A Pair of Bookends

For today's very exciting bonus episode Hannah was joined by the Women's Prize longlisted author of 'The Most Fun We Ever Had' Claire Lombardo to chat all about her new novel 'Same As It Ever Was' (out now in the US, published by Doubleday! UK folk you can pre-order!)We chat about her favourite family saga novels, writing 'nice' men & complicated women, her debut novel's upcoming adaptation and so much more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe to boost us in the charts!You can follow Claire via Instagram or TwitterFor more exclusive content & for less than £3 a month, join us on Patreon, you can also follow us via Instagram, Twitter & Tik TokBooks mentioned in today's episode: Soldier Sailor by Claire KilroyMiddlesex by Jeffrey EugenidesThe Secret History by Donna TarttThe Amateur Marriage by Anne TylerOlive Kitteridge by Elizabeth StroutMy Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth StroutBrother Of The More Famous Jack by Barbara TrapidoThanks so much for listening! If you want to get in touch you can do so via apairofbookendspod@gmail.com

To celebrate Independent Bookshop Week 2024, Hannah interviewed one of her local indie bookshops Serenity Booksellers. We chat about how Kelly and her partner Chris turned their bookshop dreams into a reality, what exciting things they have coming up, why it's important to support our indies and a HUGE list of book recommendations! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you. You can find Serenity Booksellers via their website (subscribe to their mailing list to be in with a chance of winning a £100 voucher for their store) or via Instagram or Facebook.If you're unable to make it in store and wish to support them, the below book recs are linked to Serenity Booksellers bookshop.org page.For more on Independent Bookshop Week visit https://www.booksaremybag.com/Books, indie bookshops & other mentions in this episode: The Coast Road by Alan MurrinWant by Gillian AndersonThe Seven Sisters by Lucinda RileyA Terrible Kindness by Jo Browning WroeOctober, October by Katya BalenGhostlines by Katya BalenJames by Percival EverettHard By A Great Forest by Leo VardiashviliThree Burials by Anders LustgartenThe Many by Wyl MenmuirThe Draw of The Sea by Wyl Menmuir The Heart of The Woods by Wyl Menmuir Small Hours by Bobby PalmerThe Castle (1997 movie, on Amazon Prime)Simply Books, BramhallDark Peak Books & Gifts, GlossopBooka Bookshop, OswestryTruman Books, LeedsWife by Charlotte MendelsonThe Exhibitionist by Charlotte MendelsonStill Life by Sarah WinmanHomecoming by Kate MortonThe House at Riverton by Kate MortonBreakdown by Cathy SweeneyGlorious Exploits by Ferdia LennonAnxious People by Fredrik BackmanGreen Dot by Madeleine GrayCloudstreet by Tim WintonDirt Music by Tim WintonBreath by Tim WintonGould's Book of Fish by Richard FlanaganWanting by Richard Flanagan For Thy Great Pain Have Mercy on My Little Pain by Victoria Mackenzie You Are Here by David NichollsRare Singles by Benjamin MyersThe Unfinished Business of Eadie Browne by Freya NorthOther Women by Emma FlintWhale Fall by Elizabeth O'ConnorStand Up Guy by Nina KayeBaby Reindeer- Netflix Sparrow by James HynesThanks so much for listening, until next time happy reading! 

For today's episode Hannah was joined by Irish author Sarah Gilmartin, to chat all about her latest novel Service (Pushkin Press, out now in paperback)Please be aware this episode contains reference to SA & statistics of SA casesWe chat about what it was like to write from the perspective of a man accused of sexual assault, her experience of working in restaurants, how the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre helped shape the writing of the case in the book and more. It was such an insightful conversation and the book is in Hannah's top reads of the year! If you enjoyed this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you!You can follow Sarah via https://twitter.com/sarahgilmartin_You can email us via apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or follow us Instagram, Twitter  & Tik Tok For more exclusive content with Hannah and friend of the pod Emma Hinds, head to https://www.patreon.com/APairofBookendsBooks & other mentions on the pod:Dinner Party by Sarah GilmartinOld Romantics by Maggie ArmstrongMultitudes by Lucy CaldwellIntimacies by Lucy CaldwellOpenings by Lucy CaldwellBlue Lights- BBC IplayerThanks so much for listening! Until next time, happy reading!

For today's episode I deep dived into the world of Romantasy with social media sensation Carissa Broadbent. We chat about why this genre is so successful, her writing process, what readers have to look forward to with the rest of the series and lots more! If you enjoy this episode, please do rate, review & subscribe so I can reach more of you! The Serpent and the Wings of Night and it's sequel The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King are available now everywhere (UK folk, the sequel is out tomorrow so go pre-order!)You can follow Carissa via Instagram, Tik Tok and TwitterYou can also follow us via Instagram, Twitter and Tik TokBooks & other recs mentioned: The Familiar by Leigh BardugoCastlevania - NetflixFourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J.MaasThe Song of Achilles by Madeline MillerSorrow and Bliss by Meg MasonFor books discussed on each episode, head to: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/apairofbookendspodThanks so much for listening & until next time, happy reading!

Bobby Palmer is back on the pod! Back in November 2022, we chatted to Bobby about his debut novel Isaac and the Egg and had an absolute blast so it was only right to bring him back to chat about his second book Small Hours (out now)We chat about how his relationship with nature has evolved, writing about a memory loss condition, masculinity, writing his third book and all the book reccs your heart could desire! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you. Follow on Instagram @apairofbookendspod, Twitter @apairofbookends and Tik Tok  @apairofbookendsFollow on Patreon for more content: https://www.patreon.com/APairofBookendsFollow Bobby via InstagramBobby's Small Hours Spotify playlist For new episodes of Book Chat with Bobby and Pandora, head to Pandora's Substack https://pandorasykes.substack.com/Charity mentioned: https://foxproject.org.uk/Books, authors & other reccs mentioned in this episode:Rare Singles by Benjamin MyersCuddy by Benjamin MyersThe Perfect Golden Circle by Benjamin MyersWandering Souls by Cecile PinThe Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie MackesyYou are Here by David NichollsWhere the wild things are by Maurice SendakMax PorterGeorge SaundersA Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer EganHis Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae BurnetCase Study by Graeme Macrae Burnet Mrs Dalloway by Virginia WoolfOne Day by David NichollsOh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr.SeussWest by Carys DaviesThe Ministry of Time by Kaliane BradleyHigh Fidelity by Nick HornbyBridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fieldinghttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/8-bridget-joness-diary-and-high-fidelity/id1657017360?i=1000622998970Tales of the City by Armistead MaupinErasure by Percival EverettJames by Percival Everett The Trees by Percival EverettExit West by Mohsin HamidThe Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin HamidThe Last White Man by Mohsin HamidThe Terror (Amazon Prime)The Bear (Disney +)Another Round (Amazon Prime)Thanks so much for listening! Until next time, happy reading!

