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Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel

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The Night We Lost Him by Lara Dave

Alison:

Pillars of the Earth series by Ken Follett

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Circle of Days

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Armor of Night

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Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

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American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee

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Shogun by James Clavell

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Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

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The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

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The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

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Kristin Lavransdatterby Sigrid Undset

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The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is listening to Lane Being Lane by John Talty.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, Gene Queens and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie is speculating what Scully & Mulder (from Fox show The X-Files) might read now, in 2026. If they walked into The Bookshelf, what books would Annie put into their hands? Or what books do we sell that they’ve already read and loved? (And, it’s no coincidence: These are also the books Annie would put into your hands, if you were looking for spooky season reads.) Here’s what Annie came up with:

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 602), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

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The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry

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Children of the Wolf by Abby Geni

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11/22/63 by Stephen King

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Voyagers by Meg Charlton

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Beings by Ilana Masad

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The Wanderers by Meg Howrey

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Devolution by Max Brooks

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In the Woods They Wait by Carrie Lee South

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There Used to Be People Here by Kennedy Cole (November 3rd, 2026)

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, Gene Queens and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia share the October releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order!

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 601), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Annie’s books

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The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard Milford by Nafissa Thompson-Spires (October 6th, 2026)

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Death of an Ordinary Man by Sarah Perry (October 6th, 2026)

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Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson (October 6th, 2026)

Olivia’s books

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Trunk No. 3 by Allie Millington (October 20th, 2026)

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Brittle Magic by Kate O’Shaughnessy (Oct. 20th)

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The Killing of a Chestnut Tree by Oliver K Langmead (October 27th, 2026)

Erin’s books

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Partita by Barbara Kingsolver (October 6th, 2026)

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Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus (October 13th, 2026)

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This is a Door by Daniel Nayeri (October 27th, 2026)

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading Children of the Wolf by Abby Geni. Olivia is reading Murmuration
by TJ Klune (November 17th, 2026). Erin is listening to Music Against the Night by Yiyun Li (October 13th, 2026).

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, Gene Queens and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in September. You get 10% off your books when you order your the September Reading Recap Bundle, which features a bundle of some of Annie’s favorite books she read this month.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 600), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

September Reading Recap Bundle - $81

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The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard Milford by Nafissa Thompson-Spires

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The Three Graces of Pearl Street by Elizabeth Wellington Rollins

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The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff

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Hollywood, Ending by John Green

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Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

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I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

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The Thoroughbreads by Elin Hildebrand

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The Academy

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The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard Milford by Nafissa Thompson-Spires

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The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

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The Three Graces of Peal Street by Elizabeth Wellington Rollins

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Old Lovegood Girls by Gail Godwin

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Returns & Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker

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The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff

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Switzy by Emma Cline

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is listening to Trust Fall by Lynn Painter (September 29th, 2026).

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, Gene Queens and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, it's an episode of Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley! Annie is joined by friend, cousin, and former colleague, Ashley Sherlock, to chat about what they’re reading – but also what they’re watching, listening to, and buying.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 599) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Annie reading:

● Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson ​(October 6th, 2026)

● American Nightmare by Kelly McWilliams

● See You Next Tuesday by Kate Staymon-London

Ashley reading:

● The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson

● Whistler by Ann Patchett

● The Land and Its People by David Sedaris

● Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Snapson

Annie watching:

● Sterling Point

● Not Suitable for Work

● Ted Lasso

● One Night Only

● The Devil Wears Prada 2

Ashley watching:

● Voicemails for Isabelle

Annie listening to:

● The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian

● Gracie Abrams

● Olivia Rodrigo

● Noah Kahan

Ashley listening to:

● This Music May Contain Hope by Raye

● Monthly playlists

● Feel Good Piano

Annie buying:

● Football decor

Ashley buying:

