From the Front Porch

Episode 176 || Summer Literary Lineup

21 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for our seasonal look at what's on the horizon in Book World! These are Chris and Annie's picks for summer 2018. Also, not every novel whos...

Episode 175 || Live with Anne Bogel

14 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we have a very special live show with friend of the show Anne Bogel, host of What Should I Read Next?  By the way! Our next Love It or Lo...

Episode 174 || The Great American Read

07 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

PBS has recently released a two-part special called The Great American Read, hosted by Meredith Vieira and filled with interviews and sound bites fro...

Episode 173 || May Reading Recap

31 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

As the old and definitely very common saying goes, May is the December of the spring, and with that in mind, it's time for our regular recap of the bo...

Episode 172 || Mockingbird

24 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Annie puts her journalism degree to use as she and Chris conduct a deep dive into the complicated legal and literary legacy of Harper Lee and Monroevi...

Episode 171 || Southern Literary Trail

17 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Want to take a book-themed summer road trip and see where some of your favorite Southern authors lived and breathed? Well then we have the show for yo...

Episode 170 || Children‘s Book Week

10 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We missed Children's Book Week last week because our Reading Recap real estate is very valuable, but we want to take this opportunity to tell you abo...

Episode 169 || April Reading Recap

03 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

April showers bring Mayflowers, but what do Mayflowers bring? Well, that's complicated, but what Annie and Chris bring to the table is a new recap of ...

Episode 168 || Missed Opportunities

26 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever finished a book and thought, "...Really?" This week on the show, Chris and Annie talk you through the [mostly good] books they've read w...

Episode 167 || Bookshelf Reading Challenge 2018

19 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to forge ahead into the wild unknown. Are you ready to earn 20% off a Bookshelf purchase? Follow along with Chris and Annie as they explain ...

Episode 166 || Love It or Loathe It, Vol. 12

12 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Annie sits down for our bi-monthly show-within-a-show with frequent guests Emily and Hunter. This month, one of President Obama's favorite books of 20...

Episode 165 || March Reading Recap

05 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It's April, which means it's time to talk about what Chris and Annie were able to read in March. Follow along as we give our reviews! And hey, so sor...

Episode 164 || How Do You Read?

29 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have a favorite chair for reading? Maybe a front porch swing or a cozy bay window? A hammock, perhaps? This week, Annie and Chris talk about re...

Episode 163 || Spring Literary Lineup

22 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Spring is in the air, which means pollen is in our sinuses, but Chris and Annie are here for your curated and almost week-by-week guide through some o...

Episode 162 || March Madness 2018

15 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Annie sits down for her husband Jordan for their annual March Madness episode, a long-standing FTFP tradition. This episode is sponsored by the Thomas...

Episode 161 || Shelf Subscription Insider

08 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

You've heard us talk about Shelf Subscriptions before, but it occurred to us that many of our listeners may not know exactly what it is we're talking ...

Episode 160 || February Reading Recap

01 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

February flew by, but Annie and Chris read some great books along the way. Follow along as they recap what they read. Also, ice dancing. Annie read: ...

Episode 159 || Red Carpet Books

22 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of year again. Chris and Annie are here to talk about the Academy's  If you liked Lady Bird, we recommend: + Dumplin' by Julie Murph...

Episode 158 || Love is in the Air

15 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In the spirit of St. Valentine and Fabio, Annie and Chris are talking about romance in literature--the kind we like, the kind we don't, and why it see...

Episode 157 || Love It or Loathe It, Vol. 11

08 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It's the latest installment of our show within a show, Love It or Loathe It, in which frequent contributors Emily and Hunter discuss a contentious bo...

Episode 156 || January Reading Recap

01 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It's our first monthly reading recap of 2018, and it's relatively light--in a good way! Follow along as Annie and Chris work their way through what th...

Episode 155 || Time‘s Up

25 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

There's a lot happening in the news lately, and it's hard to know where to turn sometimes when it seems like everyone has hard opinions and no one wan...

Episode 154 || New Year, New You?

18 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It's a new year and we've got our resolutions ready, but what about all those books that are supposed to help us sort ourselves out? This week, Annie ...

Episode 153 || Reading Resolutions, Vol. 4

11 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It's a new year, so Chris and Annie are back to discuss their reading plans for 2018. Spoiler: We're not doing quantitative tracking. Also, what is th...

Episode 152 || Live with Jamie Golden

04 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Annie sits down with Jamie Golden, cohost of The Popcast, in front of a LIVE audience to talk about books and pop culture. Learn more about The Popca...