For today's episode Hannah and Ericka had a completely feral two hours of laughing and talking rubbish and somehow Hannah has managed to edit together an episode! We chat about mothers and daughters, autism, death and grief and so much more, we hope you enjoy! Please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps us to reach more of you. You can follow us via Instagram, Twitter and Tik TokFor extra content head on over to PatreonBuy yourselves a copy of Goodbye Birdie Greenwing and Dog Days and once you have send either myself or Ericka a DM and Ericka will be sending out hand-crocheted ghosts to 'haunt your TBR' You can follow Ericka via Instagram & Twitter For more of her books and dog chat head to her websiteBooks & other mentions in today's episode:The Ministry of Time by Kaliane BradleyEssential Help for your nerves by Dr. Claire WeekesJoined up writing podcast with Ericka Wallerhttps://www.writing.ie/interviews/the-difficult-second-novel-goodbye-birdie-greenwing-by-ericka-waller/The Name of The Wind by Patrick RothfussOne Day - NetflixThe Last Murder at The End of the World by Stuart TurtonThe Devil and The Dark Water by Stuart TurtonHold Back The Night by Jessica MoorYoung Women by Jessica MoorHow we named the stars by Andres N. Ordorica Leave no trace by Jo Callaghan In the blink of an eye by Jo CallaghanFor all books mentioned in episodes and to support indie bookshops, head hereThanks so much for listening! See you next week for a bonus episode! 

For our May Book Club episode we were joined by Women's Prize long-listed author Kirsty Capes, to chat about her new novel Girls, out tomorrow! We chat about sisterhood, art, mental health, grief and so much more and 'Girls' is a devastating and remarkable book that we couldn't recommend enough. You can follow Kirsty via Instagram or TwitterIf you enjoyed this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you! Follow us via Instagram, Twitter and Tik TokThis is Lydia's final episode on the pod, we couldn't have ever predicted the podcast to take off in the way it has & we've worked on so many incredible interviews together like this one and if you want to keep up with Lydia's book chat you can find her via https://www.youtube.com/@LydiaLostthePlotBooks & other recs mentioned in this episode: Careless by Kirsty CapesMy Sister, the serial killer by Oyinkan BraithwaiteLittle Miss Sunshine- Disney +Taylor Jenkins ReidLady Bird - NetflixThe Florida ProjectA Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam ToewsWomen Talking - PrimeGreen Dot by Madeleine Gray Penance by Eliza ClarkThanks so much for listening & for your support! See you next week, Hannah x

Some podcast updates & an exciting announcement! Go follow over on Patreon to support us, it's been a v weird time and I hope you'll stay with me on this journey. Big love x

For today's episode in the Debut Spotlight series, I was joined by author Alan Murrin to chat all about his upcoming novel 'The Coast Road' which is out in the UK tomorrow (Bloomsbury).You can order your copy of The Coast Road here.We chat about our favourite Irish phrases, writing complicated women, that Gillian Anderson endorsement and much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so I can reach more of you! You can also follow me @apairofbookendspod on Instagram and @apairofbookends on Twitter and Tik Tok. Book tix for Alan's upcoming event: https://allevents.in/london/alan-murrin-lucy-caldwell-and-sarah-crossan-at-waterstones-tcr/10000884067929977Books & other mentions on this episode: A Case of Knives by Candia McWilliam What to look for in Winter by Candia McWilliam William TrevorOlive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout Nora Webster by Colm TóibínThe Green Road by Anne Enright The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright Landscapers - Now TVCritics at Large- The New Yorker podcastTo buy any of the books mentioned today click hereThanks so much for listening, until next time- happy reading! 

Welcome back Bookends to the first in the 4th season of our Debut Spotlight series, for today's episode Hannah was in conversation with author Nathan Newman! Aswell as deep diving into their debut novel 'How to leave the house', we chat about their experience of being mentored by Zadie Smith, adapting their novel for TV and life lived online. If you enjoy this ep, please do rate, review & subscribe so I can reach more of you!Buy How To Leave The House here (out tomorrow)Follow Nathan on InstagramYou can follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Tik TokBooks & other recs mentioned on this ep: White Teeth by Zadie SmithThe Autograph Man by Zadie SmithGrand Union by Zadie SmithSons and Lovers by D.H LawrenceLady Chatterley's Lover by D.H LawrenceBaby Reindeer- Netflix For the full list of recs mentioned in all episodes click hereThanks so much for listening, until next time- happy reading! x

For today's episode we were joined by New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth to chat all about her latest novel Darling Girls (as always, spoiler free!)We talk about her research into foster care, her infamous plot twists, how she writes a book every year and more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you. To buy Sally's book 'Darling Girls', click here.You can also follow Sally on  Instagram  and to find out more about her work you can head to her website.You can follow us via Instagram, Twitter and Tik Tok.Books, authors & other recs mentioned in this episode: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth StroutAnne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery Liane Moriarty Jane HarperEmily GiffinDr Death - Amazon Prime Thanks so much for listening! Until next time, happy reading! 

Welcome to our April Book Club episode where Hannah spoke to bestselling thriller author Harriet Tyce about her latest novel, our book pick for April 'A Lesson in Cruelty'. We spoke about her journey from barrister to author, representation of criminals, why she chooses to explore alcoholism in her writing and much more, we also get a sneaky insight into what Harriet is working on next! If you enjoy this episode, please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you! To buy A Lesson in Cruelty and for the full list of books & authors mentioned in today's episode click here.You can follow Harriet via Instagram, Twitter and Tik Tok If you'd like to follow us you can do so via Instagram, Twitter and Tik TokThanks so much for listening! Until next time, happy reading x