● Writech pens

● Stickers

● Lunch at The Lost Kitchen

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is listening to The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard Milford by Nafissa Thompson-Spires. Ashley is reading Persuasion by Jane Austen.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, Gene Queens and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a new episode of Into the Backlist! Today, Annie changes her focus from new releases to dive into the backlist: the books that came out years ago, the books that didn’t get enough attention, the books you may stumble upon while browsing in an indie bookstore like The Bookshelf.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 598) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Shine On, Bright and Dangerous Object by Laurie Colwin

Other titles mentioned in the episode:

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A Big Storm Knocked It Over by Laurie Colwin

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Another Marvelous Thing by Laurie Colwin

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Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin

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Sandwich by Catherine Newman

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Heartburn by Nora Ephron

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Whistler by Ann Patchett

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Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

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Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel

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Sweet Pea by Kit deWaal (November 3rd, 2026)

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New Girl in Little Cove by Damhnait Monaghan

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Lucy Carmichael by Margaret Kennedy

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Glaciers by Alexis M. Smith

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Heart the Lover by Lily King

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Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading The Dog Stars by Peter Heller.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, Gene Queens and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia share the September releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order!

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 597), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Annie’s books

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Body Language by Meg Howrey

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Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger

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The Wanderers and They're Going To Love You by Meg Howrey

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See You Next Tuesday by Kate Stayman-London (Releases September 8th, 2026)

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One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

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Big Fan by Michael Schur and Joe Posnanski, The Hopefuls, Everything’s Fine by Cecilia Rabess

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American Nightmare by Kelly McWilliams (Releases September 15th, 2026)

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Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark

Olivia’s books

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Under Story by Chloe Benjamin

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The Secret to Belonging by Megan E Freeman (Releases September 15th, 2026)

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Children of the Wolf by Abby Geni (Releases September 15th, 2026)

Erin’s books

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Switzy by Emma Cline (Releases September 8th, 2026)

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Receipts from the Bookshop by Katie Clapham (Releases September 8th, 2026)

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The Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker (Releases September 29th, 2026)

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby
Cunningham (Releases September 15th, 2026). Olivia is reading Mars One by Charlotte Robinson. Erin is listening to Crocodilopolis by John Manuel Arias.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, Gene Queens and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved this summer. You get 10% off your books when you order your Summer Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read this summer.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 596), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Summer Reading Recap Bundle - $81

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Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker

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Wasp’s Nest by Kat Stoddard

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The Amateur by Chris Bohjilihan

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The Foursome by Christina Baker Klein

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Audiobook narrated by Marin Ireland

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Garden by the Sea by Mercé Rodoreda

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The Book of Goose by Yiyum Li

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The Fervent Whites by De’Shawn Charles Winslow

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The Dinner by Herman Koch and Little Fires Everywhere by Celese Ng

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The Land and Its People by David Sedaris

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Audiobook narrated by David Sedaris

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Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker

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Family of Origin by CJ Hauser and Marrying the Ketchups by Jennifer Close

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Night Objects by Eli Raphael

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True Biz by Sara Novic

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Audiobook narrated by Lisa Flanagan & Kaleo Griffith

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Wasp’s Nest by Kat Stoddard

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The Amateur by Chris Bohjilihan

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Audiobook narrated by Melora Hardin

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading Switzy by Emma Cline (September 8th, 2026).

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Joseph Shorter IV, Beth, Jammie Treadwell, Kimberly, Gene Queens, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Wendi Jenkins and Cammy Tidwell.

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a Literary Therapy session! Our literary Frasier Crane, Annie, is back to answer more of your reading questions and dilemmas. If you have a question you would like Annie to answer in a future episode, you can leave us a voicemail here.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 595) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app.

