The Book Club Review

Join Kate in the historic market town of St. Albans, home to a cathedral, some impressive Roman ruins and one of Kate's favourite independent bookshops. Books on the Hill is owned and run by a mother and daughter duo who launched it just before the pandemic. Listen in and find out what makes it so special, their book club recommendations and discover Kate and Antonia's choices as they each pick three books from the shelves, from new releases to classic gems. Books mentioned: The Wild Places by Robert McFarlane The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald The Sentence by Louise Erdrich Femina by Gina Ramirez The Scent of Flowers at Night by Leila Slïmani Ross Poldark by Winston Graham Queen Victoria by Lytton Strachey The Joy of Small Things by Hannah Jane Parkinson Why Women Grow by Alice Vincent Find Books on the Hill at https://www.books-on-the-hill.co.uk

Join us as professional book-recommender and Bibliotherapy queen Ella Berthoud helps us figure out how to overcome life’s essential problems (if you’re a reader, that is), namely how to cope with all the books there are in the world, what to do when you feel stuck in a reading rut, and the ultimate question, if you’ve started a book you’re not enjoying, should you finish it? We’re also diving into Ella’s latest project, Fiction Prescriptions, a pack of cards with reading recommendations to soothe your soul and offer a cure for modern life, from Ageing through to Boredom via Hangovers and Procrastination.  Booklist Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne The Last Passenger by Will Dean Therese Raquin by Emile Zola Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce The Dream Job by Kiersten Modglin Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel The Overstory by Richard Powers And if you want more from the source do seek out The Novel Cure, co-written with Susan Elderkin, and Ella’s own books The Art of Mindful Reading, and Fiction Prescriptions. If you want to find out more about Ella’s bibliotherapy sessions or any other aspect of her work the link to her website, Ellaberthoud.com, is in the show notes. About us We hope you enjoyed this episode. For our full archive of nearly 150 shows, plus how to sign up to our bi-weekly-ish newsletter and how to support us on Patreon head over to our website, www.thebookclubreview.co.uk, where you'll also find full show notes for this episode and a transcript. Leave us a rating If you enjoy our shows and want to do a nice thing in return please do leave us a quick star rating and review. Wondering how to do that? From apple podcasts click the '...' next to the episode title (under the square graphic) and choose 'go to show'. From there scroll down past the episodes till you find 'Ratings & Reviews'. Tap the stars to add a star rating, tap 'write a review' slightly further down to add a comment. Thank you! Connect with us  Instagram @bookclubreviewpodcast Newsletter sign-up: https://substack.com/@thebookclubreview Patreon: Details coming soon…

Join Sarah Oliver, a literary expert known for her insights on major awards, and Nina Davies, an avid reader sharing her experiences, as they explore the 2023 Women's Prize shortlist. They dive into the emotional depth of 'Demon Copperhead,' discussing its relevance amid societal issues. The conversation also touches on the vibrant narratives found in 'Fire Rush' and the unique perspectives of women in literature. Expect lively debates and personal stories as they navigate the anticipation of the prize announcement with humor and enthusiasm.

Our bookshelf shows are the ones where we get to cut loose and follow our own preferences, so listen in as Kate and Laura swap feel-good early summer reads. Much to their relief after Rodham, the sex in Curtis Sittenfeld's latest novel ROMANTIC COMEDY turns out to be as good as the rest of it. Meanwhile Kate is surprised and entertained by Monica Heisey's REALLY GOOD, ACTUALLY. Via the discerning edit of the books aisle in her upmarket grocery store, Laura discovers PINEAPPLE STREET, and enjoys it hugely. Kate is fascinated and entertained by British actress Miriam Margolyes and her autobiography THIS MUCH IS TRUE, enjoying the social commentary as much as if not more than the showbiz stories (though those are good, too). And finally in a preview of Laura's thoughts on Women's Prize shortlisted DEMON COPPERHEAD, she reports back on what she thought of it. And if you thought you were over re-tellings of Greek myths Kate urges you to think again with STONE BLIND by Natalie Haynes.  Booklist Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld Really Good, Acutally by Monica Heisey Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson This Much is True by Miriam Margolyes Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes and in our current reads section we talked about GREY BEES by Andrey Kurkov, and POD by Laline Paull. https://www.faber.co.uk/journal/cover-design-demon-copperhead/If you were interested by our discussion of the cover design for Demon Copperhead and want to know more, there's a brilliant behind-the-scenes into the design process on Faber's website, here. Get in touch with us and tell us what you’re reading or recommend us a book on Instagram or Facebook @BookClubReview podcast, on Twitter @bookclubrvwpod or email thebookclubreview@gmail.com. Find our full episode archive at thebookclubreview.co.uk and don't forget to like, subscribe, tell a friend, share on social media – it helps us reach new listeners and we really do appreciate it :)