Welcome back Bookends to the FINALE of Season 3 in our Debut Spotlight series, can you believe it?! For this episode we thought who better than Georgina Moore, her debut novel The Garnett Girls is a Sunday Times bestseller and not only that but Georgina is also an award-winning book publicist who has worked with prolific authors such as Maggie O'Farrell! We chat about what it's like working on both sides of the industry, why the Isle of Wight is such a special place to her, writing older female characters and so much more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps us to reach more of you!Please note: this episode contains discussion around alcoholism. Buy your copy of The Garnett Girls here.You can follow Georgina on Twitter, Instagram and Tik TokIf you want to give us a follow you can do so via Instagram, Twitter and Tik Tok or you can email us apairofbookendspod@gmail.comBooks mentioned in this episode: The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire LombardoSame As It Ever Was by Claire LombardoLong Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-AknerCareless by Kirsty CapesGirls by Kirsty CapesBehind the scenes at the museum by Kate AtkinsonThe Shell Seekers by Rosamunde PilcherThe Camomile Lawn by Mary WesleyThe Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane HowardGoodbye Birdie Greenwing by Ericka WallerThanks so much for listening and until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to another episode in our Debut Spotlight series, for this episode we were joined by author of The Voyageur which is out tomorrow & published by Swift Press. We spoke to Paul about the real people that inspired his novel, why he thinks it's important to write bodily functions, not shying away from brutality and violence in his writing and more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you! For more exclusive content please head to our Patreon and if you'd like to follow us you can do so here: https://www.instagram.com/apairofbookendspod/ https://twitter.com/apairofbookends & https://www.tiktok.com/@apairofbookendsTo buy Paul's book: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13480/9781800753150You can also follow Paul on GoodreadsBooks & other recs mentioned: For our full online shop click hereThe Name of The Rose by Umberto EcoHalf of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieBlood Meridian by Cormac McCarthyMcGlue by Ottessa MoshfeghBy Gaslight by Steven PricePet Sematary by Stephen KingSalem's Lot by Stephen KingThe Book Review podcast: Looking Back at 50 Years of Stephen KingTennis Lessons by Susannah DickeyCommon Decency by Susannah Dickey Sparrow by James HynesThe Guest by Emma ClineThe Girls by Emma ClineThanks so much for listening! Until next time, happy reading. Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to another episode in our Debut Spotlight series, for today's episode we were joined by author of 'Sparks of Bright Matter' which is published by Eriu in the UK & Ireland tomorrow! We chat to Leeanne about her literary influences, creativity and motherhood, her research process for the book and so much more! Let us know if you enjoy this episode by leaving us a rating or a review wherever you get your podcasts.To buy the book: Sparks of Bright Matter (11th April)To follow Leeanne: InstagramTo listen to Leeanne's podcast: Into The Mythic - Ancient Irish Stories for Modern TimesBooks mentioned: The Hours by Michael CunninghamMrs Dalloway by Virginia WoolfWaiting For Godot by Samuel Beckett1984 by George OrwellThe Waves by Virginia WoolfMatrescence by Lucy JonesColours of London: A History by Peter AckroydMidnight's Children by Salman RushdieA Home at the End of the World by Michael CunninghamAnna Karenina by Leo TolstoyThe Bean Trees by Barbara KingsolverPigs in Heaven by Barbara KingsolverProdigal Summer by Barbara KingsolverThe Poisonwood Bible by Barbara KingsolverMissing Persons, Or My Grandmother's Secrets by Clair WillsSmall Things Like These by Claire KeeganFor more exclusive content follow us on Patreon for less than £3 a monthYou can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Tik TokThanks so much for listening, until next time- happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to a bumper monthly culture round-up to make up for the delay, unfortunately Lydia was unable to record so Hannah was joined by friend of the pod and author of The Knowing, Emma Hinds. Aswell as our recommendations for March we discuss the Women's Prize for Fiction longlist, those Emily Henry casting theories and the iconic Cowboy Carter album. Currently reading: Emma- Meet Me at the Surface by Jodie MatthewsHannah- The Voyageur by Paul CarlucciEmma's RecsHozier- Unheard EPAmerican Fiction - Amazon PrimePrivate Rites by Julia ArmfieldEleanor Among The Saints by Rachel Mann@aljazeeraenglishHannah's RecsJamie Dornan on Desert Island DiscsPoor Things- Disney + Annie Bot by Sierra GreerMr Bates vs The Post Office - ITVXMatrescence by Lucy JonesLink to Emma's upcoming event: Coming Out of the Cage: A Queer Genre Panel at Waterstones PiccadillyFollow Emma: https://www.instagram.com/elphreads/Other mentions: Headshot by Rita BullwinkelBeach Read by Emily HenryBook Lovers by Emily HenryThe Bear - Disney +Shameless PodcastIan Wright on Desert Island DiscsKinds of Kindness Trailer - New Yorgos Lanthimos & Emma Stone movieThe End We Start From by Megan HunterIf you enjoyed this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you! Link to our bookshop page to buy the books mentioned today, support us and local bookshops. Follow us on Patreon for more exclusive content. You can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Tik Tok.Thanks so much for listening & happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends! With lots going on in the background we were unable to record our episode for last week so we hope you'll forgive us for missing a week. The new installment in our Debut Spotlight series is with the incredible writer/performer Roxy Dunn, whose debut novel 'As Young As This' publishes tomorrow with Penguin Fig Tree.For this episode we discuss the life of a creative, rejection, fertility and so much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you!For exclusive content from us sign up to our Patreon for less than £3 a month!Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Tik Tok.To buy 'As Young As This': https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13480/9780241632697You can follow Roxy on Instagram, Twitter and Tik TokBooks & other recs mentioned: As Young As This by Roxy DunnBig Sexy Lunch by Roxy DunnClowning by Roxy DunnThe Vulnerables by Sigrid NunezWhat Are You Going Through by Sigrid NunezThe Panic Years by Nell FrizzellThe Panic Years podcastMy Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout Lucy By The Sea by Elizabeth StroutIntermezzo by Sally Rooney Margaret DrabbleAmerican Fiction (Film)- adapted from Erasure by Percival EverettOne Day - NetflixPoor Things- Disney +Thanks so much for listening! Until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Hey Bookends! Apologies for the lack of episode last week, it's been a hectic month so we had a week off but are back with the latest instalment in our Debut Spotlight series! For this episode we chatted to the brilliant Ursula Villarreal-Moura, author of debut novel Like Happiness and the flash fiction collection Math for the self-crippling.We chat about how she kept the faith in her novel after it went out on submission 3 times before being picked up, writing power dynamics in relationships, why she rereads books and so much more. As Ursula is a professor aswell as a writer, her recommendations were truly top tier in this! We hope you enjoy & please do rate, review & subscribe to the pod to show your support, it means the world. To get extra exclusive content you can sign up to our Patreon for less than £3! You can follow us on Instagram,Twitter and Tik TokTo contact Ursula and keep updated on her work you can find her here.Books & Authors mentioned in this episode: Confessions by Kanae MinatoWhen The Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueenWhat Remains at the End by Alexandra FordRoberto Bolaño The Driver's Seat by Muriel SparkRobinson by Muriel SparkSigrid NunezHijab Butch Blues: A Memoir by Lamya HThere There by Tommy OrangeWandering Stars by Tommy OrangeOrdinary Human Failings by Megan NolanActs of Desperation by Megan NolanThanks so much for listening, until next time- happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome to our March Book Club episode where today our episode coincides with the release of the breathtaking memoir Unearthing by Kyo Maclear. We were so thrilled to be joined by Kyo to chat all about her book, we discuss the DNA test that changed her life, her evolving relationship with her mother, finding an appreciation for nature and how that helped her through the grieving process and so much more. This was such a wonderful conversation and we really hope you get as much from it as we did! Please do rate, review & subscribe if you can as it helps us reach more of you!To gain extra exclusive content from us, follow our PatreonYou can also give us a follow via Instagram, Twitter or Tik Tok or email us apairofbookendspod@gmail.comTo grab your own copy of Unearthing, you can buy it here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13480/9781911590958To follow Kyo: via InstagramBooks & authors mentioned on the episode: Wrong Norma by Anne CarsonMaurice Sendak John BergerMy Brilliant Friend by Elena FerranteKyo's recommendation:My Brilliant Friend (TV adaptation) - Now TVThanks so much for listening. Until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends, we apologise for the delay on this one but after some difficult news last week we needed to postpone editing.Here is our Feb Book Club episode with the astounding debut author Leo Vardiashvili, his book Hard by a Great Forest has been endorsed by the likes of literary legend Khaled Hosseini and was swept up by Bloomsbury in an overnight pre-empt and we cannot emphasise enough how much we loved it. On this episode we discuss Leo's experiences as a refugee and how that informed his novel, Georgian hospitality, the hysterical true story of Zoo animals storming the streets of his home town and so much more. Please do rate, review & subscribe if you enjoy this episode, it helps us hugely!If you wish to buy Leo's book (you should!): https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13480/9781526659828To follow Leo: Goodreads & TwitterFor more exclusive content from us please head on over to our PatreonYou can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Tik TokLeo's upcoming events: https://oxfordliteraryfestival.org/literature-events/2024/march-21/memories-of-flight-fictionalising-georgias-2008-war-with-russiahttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-leo-vardiashvili-tickets-779317618977Books discussed on this episode: Wandering Souls by Cecile PinSpoilt Creatures by Amy TwiggOne Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest by Ken KeseyThe Road by Cormac McCarthyNo Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthyThe Lord of The Rings by J.R.R.TolkienThe Instrumentalist by Harriet ConstableThanks so much for listening. Until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