Lizzy:

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The House of Mirth or The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

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The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne

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Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

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The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe

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The Group by Mary McCarthy

Kate:

Literary westerns

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The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzales James

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Outlawed by Anna North

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God’s Country by Percival Everett

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News of the World by Paulette Jiles

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The Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy: All the Pretty Horses, The Crossing, Cities of the Plain

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The Plague of Doves and The Round House by Louise Erdrich

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Close Range: Wyoming Stories by Annie Prioux

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Plainsong by Kent Haruf

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The Son by Philipp Meyer

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Train Dreams by Denis Johnson

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Butcher’s Crossing by John Williams

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The Sisters Brothers by Patrick Dewitt

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The Dying Grass by William T. Vollman

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Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather

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The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer

Rachel:

Books about Spain

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The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruis Zafòn

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A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende

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The Muse by Jessie Burton

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Alberto’s Lost Birthday by Diana Rosie

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Homage to Barcelona by Colm Toibin

Ellen:

Fantasy

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The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley

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The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

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Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

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The Bright Sword (Arthurian retelling) by Lev Grossman

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Circe by Madeline Miller

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Starter Villain by John Scalzi

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Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Romantasy:

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A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft

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The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson

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Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

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A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer l armentrout

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Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

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Quicksilver by Callie Hart

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Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Lindsay: Literary palate cleansers

Humor/memoir

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Heating and Cooling by Beth Ann Fennelly

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Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb

Kid lit

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Bloomability by Sharon Creech

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From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

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The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern

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Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is listening to Tenderness by Rowan Beaird.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Joseph Shorter IV, Beth, Jammie Treadwell, Kimberly, Gene Queens, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Wendi Jenkins and Cammy Tidwell.

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie is speculating what Rory Gilmore (from WB/CW show Gilmore Girls) might read now, in 2026. If she walked into The Bookshelf, what books would Annie put into her hands? Or what books do we sell that she’s already read and loved? Dysfunctional family lit? Reimaginings of her favorite classics? Books about quirky small towns and their inhabitants? Here’s what Annie came up with:

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 594), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

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James by Percival Everett

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SPQR by Mary Beard

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Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood

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The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman

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The Book of Gooseby Yiyun Li

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Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri

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Audition by Katie Kitamura

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading The Last Days of Vic and Coco (March 2, 2027) by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Joseph Shorter IV, Beth, Jammie Treadwell, Kimberly, Gene Queens, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Wendi Jenkins and Cammy Tidwell.

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a New Release Rundown! Annie and Erin share the August releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order!

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 584), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Annie’s books

•

Everything That Is Beautiful by Louise Nealon (August 6th, 2026)

•

A Tender Age by Chang-Rae Lee (August 11th, 2026)

•

Crocodilopolis by John Manuel Arias (August 25th, 2026)

Erin’s books

•

Etna by Paul Yoon

•

Sunlight Finds You by Laura Moriarty

•

Kitten by Stacey Yu

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading Wasp’s Nest by Kat Stoddard. Erin is listening to Carl’s Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Joseph Shorter IV, Beth, Jammie Treadwell, Kimberly, Gene Queens, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Wendi Jenkins and Cammy Tidwell.

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie wraps up our Summer Readings series! In this series, Annie introduces you to one book you should read this summer by reading an excerpt (with permission from publishers).

Today, Annie reads a passage from Andrew Sean Greer’s new book Villa Coco. Use code SUMMERREADINGS at checkout to get 10% off Villa Coco this week.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 592) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer

Less by Andrew Sean Greer

A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading The Little Friend by Donna Tartt.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, Martha, and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, our Summer Readings series continues! In this series, Annie introduces you to one book you should read this summer by reading an excerpt (with permission from publishers).

Today, Annie reads a passage from Rachel Beanland’s new book The Half Life. Use code SUMMERREADINGS at checkout to get 10% off The Half Life this week.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 591) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

The Half Life by Rachael Beanland

Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachael Beanland

The House Is on Fire by Rachael Beanland

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading A Private Man by Stephanie Sy-Quia.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, Martha, and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, our Summer Readings series continues! In this series, Annie introduces you to one book you should read this summer by reading an excerpt (with permission from publishers).