So Many Damn Books is a show that aims to celebrate reading in all its forms, and to do so with a cocktail in hand. For over 200 episodes now Christoper Hermelin has been chatting to authors and crafting them bespoke drinks. From George Saunders and Ruth Ozeki to lesser-known but no less interesting authors, every episode in his archive is a delight. And it was no less of a delight to welcome him onto the Book Club Review podcast. So sit back and enjoy this very special episode, where you'll find out about a Stateside literary cult that's turns out to be an excellent resource should you need a new best friend, a book so good you'll end up dreaming about it, and how to cope when you've gone so deep into the reading world that you can no longer simply buy a book in a bookshop. Luckily, a problem shared is a problem halved, or at least a problem understood! Booklist Important Artifacts and Personal Property from the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris by Leanne Shapton  Skippy Dies by Paul Murray The Boy Detective Fails by Joe Meno Spangle by Gary Jennings Hestia Strikes a Match by Christine Grillo Notes Enjoyed this episode? In the mood for more? Head over to SMDB and listen to Christopher's episode here. Amongst other things we discuss the amazing KICK THE LATCH by Kathryn Scanlan, and lesser-known gem PARNASSUS ON WHEELS by Christoper Morely. Want to know more about the Tournament of Books? 2023 is here Or browse the ToB archive Keen to fall down a nostalgia rabbit hole? Try the Mac vs. PC commercials, but be aware it's half an hour of your life you won't get back. Admin If you’d like to see what we’re up to between episodes do follow us on Instagram or Facebook @BookClubReview podcast, on Twitter @bookclubrvwpod or get in touch direct at thebookclubreview@gmail.com.  Website: https://www.thebookclubreview.co.uk Instagram post: [link coming soon] Newsletter sign-up: https://substack.com/@thebookclubreview Patreon: Coming soon… And if you enjoy our shows and want to do a nice thing in return please do leave us a quick star rating and review. Wondering how to do that? From apple podcasts click the '...' next to the episode title (under the square graphic) and choose 'go to show'. From there scroll down past the episodes till you find 'Ratings & Reviews'. Tap the stars to add a star rating, tap 'write a review' slightly further down to add a comment. Thank you!

Salman Rushdie's most recent novel Victory City was published in February 2023 to much critical acclaim but, as ever here at the Book Club Review, we’re interested in what Laura’s book club made of it. Our friend and pod regular, journalist Philip Chaffee is here to report back, along with first-time guest, avid reader and keen book clubber Charlie Chichester. Listen in for our full and frank discussion, plus our recommendations for follow on reads, and the books we've currently got on the go. Book list Baudolino by Umberto Eco Gentlemen of the Road by Michael Chabon The Princess Bride by William Goldman How Westminster Works and Why it Doesn’t by Ian Dunt Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel Revolutionary Spring by Christopher Clark Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley Enjoyed the show? Want to express your thanks? Here's how: From apple podcasts click the '...' next to the episode title (under the square graphic) and choose 'go to show'. From there scroll down past the episodes till you find 'Ratings & Reviews'. Tap the stars to add a star rating, tap 'write a review' slightly further down to add a comment. Thank you!

Our Bookshelf episodes are the ones dedicated to the books we’re each reading outside of book club, the ones we tend to love because we chose them for ourselves. Laura has been reading the latest from ANIMAL LIFE, the latest novel from podcast favourite, Icelandic author Audur Ava Olafsdottir. A short, quiet novel, but one that struck a chord. She's also been happily working through THE MIRROR VISITOR QUARTET by French author Christelle Dabos. What is it about this epic fantasy series that has her so happily hooked? Kate has been catching up with LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus, the smash hit that tells of scientist turned tv-cooking show presenter Elizabeth Zott. Also on her stack is I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU, by Rebecca Makkai, the New York Times bestseller that has been described as ‘A twisty, immersive whodunit perfect for fans of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History.’ And for a non-fiction palette cleanser she's been reading Saving Time: Discovering Life Beyond the Clock, by artist and writer Jenny Odell. To read it, fellow time-philosopher Oliver Burkeman comments, ‘'is to experience how freedom might feel'. Listen in for all this plus the current reads and books we can't wait to get to, including SUPER-INFINITE by Katherine Rundell, STONE BLIND by Natalie Haynes and MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY buy Winifred Watson. And just why are Laura's book club struggling with Salman Rushdie's latest, VICTORY CITY? NOTES Whenever you listen to this episode if you have thoughts on it we’d love to hear them. Comment anytime on the episode page on our website thebookclubreview.co.uk, where you’ll also find full shownotes, book recommendations and a transcript. Comments there go straight to our inboxes so drop us a line, we always love to hear from you. You can also sign up for our bi-weekly-ish newsletter for extra reviews and recommendations, and find out about our Patreon stream, and how you can support us there. To see what we’re up to between episodes follow us on Instagram @BookClubReview podcast, on Twitter @bookclubrvwpod or get in touch at thebookclubreview@gmail.com. And if you enjoy our shows one other way to support us, as ever, is to tell your bookish friends and help us find new listeners.  