It's monthly culture round-up time, yay! On today's episode aswell as giving our recommendations for the month, we chat all about the inaugural Women's Prize for Non-Fiction longlist, the BAFTAs and what we're excited for in the coming month!Apologies for Hannah's echo-ey sound on this one, we've done our best to rectify on the edit! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you! You can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Tik Tok or you can email us apairofbookendspod@gmail.comFor extra exclusive content head on over to our Patreon!Currently reading:Unearthing by Kyo MaclearLydia's picks:One Day (Netflix)Texas Hold'Em - BeyoncéIn Ascension by Martin MacInneshttps://www.youtube.com/@SavidgeReadsNyad (Netflix)Hannah's picks:One Day (Netflix) Texas Hold'Em - BeyoncéBooker Prize podcast on Sally Rooney's Normal People: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/why-sally-rooneys-normal-people-is-more-than-just-a/id720041386?i=1000643759310All of Us Strangers Other mentions:For the full list of books mentioned in today's episode visit: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/february-monthly-culture-round-uphttps://www.instagram.com/archivist_readerDa'vine Joy Randolph BAFTA acceptance speech-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXR5i6Tq3tESamantha Morton BAFTA acceptance speech-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRWsuuZTRLMThe High Low Podcast on Unconscious Bias: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/womens-unconscious-bias-towards-other-women-kim-kardashians/id1211338187?i=1000401176120Marriage Story (Netflix)Sky Arts Book ClubWhat we're excited for in March:OscarsAlice & Jack (Channel 4)Prima Facie by Suzie MillerAnnie Bot by Sierra GreerPaper Names by Susie LuoSmall Hours by Bobby PalmerThanks so much for listening, Han & Lyd x

Welcome back to the latest episode in our Debut Spotlight series, for this episode we were joined by the wonderful Miranda Pountney, author of 'How to be somebody else'. We chat about the impact Tessa Hadley had on her road to publication, what living in New York is really like, affairs (obviously!) and so much more, we hope you enjoy this as much as we did! If you have time please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you! Follow us on Patreon, Instagram, Twitter and Tik TokTo buy 'How to be somebody else': https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/how-to-be-somebody-else-miranda-pountney/7496635?aid=13480&ean=9781787332102To follow Miranda: https://www.instagram.com/mirandapountneyBooks & other recommendations disccused on this episode: In the cut by Susanna MooreThe Artist's Way by Julia CameronThe Bell Jar by Sylvia PlathArgonauts by Maggie NelsonHere is New York by E.B White Mrs Dalloway by Virginia WoolfBetween the Acts by Virginia WoolfMotherhood by Sheila HetiAlphabetical Diaries by Sheila HetiMiranda's Recommendation:https://www.instagram.com/heyemmet/?hl=enThanks so much for listening! Until next time, happy reading x

For today's Bonus Books we were joined by Australian Author Katherine Brabon, whose latest novel Body Friend completely blew us away. We chat about her experiences of living with chronic pain, what it was like to transfer that onto the page, creating characters that personified the inner struggle of choosing to rest and so much more, this was such a great conversation and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did! If you like what we do and want to support our work & gain exclusive content for less than £3 a month, follow us on Patreon.Please do rate, review & subscribe on your preferred podcast platform, it means the world!To follow us: Instagram, Twitter and Tik Tok.To buy Body Friend (UK): https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13480/9781761152597To follow Katherine: https://www.instagram.com/katherinebrabon/Books, authors & other recs mentioned on today's episode: The Long Form by Kate BriggsA Shining by Jon FosseNatalia GinzburgHelen GarnerGerald MurnaneAlexis WrightIn Plaster poem by Sylvia PlathSally RooneyRachel CuskW.G. SebaldSeptology by Jon FosseAliss At The Fire by Jon FosseKillers of the flower moon (Movie)Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to another episode in our Debut Spotlight series, where we shine the light on the freshest authors and their work. Today we bring you an episode with the wonderful Sarah Marsh, author of 'A Sign of Her Own' which is out now and published by Tinder Press.We chat about the importance of community for Deaf people, Sarah's research process (including bringing Alexander Graham Bell back to life!), the writers that have inspired her and so much more!If you enjoy this episode, please do rate review & subscribe as it helps us more than you can imagine! You can now also gain an exclusive extra monthly episode amongst other benefits for less than the price of a cup of coffee by supporting us on Patreon. If you want to follow us you can do so @apairofbookendspod on Instagram and @apairofbookends on Twitter or Tik Tok or email us with your book recs and feedback at apairofbookendspod@gmail.comPodcast Transcript: https://freepodcasttranscription.com/transcription/e808b8c3edd2d7f1a7b651aec5cd1010567dadec.srtTo buy 'A Sign of Her Own': https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13480/9781035401611To follow Sarah: https://twitter.com/SarahCMarshBook tix for Sarah's upcoming event: https://www.favershamliteraryfestival.org/index.php/purls/2024-events-url/2024-main-events-table/sarah-marsh-and-lesley-mcdowell Books & authors discussed: Pod by Laline Paull Sebastian BarryMarilynne RobinsonTrue Biz by Sara Novic The Perseverance by Raymond Antrobus Chattering: Stories by Louise SternIsmael and His Sisters by Louise SternUntil next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Hey Bookends! Welcome to the FIRST in our brand new series: the monthly culture round-up where we chat about all of the recommendations we've been enjoying over the last month and boy are you in for a treat today! As always if you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps us massively and if you have any recommendations you want to get in touch with please do send them us via DM on Instagram, Twitter or Tik Tok. You can also email us apairofbookendspod@gmail.comCurrently Reading: Good Material by Dolly AldertonPiglet by Lottie HazellLydia's Picks: Saltburn (Amazon Prime)The New York Times Book Review PodcastGodkiller by Hannah KanerSociety of the snow (Netflix)Extraordinary Attorney Woo (Netflix)Hannah's Picks:Good Grief (Netflix)Paul Mescal on Chicken Shop DateMy Husband by Maud VenturaSentimental Garbage Podcast - Robbie Williams with Dolly AldertonBlue Lights (BBC)Other mentions:Dan Levy on How to FailBirnam Wood by Eleanor CattonHot OnesAmelia Dimoldenberg on The Louis Theroux podcastPaul Mescal on The Louis Theroux podcastMoney Heist (Netflix)Yellowjackets (Paramount +/ Amazon Prime)Robbie Williams Docuseries (Netflix)Everything is Content podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-7-mob-wife-winter-reboot-fatigue-and-poor-things/id1719284496?i=1000642162941Strangers by Taichi YamadaPoor Things by Alasdair GrayI See Buildings Fall Like Lightning by Keiran GoddardHourglass by Keiran GoddardNuclear Family by Kate DaviesIn at the deep end by Kate DaviesIn Ascension by Martin MacInnesThanks so much for listening! Han & Lyd x

