
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:
James by Percival Everett
SPQR by Mary Beard
Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood
The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li
Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
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, 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 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.
Aug 13
26 min

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, 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 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.
Aug 6
37 min

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, 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 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.
Jul 30
13 min

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, 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 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.
Jul 23
10 min

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, 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 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.
Jul 16
16 min

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, 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 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.
Jul 9
12 min

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 Jones2. Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin3. Strangers by Belle Burden4. The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman5. The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout6. Anywhere Else by Rachel Knox7. Whistler by Ann Patchett8. Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer9. Good People by Patmeena Shaw10. This Is Not About Us by Allegra GoodmanHunter’s Top 101. Brawler by Lauren Groff2. Whidbey by Kira Madden3. Just Watch Me by Lior Torenberg4. Departures by Julian Barnes5. Kin by Tayari Jones6. Gunk by Saba Sams7. My Dear You by Rachel Khong8. Murder Bimbo by Rebecca Novak9. The Complex by Karan Mahajan10. 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, 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 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.
Jul 2
59 min

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 HunterJump and Find Joy by Hoda KotbDiscernment by Henry NouwenTake Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs by Heather LendeOrdinary Time - the Paperback with new essays by Annie B. JonesRoyal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin BenwayMore Things in Heaven and Earth by Jeff HighEach Shining Hour by Jeff HighA Poem to Read Aloud Every Day of the Year Edited by Liz IsonWisdom from the Hidden Life of Trees by Peter WohllebenA Moment of Calm a Soothing Poem for every Day of the Year Edited by Ana SampsonHomecoming 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, 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 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.
Jun 25
47 min

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 WizardAshley is watching:● Love Story● Company Retreat● Her shark on FahloAnnie 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, 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 byRachel 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 patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.
We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.
Jun 18
44 min

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie is joined by her actual dad and The Bookshelf’s Shop Dad, Chris! Annie and Chris chat about his reading life and some of his favorite books in honor of Father’s Day. These books are perfect for giving to your own dad or anyone who’s been there for you like a dad.
To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 585) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:
The Man No One Believed: The Untold Story of the Georgia Church Murders by Joshua Sharpe
A Killer Wedding by Joan O'Leary
Daikon by Samuel Hawley
Running Deep by Tom Clavin
James by Percival Everett
Bone Valley: A True Story of Injustice and Redemption in the Heart of Florida by Gilbert King
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmond Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon
So Far Gone by Jess Walter
Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra
All Carry by Gene Wojciechowski
The Fourth Branch: How State Government Can Save Our Union by Daniel Squadron
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, 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 This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page. Shop Dad is reading Homeschooled by Stefan Merrill Block.
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 patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.
We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.
Jun 11
55 min
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