Today, Annie reads a passage from Jesmyn Ward’s latest book On Witness and Respair. Use code SUMMERREADINGS at checkout to get 10% off On Witness and Respair this week.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 589) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

On Witness and Respair by Jesmyn Ward

Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading The Palm House by Gwendoline Riley.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, our Summer Readings series is back! In this series, Annie introduces you to one book you should read this summer by reading an excerpt (with permission from publishers).

Today, Annie reads a passage from Anna McCallie’s new book Abby Offsides. Use code SUMMERREADINGS at checkout to get 10% off Abby Offsides this week.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 589) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Abby Offsides by Allie McCallie

Conform by Ariel Sullivan

Liar's Dice by Juliet Faithful

Into the Blue by Emma Brodie

Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell

Play It Again by Georgia Clark

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading Garden by the Sea by Mercé Rodoreda.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie and Hunter discuss the best books of 2026 (so far)!

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 588) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Annie

•

First five-star read: The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman

•

Most surprising: Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead by Mai Nguyen

•

Least favorite: Man Overboard! By Kathleen Rooney (July 7th, 2026) and Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

•

Next on your TBR: June Baby by Shannon Garvey

•

Most anticipated fall release: The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw (September 29th, 2026), Fair Ones by Lydia Millett (October 6th, 2026)

Annie’s Top 10
1. Kin by Tayari Jones
2. Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin
3. Strangers by Belle Burden
4. The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman
5. The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
6. Anywhere Else by Rachel Knox
7. Whistler by Ann Patchett
8. Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer
9. Good People by Patmeena Shaw
10. This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman

Hunter’s Top 10
1. Brawler by Lauren Groff
2. Whidbey by Kira Madden
3. Just Watch Me by Lior Torenberg
4. Departures by Julian Barnes
5. Kin by Tayari Jones
6. Gunk by Saba Sams
7. My Dear You by Rachel Khong
8. Murder Bimbo by Rebecca Novak
9. The Complex by Karan Mahajan
10. Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading Shine On, Bright and Dangerous Object by Laurie Colwin. Hunter is reading Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie chats with her mom, Susie, about books for readers with PG-13 tastes. Use code SHOPMOMSELECTS at checkout online and in the store to get 10% off Susie’s favorite books!

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 587) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

The Little Bookshop by the Harbor by Jean Stone

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter
Jump and Find Joy by Hoda Kotb
Discernment by Henry Nouwen
Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs by Heather Lende
Ordinary Time - the Paperback with new essays by Annie B. Jones
Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway
More Things in Heaven and Earth by Jeff High
Each Shining Hour by Jeff High
A Poem to Read Aloud Every Day of the Year Edited by Liz Ison
Wisdom from the Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
A Moment of Calm a Soothing Poem for every Day of the Year Edited by Ana Sampson
Homecoming Meditations by Jessica Boston

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline. Shop Mom is reading Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.

Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.

This week on From the Front Porch, it's an episode of Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley! Annie is joined by friend, cousin, and former colleague, Ashley Sherlock, to chat about what they’re reading – but also what they’re watching, listening to, and buying.

To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 586) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:

Annie is reading:
● Anywhere Else by Rachel Knox
● Down with the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell Moore
● The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson (out June 30)

Ashley is reading:
● Brawler by Lauren Groff
● Fat Swim by Emma Copley Eisenburg
● Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
● Kin by Tayari Jones
● Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
● The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments by Hadley Vlahos
● Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Annie is watching:
● Off Campus
● The Dark Wizard

Ashley is watching:
● Love Story
● Company Retreat
● Her shark on Fahlo

Annie listening to:
● The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline
● Mumford & Sons
● Noah Kahan
● Writing music

Ashley listening to:
● Porch Light by Noah Kahan
● Begin Again by Mumford and Sons
● Sleepyhead by Young and Sick

Annie buying:
● House stuff

Ashley buying:
● Cotton Candy grapes

From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, https://www.bookshelfthomasville.com/.

A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here.

Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.

This week, Annie is reading Fair Ones (out October 6) by Lydia Millet. Ashley is reading Anywhere Else by
Rachel Knox.

If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to https://www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.

We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.