The woman of the hour, the book of the moment! On today's show we bring you the incredible Madeleine Gray, author of GREEN DOT- whose publishing journey is unlike anything we've heard before. We chat about why we love an affair narrative, why she wanted to write about working in retail, the representation of positive father/daughter dynamics and so much more. It was a DELIGHT to chat to Madeleine and we hope you love this episode as much as we did!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps us to reach more listeners and means the absolute world. You can follow us on all social platforms: https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspod or get in touch with us via email apairofbookendspod@gmail.comYou can also follow Madeleine: hereBook tix for upcoming events with Madeleine: https://www.waterstones.com/events/in-conversation-with-madeleine-gray/manchester-deansgatehttps://www.waterstones.com/events/madeleine-gray-in-conversation-with-pandora-sykes-at-waterstones-piccadilly/london-piccadillyhttps://www.book-ish.co.uk/event/an-evening-with-madeleine-gray/To buy the books discussed on today's episode including Green Dot (published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson and out in the UK tomorrow!) : https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/madeleine-gray-episode?Other recommendations mentioned:My Education by Susan Choi A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing by Jessie TuDress Rehearsals by Madison Godfreyhttps://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/the-evil-mistress-trope-is-tired-i-empathise-with-the-other-woman-20230921-p5e6i2.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/21/madeleine-gray-a-shop-can-be-your-castle-adventures-in-the-retail-trainDeadloch (Prime) Thanks so much for listening, until next time- happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to an exciting January minisode where we were joined by the brilliant, award-winning documentary filmmaker Emma Goude. We discuss how she turned her experiences with psychosis into her memoir My Beautiful Psychosis, the importance of having a support system in place and her time working at the BBC. If you wish to follow more of Emma and her work you can do so here.To check out Emma's book and other books/authors we discussed on today's episode: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/emma-goude-episode?Other recommendations mentioned: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/if-i-ruled-the-world-by-gillian-burke/id1715887715If you enjoyed this episode, please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps us to reach more of you! If you wish to follow us you can do so here.Thanks so much for listening and until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to a new Debut Spotlight episode, this time we were joined by the incredible Kate Brody, author of 'Rabbit Hole' which is out in the UK TODAY! (Our lucky U.S listeners have had it a couple of weeks already!)Aswell as hearing about the journey in having her debut novel published, we chat about sister dynamics, grief and so much more... Hannah of course also asked how a debut novelist ended up with an endorsement from actor Mila Kunis?! We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did, as always please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps to boost us in the charts!If you want to follow us you can do so via this link: https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodTo follow Kate: Instagram & Twitter/ XTo buy 'Rabbit Hole' and to see all other recommendations discussed today: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/kate-brody-episode? Other recs discussed: Book of Ayn by Lexi FreimanBlue Sisters by Coco MellorsYours For The Taking by Gabrielle KornIf you wish to get in touch with recommendations, feedback or for interview requests please email us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com, we love to hear from you! Thanks so much for listening & until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Happy new year Bookends! Our first Book Club episode of the year is dedicated to The Knowing by friend of the pod Emma Hinds, it was only right that we brought Emma back to chat all about her debut novel, how she kept going in the face of rejections, why it's important to represent disabled characters in the way she did, the feminist issues she feels particularly passionate about writing and so much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you and if you'd like to give us a follow on socials or contact us, you can do so here: Get in touch!Buy Tickets for 'The Knowing' Book Launch @ Queer Lit, Manchester To buy 'The Knowing': https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-knowing-emma-hinds/7565411?ean=9781915798138To follow Emma: Instagram & TwitterTo follow Mya (Illustrator of The Knowing): InstagramBooks & Authors discussed on this episode: Boy Parts by Eliza ClarkThe Wager by David GrannKillers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David GrannGood Material by Dolly AldertonWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëJane Eyre by Charlotte BrontëThe Bloody Chamber by Angela CarterBeloved by Toni MorrisonSarah WatersPat BarkerKirsty LoganJulia ArmfieldThe Matrix by Lauren GroffSmall Worlds by Caleb Azumah NelsonOpen Water by Caleb Azumah NelsonThings Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke by Eric LaRoccaStrange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami/ Translation by Allison Markin Powell Morgan is my name by Sophie KeetchCirce by Madeline MillerHex by Rebecca Dinerstein KnightA Memoir of My Former Self: A Life in Writing by Hilary MantelThank you so much for listening! Until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Merry Christmas Bookends! What a gorgeous way to end 2023 with our finale - the Christmas special of dreams with the brilliant Saphire from Book Bodega! As always if you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe as it massively helps us to reach more of you. We chat through our top books of the year, what 2024 books should be on your pre-order lists and the bookish ghosts of our past, present and future, all of this and more in today's episode...To get the full list of the books spoken about in today's episode please visit: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/a-pair-of-bookends-guest-episodeFollow Book Bodega: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/bookbodega, https://www.instagram.com/bookbodega/?hl=enListen to Novel Thoughts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/novel-thoughts/id1721722638To follow us: https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodThanks so much for listening, for reasons beyond our control Lydia was unable to record the Christmas special but we both wish you a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year, we'll see you for more in 2024 but until then, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to a very exciting episode in collaboration with the 2023 Polari Prize. For today's episode Hannah was joined by writer Julia Armfield to discuss her award-winning debut novel 'Our Wives Under The Sea' which our OG Bookends will remember was our second ever Book Club pick! To read more about this year's Polari Prize: https://www.polarisalon.com/copy-of-polari-prize-1Aswell as discussing her Polari prize win, we chat about the ways in which Julia has been inspired by Stephen King, the parallels she has found between horror and romance and how a place in her novel represents the horror of bureaucracy!In today's episode we also feature some questions from some of our wonderful listeners who you can follow below: Emma Hinds (author of The Knowing, out Jan 2024) - https://www.instagram.com/elphreadsMeg (Book Blogger- https://www.instagram.com/meg.in.a.book/?hl=en-gb)Georgia (Book Blogger- https://www.instagram.com/georgiadoesbooks/)Alice (Book Blogger- https://www.instagram.com/mostardentlyalice/?hl=en)To buy Our Wives Under The Sea: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/our-wives-under-the-sea-julia-armfield/6454886?ean=9781529017250To pre-order Private Rites: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/private-rites-julia-armfield/7593552?ean=9780008608033To follow Julia: https://www.instagram.com/juliakarmfield/Books/ Authors/ Other media discussed: K2: Triumph and Tragedy by Jim CurranLolita by Vladimir NabokovThe Stand by Stephen KingIt by Stephen King'Salem's Lot by Stephen King Misery by Stephen KingDanse Macabre by Stephen KingSarah WatersPortrait of a lady on fire - NetflixMy Summer of Love by Helen CrossSugar Rush - Channel 4Private Rites by Julia Armfield Blue Nights by Joan DidionGeek Love by Katherine Dunn The Secret History by Donna TarttIf you enjoy this episode, please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps to boost us in the charts! You can follow us @apairofbookendspod on instagram and @apairofbookends on Twitter and Tik Tok. Thanks so much for listening, until next time, happy reading! x