We're joined by friend and journalist Phil Chaffee to discuss FREE by Lea Ypi, a memoir of her Albanian childhood and of life amid the collapse of Communism. The book won the Royal Society of Literature’s Ondaatje prize and was shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford non-fiction prize and was on many a best-book of 2022 list. Both our book clubs read this one, but what did they make of it? We'll be reporting back. We’re also discussing THE SNOW BALL by Brigid Brophy, a swirling, sensual feast that takes place over one night at a New Year’s Eve masquerade ball. The novel was published in 1964 and was something of a scandalous sensation at the time. It has recently been re-released to much acclaim, but what did Kate's book club think of it? We’ll also have some trusty follow-on recommendations to help you find your next great read. Booklist BORDER by Kapka Kassabova SECONDHAND TIME by Svetlana Alexievich HOMELAND ELEGIES by Ayad Akhtar MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY by Winifred Watson 50 GREAT WORKS OF ENGLISH LITERATURE WE COULD DO WITHOUT by Brigid Brophy, Michael Levey and Charles Osborne. Let us know your thoughts, we love to hear from you. Find us on Instagram @bookclubreviewpodcast, on Twitter @bookclubrvwpod or email us at thebookclubrevew@gmail.com. You can also check out the episode page on our website, thebookclubreview.co.uk, where you'll also find full shownotes and a transcript. If you enjoy our shows please support us by telling your bookish friends – we love to reach new listeners.

When in Vancouver, run to the coolest bookstore you can find and interview the owner. Such is the busman's holiday I've recently been enjoying on a visit to Laura's hometown. It also fits nicely into a new series we've been cooking up where we get to indulge our love of independent bookshops. First up is The Paperhound, owned by Kim Koch and Rod Clarke, which offers a fine selection of used and rare, new and notable books. Join me as I chat to Kim and learn about the joys of book collecting and the time she found a signed first edition of Borges' Ficciones in a box of books left on the street. We'll be pulling out some treasures from her shelves and chatting about life in the strange and wonderful world of used-books. Book list A Little Book of Pussy Cats by Louis Wain Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein Aphrodisiacs in your Garden by Charles Connell Minor Detail by Adania Shibli Orwell’s Roses by Rebecca Solnit The Juniper Tree by Barbara Comyns Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins The Paperhound For full shownotes and episode transcript head to our website: The Book Club Review podcast If you’d like to see what we’re up to between episodes follow us on Instagram or Facebook @BookClubReview podcast, on Twitter @bookclubrvwpod or get in touch at thebookclubreview@gmail.com. And if you enjoy our shows one other way to support us, as ever, is to tell your bookish friends and help us find new listeners.

Our bookshelf episodes are the ones where we kick back and talk about the books we’ve been choosing for ourselves outside of our book club reading. And so join us as we get swept away by the French Revolution and Hilary Mantel’s spellbinding book A PLACE OF GREATER SAFETY, consider myth and storytelling with a surprisingly feminist slant thanks to Salman Rushdie’s latest novel, VICTORY CITY, see another side to New York with our guest Phil Chaffee and Chang Rae Lee’s book NATIVE SPEAKER, plan an architectural tour of Norwegian Stave churches thanks to THE BELL AND THE LAKE by Lars Mytting, which Laura reports is a tale of love and drama set among a remote community in 18th-century Norway. We also catch up with Barack Obama’s summer reading pick THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD MOTHERS by Jessamine Chan – with a brief aside to celebrate Kate’s new-found love for Richard and Judy's book club here in the UK. Phil reports back on the FT’s business book of the year, CHIP WAR by Chris Miller, which turns out to be a thumping page-turner, plus we quick fire through a stack of other books we couldn’t bear not to mention. Book list A PLACE OF GREATER SAFETY by Hilary Mantel (Fourth Estate) VICTORY CITY by Salman Rushdie (Penguin) NATIVE SPEAKER by Chang Rae Lee (Granta) THE BELL AND THE LAKE by Lars Mytting (Hachette) THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD MOTHERS by Jessamine Chan CHIP WAR by Chris Miller (Simon & Schuster) Plus THE PEARL by John Steinbeck SHADOW AND CLAW by Gene Wolff CHARLOTTE by David Foenkinos ROSES IN THE MOUTH OF A LION by Bushra Rehman (published in the UK in January 2023, from St. Martin’s Press)   Notes Browse the newsletter archive of Three Lives & Company booksellers, New York.  Our  Emily's Walking Book Club episode # 76 The article Phil mentioned is The 25 Most Significant New York City Novels from the Last 25 Years