Episode 151 || Best Books of 2017

28 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's our last episode of 2017, so it's time for a SUPER-SIZED reading recap. Chris and Annie walk you through their favorite books of 2017, and here t...

Episode 150 || Mailbag, Vol. 3

21 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Thank you for getting us to 150 episodes! This week, Annie and Chris answer YOUR questions. One popular question was, "Where does Annie get her own b...

Episode 149 || Love It or Loathe It, Vol. 10

14 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's the latest installment of our show within a show, Love It or Loathe It, in which Annie, Emily, and Hunter discuss a contentious book in a book cl...

Episode 148 || November Reading Recap

07 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The holiday season is upon us, which means it's time for us to recap what we read in the month of November. Give thanks! Also, Universal, please consi...

Episode 147 || The New Childhood Classics

30 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

'Tis the season to start thinking about children's books! What will you buy this year for the young reader in your life? Chris and Annie have some sug...

Episode 146 || Food for Thought

21 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, we're coming to you a couple days early! Spend time with us, and then spend time with your loved ones. Best of bo...

Episode 145 || New Books for Old Souls

16 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes we talk about old books like they're sacred and have nothing to do with what we're reading day to day, but new books and old books both spea...

Episode 144 || October Reading Recap

09 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's a week later than usual, but it's a brand new month, which means it's time for a reading recap, our monthly feature in which Annie and Chris brie...

Episode 143 || Short Form

02 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Why do so many readers seem to be afraid of short stories? Annie and Chris chat with author and professor CJ Hauser about how short stories are differ...

Episode 142 || A Good Scare

26 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

'Tis the season for ~spooky scary~ reads, so Chris and Annie are back to talk about suspense, horror, and why we sometimes need a good scare. Also, WH...

Episode 141 || What Should I Listen To Next?

19 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Let's face it: when you read a lot, it can be a strain on the eyes. And you can't multitask with a book in your hands. And reading while driving will ...

Episode 140 || A Day in the Life

12 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We get lots of emails about what it is we actually do all day. Who are we, exactly, and what does a day in the life of our independent bookstore look ...

Episode 139 || September Reading Recap

05 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

September was a decidedly not-great month for our intrepid hosts, but at least they got to read some phenomenal books! Join us for our monthly wrap-up...

Episode 138 || Fall Literary Lineup

28 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Annie's back from SIBA, and we're here to let you in on a long-distance version of the Fall Literary Luncheon we hosted in the Bookshelf last week. He...

Episode 137 || Love It or Loathe It, Vol. 9

21 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Annie, Hunter, and Emily are back with another volume of Love It or Loathe It, our show within a show in which we have a book club-style discussion ab...

Episode 136 || Reading in the Age of Prestige Television

13 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We've survived the hurricane and the new Bachelor announcement, and we're back with another conversation on books, TV, and life in the South. The 2017...

Episode 135 || Campus Tour + Nothing Stays the Same!

07 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the brand new month of September! School is back in session, Fall is (kinda-sorta) in the air, and change is afoot. Check out our new podca...

Episode 134 || August Reading Recap

31 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

August is over, and we're ready to celebrate. Annie and Chris are back to talk about the books they read in August, despite--or maybe in spite of--how...

Episode 133 || Three Books and a Movie

24 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We're hungry, so let's plan out a menu. This week, Chris and Annie have prepared a few "book flights" for you, and these are the tasting notes. We're ...

Episode 132 || Back to School

17 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of year again, and we can't believe it. Annie and Chris talk about some of their favorite books for emerging readers and sit down for a...

Episode 131 || Shelf Subscription Sneak Peek

10 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Don’t get scared of the word “change.” Annie and Chris are joined this week by the rest of the Bookshelf staff. Ashley, Maddie, and Kate are her...

Episode 130 || July Reading Recap

03 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. And even though that might not be exactly how podcasts work, Chris and Annie are here to tel...

Episode 129 || Read It Again, Sam

27 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Do you really know a book from reading it just once? Annie and Chris weigh in on re-reading and why they do it--or don't. Is there a value in re-read...

Episode 128 || Love It or Loathe It, Vol. 8

20 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's a book club-style discussion about Patricia Lockwood's new memoir, Priestdaddy. Annie and regular podcast contributors Emily McKenna (of You're...

Episode 127 || What Did I Read Last?

13 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

You've got a whole stack of what you're going to read next, but what kind of record do you keep of what you've already read? Chris and Annie chat abou...

Episode 126 || Politics and Prose?

06 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Fourth from the Front Porch! Annie and Chris are here to talk about their favorite fake news--which is to say political fiction. Also, fireworks...