Welcome Bookends to our December Bonus Books Special with the brilliant author & journalist Sarra Manning. Here to chat about her latest novel 'The Man Of Her Dreams', we deep-dive into all things rom-com, what makes them good, what makes them bad and what is it like to write the sex scenes? Aswell as this, Hannah invites Sarra into a festive quick-fire round where we find out what Sarra really thinks of Richard Curtis films, what her favourite festive read is and which Pride and Prejudice adaptation she thinks is best. All of this and more in today's ep! To buy The Man of Her Dreams: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-man-of-her-dreams-the-brilliant-new-rom-com-from-the-author-of-london-with-love-sarra-manning/7438105?ean=9781399707831To follow Sarra: https://www.instagram.com/sarra_manning/?hl=enTo follow us or drop us an email: https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodAs always, if you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you!Books & Other mentions: The Painter's Daughters by Emily HowesGreen Dot by Madeleine Gray Under Your Spell by Laura WoodI Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith Ballet Shoes by Noel StreatfeildLove Actually - Now TVThe Holiday - Netflix Pride and Prejudice (1995) - BBC Iplayer Thanks so much for listening, until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome Bookends, it's been a while! We've got a fabulous November Bonus Books special for you today and as Hannah is already feeling festive, we've got something festive up our sleeves (yes that includes gifts)! Hannah was joined by author B.K Borison to discuss her romance series 'Lovelight Farms' which is out now and published by Pan Macmillan. In line with the release of this episode, Pan Macmillan have very kindly offered to send one of our lucky listeners the full series, head to our socials to find out how you can win! https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodIt was a joy to be joined by B.K Borison- we discuss why her book is compared to Gilmore Girls, how social media has enhanced her author experience, those steamy sex scenes and so much more, we really hope you enjoy this as much as we did!To buy 'Lovelight Farms': https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/lovelight-farms-the-feel-good-friends-to-lovers-romcom-sensation-b-k-borison/7413673?ean=9781035028856To follow B.K Borison: https://www.instagram.com/authorbkborison/?hl=enBooks & Authors mentioned: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica JoyceThe Hating Game by Sally ThorneKennedy RyanEmily HenryAli HazelwoodThe Mistletoe Motive by Chloe LieseWreck The Halls by Tessa BaileyA Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra SimonePlease do rate, review & subscribe if you enjoyed this episode so we can reach more of you! Thank you so much for listening, happy reading x

Welcome Bookends to an incredibly special episode in collaboration with the 2023 Forward Prizes for Poetry. For this episode, Hannah was joined by winner of Best Collection, Jason Allen-Paisant. We talk about his experience of winning the prize, the inspiration behind his award-winning collection, how he felt connected to Shakespeare's Othello and so much more. It was a really interesting and thought-provoking conversation and such an honour to hear Jason read his work aloud, we hope you enjoy! To buy Jason's collection 'Self-Portrait as Othello': https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/self-portrait-as-othello-jason-allen-paisant/7398755?ean=9781800173101To buy his previous collection 'Thinking with Trees': https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/thinking-with-trees-jason-allen-paisant/5070456?ean=9781800171138To pre-order his upcoming book 'Engagements with Aimé Césaire': https://global.oup.com/academic/product/engagements-with-aim-csaire-9780192867223?cc=gb&lang=en&To follow Jason & his work: https://www.instagram.com/jallenpaisant/, https://www.jasonallenpaisant.com/Books discussed: Bad Diaspora Poems by Momtaza MehriA Change in the Air by Jane ClarkeNever Was by H. Gareth GavinIf you enjoyed this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you! You can follow us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram and @apairofbookends on Twitter & Tik Tok, or get in touch with us via email apairofbookendspod@gmail.comThanks so much for listening, until next time, happy reading! x

Welcome back Bookends! We are back with the first episode in our THIRD season of Debut Spotlight - where we bring you the freshest debut authors and their work.For this episode we were joined by author and curator Celina Baljeet Basra, to discuss her upcoming novel 'Happy'. We talk about the inspiration for her young, ambitious protagonist, the importance of sharing stories of migrant workers & their working conditions, the unusual structure of her novel and the space she curates for herself to write in, amongst much more! We hope you enjoy this episode, please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you. To pre-order 'Happy' (UK listeners): https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/happy-celina-baljeet-basra/7357029?ean=9781035405886To follow Celina: https://www.instagram.com/celinabasra/?hl=enIf you wish to follow us, you can do so @apairofbookendspod on Instagram and @apairofbookends on Twitter and Tik Tok. Books & other recommendations discussed: Flights by Olga TokarczukDo You Remember Being Born?: A Novel by Sean MichaelsDelhi-6 (Movie) Masakali by Mohit Chauhan (song from Delhi-6)Uski Roti (Movie)https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/17312 - Dough by Video Artist Mika RottenbergDo get in touch with us with any of your own recommendations, we love hearing them! apairofbookendspod@gmail.com

