From the Front Porch Podcast

From the Front Porch

The Bookshelf Thomasville
Welcome to From the Front Porch, a weekly conversational podcast on books, small business, and life in the South, produced by The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia.
Episode 532 || June 2025 New Release Rundown
This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the June 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 532) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie's books: Flashlight  by Susan Choi (6/3)Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (6/3)Among Friends by Hal Ebbott (6/24) Olivia's books: The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark (6/3)King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby (6/10)The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick (6/17) Erin's books: A Family Matter by Claire Lynch (6/3)Kakigori Summer by Emily Itami (6/10)Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess (6/10) 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 Audition by Katie Kitamura.  Olivia is reading The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls by Judith Rossell.  Erin is listening to Audition by Katie Kitamura. 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, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.
Jun 5
54 min
Episode 531 || May 2025 Reading Recap
This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in May. You get 10% off your books when you order your May Reading Recap. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 531), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsThe Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer WeinerConsider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley Annie's May Reading Recap Bundle - $83.00 The Correspondent by Virginia Evans The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer WeinerConsider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley Adult Summer Reading Postcard Pack 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 listening to A Change of Habit by Sister Monica Clare. 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, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.
May 29
29 min
Episode 530 || Literary Therapy, Vol. 24
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 530) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Melinda's voicemail: Show Don’t Tell by Curtis SittenfeldFive Tuesdays in Winter by Lily KingGames & Rituals by Katherine Heiny (unavailable to order)Heating & Cooling by Beth Ann Fennelly (unavailable to order)I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna NiequistTake Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs by Heather LendeThe Book of Delights by Ross GayHere for It by R. Eric ThomasYou Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith Jessica's voicemail: Tim JohnstonStuart TurtonAndy WeirJeff VandermeerPeng ShepherdDevolution by Max BrooksLight from Uncommon Stars by Ryka AokiThe Ferryman by Justin CroninThe Gone World by Tom SweterlitschThe Fold by Peter Clines (unavailable to order)How to Live Safely in a Science Fiction Universe by Charles YuEmily St. John Mandel Hailey's voicemail: The Women by Kristin HannahThe Last Love Note by Emma GreyDept. of Speculation by Jenny OffillBrood by Jackie Polzin (unavailable to order)Forty Rooms by Olga Grushin (unavailable to order)The Wedding People by Alison EspachShark Heart by Emily HabeckIn Praise of Slowness by Carl HonoreOlive, Again by Elizabeth StroutDinosaurs by Lydia Millet Talia's voicemail: Lady MacBeth by Ava Reid Hide by Kiersten White Lucy, Undying by Kiersten White 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 listening to Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry. 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, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.
May 22
51 min
Episode 529 || Conquer a Classic Sneak Peek
This week on From the Front Porch, we have a special treat for you: a Conquer a Classic sneak peek! Conquer a Classic is the From the Front Porch Patreon’s year-long book club where Annie, Hunter, and our Patreon community tackle a classic novel together month by month. Our pick for 2025 is the first modern novel: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. Today’s episode gives you a sneak peek of our Conquer a Classic bonus episodes on Patreon. It’s not too late to join us! Here’s how to join our Conquer a Classic book club: Buy your copy of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. Buy your downloadable reading guide here. Join Patreon to unlock bonus episodes with Annie and Hunter. 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 Sleep by Honor Jones. 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, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.
May 15
1 hr 1 min
Episode 528: May New Release Rundown
This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the May 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 528) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie's books: Poetry is Not a Luxury by Anonymous (5/6) My Friends by Fredrik Backman (5/6) Sleep by Honor Jones (5/13) Olivia's books: Billions to Burn by Taylor Banks (5/6) The Language of the Birds by K.A. Merson (5/13) The Ascent by Allison Buccola (5/20) Erin's books: The Names by Florence Knapp (5/6) Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (5/13) The Love Haters by Katherine Center (5/20) 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 Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins.  Olivia is reading King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby.  Erin is listening to The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon. 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, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.
May 8
46 min
Episode 527 || April Reading Recap
This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in April. You get 10% off your books when you order your April Reading Recap. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 527), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst (releases 7/8) Flashlight by Susan Choi (releases 6/3)Heartwood by Amity GaigeThings in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li (releases 5/20)Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry April Reading Recap Pairing - $50 Heartwood by Amity Gaige Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry 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 Expecting Better by Emily Oster. 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, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.
May 1
28 min
Episode 526 || Ordinary Time: Behind the Scenes
This week on From the Front Porch, we’re celebrating the release of Annie B. Jones’ debut book, Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put! Listen to today’s episode for a behind the scenes look at all things Ordinary Time. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 526), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones (physical copy) Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones (audiobook) 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.  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, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.
Apr 24
46 min
Episode 525 || Ordinary Time Audiobook Preview
This week on From the Front Porch, we have a treat for you: an Ordinary Time audiobook preview! Annie B. Jones’ debut book, Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put, releases on Tuesday, April 22. When you preorder a physical copy of Ordinary Time from The Bookshelf, you get the audiobook FREE courtesy of Libro.fm. Preorder a physical copy of Ordinary Time and receive a FREE code for the audiobook here. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 525), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones (physical copy, FREE audiobook with purchase) Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones (audiobook only) 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.  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, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.
Apr 17
44 min
Episode 524 || April New Release Rundown
This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the April 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 524), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie's books: Passion Project by London Sperry (4/8) When the Harvest Comes by Denne Michele Norris (4/15) Ordinary Time by Annie B. Jones (4/22) Olivia's books: Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake (4/1)Midnight in Soap Lake by Matthew Sullivan (4/15)The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner (4/29) Erin's books: A Change of Habit by Sister Monica Clare (4/29)The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (4/29)The Eights by Joanna Miller (4/15) 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 Annie is reading Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green.  Olivia is reading Candle Island by Lauren Wolk.  Erin is listening to Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. 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, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.
Apr 10
54 min
Episode 523 || March Reading Recap
This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in March. You get 10% off your books when you order your March Reading Recap. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 523), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (releases June 3rd) Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson The Tell by Amy Griffin When the Harvest Comes by Denne Michele Norris (releases April 15th) Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green Annie's March Reading Recap Bundle - $75 Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green 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 Here: A Spirituality of Staying in a Culture of Leaving by Lydia Sohn. 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, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.
Apr 3
45 min
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