Episode 125 || June Reading Recap

29 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's hot as something down here in the South, and Chris and Annie are back to talk about what they read in June. It was a light month of the highest q...

Episode 124 || Summer Reading Recs

22 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Summer has officially begun, so Annie and Chris are here to tell you what you should be reading--whether you're inside to escape the rain or outside w...

Episode 123 || First Impressions

15 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We judge books by their covers so you don't have to. First impressions are important, but are they always right or fair? Annie and Chris talk through ...

Episode 122 || Buy or Borrow?

08 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Do you buy all of your books or do you borrow some? Annie and Chris answer a listener question and discuss their personal libraries, where they get th...

Episode 121 || May Reading Recap

01 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Chris is back to discuss the books he and Annie read in May, one of which doesn't actually come out until next calendar year. Whoops. Also,...

Episode 120 || Love It or Loathe It, Vol. 7

25 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for a book club-style discussion of Katie Kitamura's A Separation. Podcast guests Emily (of You're Maker) and Hunter are back to chat all th...

Episode 119 || The Politics of Being Southern

18 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Chris is pursuing that ever-elusive PhD, so this week, Annie interviewed Sarah Holland from the Pantsuit Politics podcast. In addition to being the le...

Episode 118 || The Other Mother

11 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Annie and Chris talk about "alternative" visions of motherhood for Mother's Day this year, and it takes a weirdly dark turn. Sorry. Get a sneak peek a...

Episode 117 || April Reading Recap

04 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Happy May! It was raining while we recorded this. This week, Annie and Chris talk about the books they read in April. Also, Annie has some Hot Takes o...

Episode 116 || It‘s Indie Bookstore Day!

27 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Chris and Annie give you a peek into the Bookshelf's 2017 Independent Bookstore Day festivities. But if you ...

Episode 115 || A Rose Show by Any Other Name

20 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Won't you follow us down to the Rose Parade? Annie and Chris get ready for an upcoming jam-packed weekend in downtown Thomasville, including Independe...

Episode 114 || Poetry for Beginners

13 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

"They get frustrated when they can't figure out what's going on in the poem. And if they can't figure out what's going on, they have no entrance into ...

Episode 113 || A Literary Mixtape

06 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Chris and Annie try to bring this weekend's Word of [South] festival to you! In miniature concept, anyway. How does one go about pairing books and mus...

Episode 112 || March Reading Recap

30 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Annie and Chris plan their new side business--Sweet and Savory Pizza Stones--but mostly discuss what they read this month and what they plan to finish...

Episode 111 || Spring Cleaning (of the Mind)

23 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Annie and Chris flip the coin on last week's episode and talk about what happens in the between times. How do you cleanse the mental palate or set up ...

Episode 110 || The Virtue of Occasional Sadness

16 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Lots of people asked us why we're always raving about sad books, and they weren't satisfied when we quoted Sally Sparrow and said, "It's happy for dee...

Episode 109 || March Madness 2017

09 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Annie sits down with her husband Jordan for their annual March Madness discussion. This year's book bracket includes The Bookshelf's "sweet sixteen" -...

Episode 108 || February Reading Recap

02 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Annie and Chris walk you through what they read in February while several intrepid Saturday afternoon customers climb over a literal barricade outside...

Episode 107 || Love It or Loathe It, Vol. 6

23 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Annie, Emily, and Hunter discuss Difficult Women by Roxane Gay and try very hard to decide what they think about it!  Also mentioned this week: + ...

Episode 106 || Oscar Season Reading Recs

16 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's Oscar Season, so Annie and Chris are rounding up their favorite books for this year's moviegoers. Also in this episode, a new feature (!!!) and C...

Episode 105 || WWLKD?

09 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's Galentine's Day, so Annie and Chris are answering the question on everyone's mind: What would Leslie Knope read? Also this episode, pipe bombs--t...

Episode 104 || January Reading Recap

02 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Annie and Chris chat about public transit, public urination, and all the books they read in January.  Annie read: +The Underwriting by Michelle Mill...

Episode 103 || Book Club Extravaganza

26 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Annie and Chris get ready for the Bookshelf's upcoming Book Club Fair by discussing their favorite book club picks for 2017 (so far), including: In C...

Episode 102 || Meet the Manager

19 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Chris and Annie chat with the Bookshelf's new manager, Magali Kent, about missionary work, the proper execution of an eye roll, culture shock, and fav...

Episode 101 || Reading Resolutions

12 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

2016 is over, but of reading many books there is no end. In this episode, Annie and Chris talk about their resolutions for the new year and challenge ...