Welcome back Bookends to another Book Club episode, for October we chose Land of Milk and Honey, the second novel from Booker Prize long-listed author C.Pam Zhang. For this episode we were thrilled to be joined by the author herself to chat all about the world of her novel. Our conversation covered food, class, climate change, family and how lots of these things play into one another, it was such a thought-provoking conversation & we can't wait to hear what you think!As always, please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you.To get in touch please do email us at apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can follow us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram and @apairofbookends on Twitter and Tik Tok!Books & other recommendations discussed: I'm a fan by Sheena PatelPilgrim Bell: Poems by Kaveh AkbarHome Body by Rupi KaurC.Pam Zhang for Esquire on grief & her Grandmother's cooking: https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/a45123237/c-pam-zhang-taste-of-her-care/Women Talking - Amazon PrimeMobility: A Novel by Lydia KieslingSmoking Goat (Restaurant, Shoreditch)Ahsoka (Disney +)To buy Land of Milk and Honey: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/land-of-milk-and-honey-c-pam-zhang/7419911?ean=9781529153668To follow Pam: https://www.instagram.com/cpamzhang/?hl=en-gbThank you so much for listening! Until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome Bookends to our October Bonus episode where Hannah was joined by the international best-selling author Victoria Hislop to chat all about her latest novel 'The Figurine' Unfortunately Lydia was ill for this episode but Hannah had a wonderful conversation with Victoria about her passion for Greek culture, her immersive research process, the ways in which Emily Brontë influences her writing and so much more. As always if you enjoyed this episode, please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you! To buy Victoria's book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-figurine-the-brand-new-novel-from-the-no-1-sunday-times-bestselling-author-of-the-island-victoria-hislop/7498481?ean=9781472263933To follow Victoria and her work: https://www.victoriahislop.com/https://www.instagram.com/vichislop/?hl=en-gbTo follow/contact us: https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodBooks & other recs discussed:Fifteen Wild Decembers by Karen PowellWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëOppenheimerBoiling Point - BBC Iplayer Thanks so much for listening, until next time- happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to the finale of Season 2 of our Debut Spotlight series, where we shine the spotlight on the freshest authors and their work! For this episode we were joined by the brilliant Australian author of 'Sad Girl Novel', Pip Finkemeyer. We discuss why we love a sad girl novel, the beauty and intensity of female friendship, her positive debut publishing experience and so much more! We hope you enjoy this conversation and as always, please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you. To follow us: https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodTo buy Pip's book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/sad-girl-novel-pip-finkemeyer/7438218?ean=9781399723534To follow Pip and her work:https://www.instagram.com/pipfink/Books & other recs discussed in this ep:Body Friend by Katherine BrabonShameless PodcastMy Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa MoshfeghBreaking Bad - NetflixGirls - Now TVOnly Murders In The Building - Disney +The Modern by Anna Kate BlairThe diaries of Helen Garner Thanks so much for listening. Until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Hey Bookends! We're back with our BONUS episode of September, this time joined by the much-loved YA and Contemporary fiction author Holly Bourne to chat about her latest YA book 'You Could Be So Pretty'! We discuss beauty standards, modern society, internet culture, body image, safeguarding in books, sensitivity readers and so much more. It was such an empowering and thought-provoking conversation that we hope you all enjoy! As always, if you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you. You can follow us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram and @apairofbookends on Twitter and Tik Tok. To buy Holly's books: You Could Be So Pretty The Places I've Cried In Public To follow Holly and her work: InstagramHolly's website Books & other recs discussed: I'm a fan by Sheena PatelWeirdos Book Club Podcast- I'm a fan Ft Nish Kumar: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/im-a-fan-by-sheena-patel-with-nish-kumar/id1699406650?i=1000625500266The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf You Could Be So Pretty by Holly BourneThe Places I've Cried In Public by Holly Bourne Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape by Peggy Orenstein Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill For future episodes or book recs you can reach us apairofbookendspod@gmail.comUntil next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to another Bonus Books episode, for this episode we were joined by crime and thriller author Victoria Selman. Aswell as deep diving into Victoria's latest book 'All The Little Liars', we discuss how true crime has become such a cultural phenomenon, her writing process, toxic teenage female friendships and so much more. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. To buy Victoria's books: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/all-the-little-liars-victoria-selman/7333997?ean=9781529430349https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/truly-darkly-deeply-an-unsettling-thriller-with-a-shocking-twist-victoria-selman/6399508?ean=9781529420685To follow Victoria & her work: Twitter - @VictoriaSelmanInstagram- @Victoriaselmanauthor http://www.victoriaselmanauthor.com/Listen to her podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/crime-time-fm/id1556906895https://open.spotify.com/show/3nRtWe8ZnnbwKETkJQgXGjYou can get in contact with us at apairofbookendspod@gmail.com, @apairofbookendspod on Instagram or @apairofbookends on Twitter/X and Tik Tok. https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodBooks & Other Recs mentioned:The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger The Girls by Emma ClineSnapped - Now TVOrdinary Human Failings by Megan NolanNotes On An Execution by Danya Kukafka To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper LeeCatastrophe - NetflixPlease do rate, review & subscribe as it helps us to reach more of you. Thank you so much for listening, Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to another episode in our Debut Spotlight series! For this episode we were joined by Gabriella Braun, the Director of Working Well to chat about her debut non-fiction book 'All That We Are'. We speak about toxic work cultures, how she took psycho-analysis out of therapy rooms and into workspaces and how we can better equip ourselves in our working lives, it was such an insightful and enlightening conversation and we hope you get as much from it as we did. To buy 'All That We Are': https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/all-that-we-are-uncovering-the-hidden-truths-behind-our-behaviour-at-work-gabriella-braun/4957828?ean=9780349427300To connect with Gabriella:Website- https://www.gabriellabraun.co.uk/Twitter- https://twitter.com/BraunGabriellaLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellabraun/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://www.workingwell.cc/If you enjoyed this episode, please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more listeners! If you want to reach out to us you can do so apairofbookendspod@gmail.com, @apairofbookendspod on Instagram and @apairofbookends on Twitter and Tik Tok. Books recommended: Mornings in Jenin by Susan AbulhawaThe Queen of Dirt Island by Donal RyanOld God's Time by Sebastian BarryThanks so much for listening, happy reading! Han & Lyd xr

