Ann Patchett & Emma Straub
Ann Patchett & Emma Straub  
Podcast: Books, Beach, & Beyond
Published On: Tue Jun 02 2026
Description: Elin Hilderbrand and Tim Ehrenberg of Tim Talks Books are back for Season 4 of Books, Beach, & Beyond! The two co-hosts update listeners on their years so far and then introduce returning guests Ann Patchett and Emma Straub, both bookstore owners (Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN, and Books Are Magic in Brooklyn, NY), and both with new books this year. The four talk about bookstores from childhood, what it’s like owning a bookstore, and their favorite books of 2026 so far. They dive into the research for Emma’s new novel published this April,  American Fantasy and discuss the themes of Ann’s newest on shelves this week, Whistler.  The episode ends with a bunch of book recommendations for you to check out. This is an entertaining conversation between four readers and friends to kick off your summer reading. A readers’ dream!Thank you to our Episode Sponsors:Little, BrownNantucket Island ToursAnd a special thank you to our Season 4 Premier Sponsors:Book of the MonthNantucket Book PartnersLittle, BrownBooks Mentioned in this episodeThe Five-Star Weekend by Elin HilderbrandAmerican Fantasy by Emma StraubWhistler by Ann PatchettThis is Not About Us by Allegra GoodmanThe Heir Apparent by Rebecca ArmitageJohn of John by Douglas StuartKin by Tayari JonesThe Reservation by Rebecca KauffmannThe Things We Never Say by Elizabeth StroutLost Lambs by Madeline CashSophie Standing There by Meg MasonHollow Bones by Jodi PicoultDown with the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell MooreThe Shampoo Effect by Jenny JacksonCool Machine by Colson WhiteheadMusic Against the Night by Yiyun LiSorrow and Bliss by Meg MasonPly by Hernan DiazFollow/Subscribe to the 'Books, Beach, & Beyond' podcast now to stay current on new episodes.And find us on Instagram at @booksbeachandbeyondHappy Reading!