Episode 100 || Mailbag, Vol. 2

05 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

From the Front Porch celebrates episode 100! Annie and Chris answer listener questions about One Book, My Brilliant Friend, and reading translations. ...

Episode 99 || Best Books of 2016

29 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to reflect back on 2016, which means... It's time to recap Annie's favorite books of the year.  + The Mothers by Brit Bennett + Undergro...

Episode 98 || The Pros & Cons of Life in the South (ft. Julia Reed)

15 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

"Grape nuts or sex? It's a no brainer." Food writer and editor Julia Reed popped by the podcast to chat about Southern food culture, holiday entertai...

Episode 97 || November Reading Recap

08 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Annie and Chris work through Annie's books she read in November: + Fun Home + Scrappy Little Nobody + My Brilliant Friend + Talking as Fast as ...

Episode 96 || Love It or Loathe It, Vol. 5

01 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Annie sits down with podcast regular Hunter McLendon and new voice Emily McKenna to discuss Elena Ferrante's international bestseller My Brilliant Fr...

Episode 95 || Thanksgiving and Favorite Cookbooks

23 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Annie and Chris talk Thanksgiving menus and favorite cookbooks.  + The Can't Cookbook + A Southern Gentleman's Kitchen + Jamie's Food Revolution...

Episode 94 || Mailbag, Vol. 1

17 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this unintentionally abbreviated episode of the podcast, Annie and Chris answer a listener email all about finding the time to read.  Have your o...

Bonus Episode || Southern Hospitality with James Farmer

16 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Southern hosts and hostesses, unite! On this special bonus episode, Annie chats with Southern lifestyle guru James Farmer. James is the author of A T...

Episode 93 || October Reading Recap

03 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Annie chats with Chris about the books she read in October:  + Today Will Be Different + Dark Matter + In the Garden of Small Beginnings + Ju...

Episode 92 || By the Book with Annie and Chris

27 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

If you're new to From the Front Porch, this episode will introduce you to hosts Annie and Chris. Learn about their reading tastes, what they do when t...

Episode 91 || Boss Life with Everfan

20 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder what it's like to run a small business start-up? Annie and Chris chat with Scott Chastain, the owner and founder of Everfan, a customizabl...

Episode 90 || Book Talk with Anne Bogel

13 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Anne Bogel of Modern Mrs. Darcy and the What Should I Read Next podcast joins Annie and Chris to chat about book blogging, all those advanced reading...

Episode 89 || September Reading Recap

06 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Annie talks about the effects of stress on her reading life and chats with Chris about the books she read in September. Last month's selections includ...

Episode 88 || Favorite Fall Titles

29 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Curious what the life of a book sales rep might look like? Annie and Chris interview Virginia Price, a sales rep for Penguin Random House. Virginia re...

Episode 87 || Behind the Scenes at SIBA

22 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder what a booksellers conference might look like? Annie chats with her mom about this year's Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA)...

Episode 86 || We'll Be There for You: TV Sitcoms + Bookselling

15 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Author Ann Patchett recently compared bookselling to being on a sitcom. Annie and Chris investigate that claim, comparing their fellow booksellers to...

Episode 85 || Saints of Old Florida

08 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

For some, life on the Gulf Coast is a religion, and now, we've got our very own Bible of sorts: Saints of Old Florida, a gorgeous new lifestyle book ...

Episode 84 || August Reading Recap (aka The Power of Oprah)

01 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Behold, the power of Oprah. Annie and Chris chat about the books Annie read in August, including Oprah's book club book, The Underground Railroad. Th...

Episode 83 || Books in Houses

25 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

"A room without books is a body without a soul," said Cicero, and so we believe. This episode, Annie and Chris talk about the roles books play in hom...

Episode 82 || Taste of Thomasville

18 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

  When you travel, how big of a role does food play in your experience of a new city or town? This episode, Debra Smith, the owner and founder of Ta...

Episode 81 || Harry Potter + Expectations

11 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Have you read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child yet? No spoilers here, but Chris and Annie do chat about their expectations going into the newly rele...

Episode 80 || July Reading Recap

04 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Annie and Chris recap the books Annie read in July, plus they chat about what to do when you're in a reading rut. Books discussed include:  + Comm...

Episode 79 || Love It or Loathe It, Vol. 4

28 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Can't decide if you love or hate a book? This is the podcast series for you. Annie once again joins frequent podcast contributors Hunter McLendon and ...

Episode 78 || Jo Dee Messina, Audiobooks, and Jane Austen with a Southern Accent

21 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Love books, music, and the South? Then we've got the episode for you. Annie and Chris met with the guys of Audible Discernment, a music podcast out of...