WE'RE BACK BOOKENDS! For the first episode in our new season, we were joined by none other than Anne Enright, a Booker Prize-winning author, no less! Aswell as deep diving into her latest novel, we chat about sibling dynamics, mothers and daughters, social media and so much more, it was an absolute JOY to chat to the Irish powerhouse herself and we hope you love this conversation as much as we did. If you enjoyed this episode, please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps us to reach more of you!To buy The Wren, The Wren: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-wren-the-wren-anne-enright/7376786?ean=9781787334601Books discussed: The Wren, The Wren by Anne EnrightWild Houses by Colin Barrett Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean RhysActress by Anne EnrightIrish Poets, as recommended by Anne:Michael Longley Seamus HeaneyJessica TraynorJane ClarkeLeontia FlynnSinéad MorrisseyVictoria KennefickLeanne O'SullivanFollow us for more: https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodThanks so much for listening! Until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Hey Bookends! Welcome to our Season finale episode where we chatted to Australian novelist Eliza Henry-Jones about her latest novel Salt & Skin, which was released in Australia and New Zealand last year and was recently released in the UK & U.S.Aswell as deep diving into her beautiful genre-bending novel, we discuss how her professional experience of trauma and grief counselling influenced her writing of these topics, climate change, morally ambiguous characters and so much more, it was such a treat to gain insight into her writing process and to have such a thought-provoking conversation, we really hope you enjoy this one! As always please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps us to reach more of you!We are now officially on break and will resume uploading on the 15th of September.To buy Salt and Skin (UK): https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/salt-and-skin-eliza-henry-jones/7422492?ean=9781914613364(US): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/salt-and-skin-eliza-henry-jones/1143139560?ean=9781914613364(AUS & NZ): https://www.booktopia.com.au/salt-and-skin-eliza-henry-jones/book/9781761152955.htmlTo follow Eliza: https://www.instagram.com/elizahenryjones/?hl=enBooks discussed:Surfacing by Kathleen JamieConversations with Friends by Sally RooneyThe Situation and the Story: The Art of Personal Narrative by Vivian GornickPeter Darling by Austin Chant Thanks so much for listening and for all your support this year, we're so so grateful. To follow us: https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodUntil next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to another episode in our Debut Spotlight series where we shine the light on the freshest authors and their work! For today's episode we were joined by debut novelist of 'I Will Greet The Sun Again', the incredible Khashayar J. Khabushani.We discuss his highly contested debut, how he can read multiple books at once, why basketball means so much to him, why his mother is such a huge inspiration and so much more, we hope you enjoy this conversation and we hope it encourages you to read his beautiful book so you can fall in love like we did. As always, if you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you!To buy 'I Will Greet The Sun Again': https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/i-will-greet-the-sun-again-khashayar-j-khabushani/7310803?ean=9780241514733To follow us: https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodBooks mentioned:Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah NelsonThen the War and Selected Poems, 2007–2020 by Carl PhillipsSavage Tongues by Azareen Van der Vliet OloomiChain Gang All Stars: A Novel by Nana Kwame Adjei-BrenyahDemon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverThe Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing Middlemarch by George EliotSlam! by Walter Dean MyersSiddhartha by Hermann HesseThank you so much for listening & until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to another Bonus books episode where we were joined by the powerhouse that is Daisy Buchanan! A journalist, novelist and host of a number of brilliant podcast series including the fan favourite 'You're Booked', we were delighted to have Bookend royalty on the podcast and her recommendations are certainly not in short supply! TW: This conversation includes mention of difficult topics such as sexual assault and cancer which may be triggering for some, listen with care.Aswell as deep diving into her brilliant new novel, we discuss online/offline identities, bodies and autonomy, sisterhood and so much more, we hope you love this episode as much as we do! To buy Daisy's latest book 'Limelight' from House of Books and Friends: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/limelight-daisy-buchanan/6403461?aid=9407&ean=9781408725597To buy 'Insatiable':https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/insatiable-a-frank-funny-account-of-21st-century-lust-independent-daisy-buchanan/4938039?ean=9780751580198To buy 'Careering':https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/careering-daisy-buchanan/4958437?ean=9780751580235To follow Daisy: https://www.instagram.com/thedaisybee/Listen to You're Booked: https://play.acast.com/s/bookedTo follow us:https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodBooks, Authors & Other Recs mentioned:Yellowface by R.F KuangThe 52 Seductions by Betty HerbertI Could Not Believe It: The 1979 Teenage Diaries of Sean DeLear by Sean DeLearPush Off from Here: Nine Essential Truths to Get You Through Sobriety (and Everything Else) by Laura McKowenWe Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life by Laura McKowenBarbara PymNora EphronThe Other Side Of The Story by Marian KeyesMarian Keyes & Nina Stibbe on 'Book Off!': https://play.acast.com/s/bookoff/marian-keyes-and-nina-stibbe-id-like-to-live-in-a-cave-coverBetween Us by Mhairi McFarlaneRomantic Comedy by Curtis SittenfeldAmerican Wife by Curtis SittenfeldWild Geese by Mary OliverRachel's Holiday by Marian KeyesThank You For Listening by Julia WhelanBrother of the More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido Polo by Jilly CooperLuster by Raven LeilaniInsatiable by Daisy BuchananIdol by Louise O'NeillThe Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica KnollSuccession (TV- HBO)Strong Female Character by Fern BradyThe Electricity of Every Living Thing: A Woman's Walk in the Wild to Find Her Way Home by Katherine MayJoanna Scanlan on Bryony Gordon's Mad World Podcast : https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KbSp5A3DowlW5EVYCqhanKatherine May & Pico Iyer on The Half Known Life: https://soundcloud.com/5x15/pico-iyer-and-katherine-may-on-the-half-known-life-finding-paradise-in-a-divided-worldThe Watermelon Woman (Movie- currently showing on Prime)The List by Yomi AdegokeThanks so much for listening! Until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Hey Bookends! Welcome back to another episode in our Debut Spotlight series, for this episode we were joined by the incredible Emily Habeck to discuss our firm favourite read of the year 'Shark Heart'. We talk about her journey from the world of Theatre to novel writing, her research process of Great White Sharks and the wonderful help she received from Marine Biologist Greg Skomal, the protagonists that we will never forget and so much more. We hope you love this episode as much as we did! If you did please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps us to reach more of you! You can also follow us: https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodTo buy Shark Heart, published by Quercus: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/shark-heart-a-love-story-emily-habeck/7422751?ean=9781529432213To follow Emily & her work: https://www.instagram.com/emily.habeck/https://www.emilyhabeck.com/Books & Other Recs mentioned: You Can Make This Place Beautiful: A Memoir by Maggie Smithhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Chasing-Shadows-Tracking-Great-White/dp/006309083XOut There: Stories by Kate FolkThe Sopranos - TVThe Bear - TVThank you so much for listening! Until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Hey Bookends! For our July Book Club episode we were joined by the brilliant Megan Nolan, all the way from NYC! We of course deep dived into her latest novel Ordinary Human Failings, chatted about her experience with the publication of her debut novel during COVID, why pro-lifers need to read her new book, her interest in journalism and so much more, we hope you love this one and as always please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more of you. TW: Our conversation contains mention of abortion, death and violence. Books & Other Recs discussed: Malady of the Mind: Schizophrenia and the Path to Prevention by Jeffrey a Lieberman Acts of Desperation by Megan NolanOrdinary Human Failings by Megan NolanOpen Water by Caleb Azumah NelsonSomebody's Husband, Somebody's Son by Gordon BurnThe Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule We All Go Into The Dark by Francisco GarciaBoy A - Channel 4Killed Podcast - https://killedstories.com/Dekalog - TV To buy Megan's book: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/ordinary-human-failings-megan-nolan/7299107?ean=9781787332508To follow Megan: https://www.instagram.com/mmegannolan/?hl=enTo follow us: https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspodUntil next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to another episode in our Debut Spotlight series! For today's episode we were joined by debut novelist Mikki Brammer to chat about her beautiful novel 'The Collected Regrets of Clover' which is out now & published by Viking (UK). We discuss why it's important to have more open conversations about death and grief, why New York was the perfect setting for her novel, the gorgeous characters we fell in love with and as always, lots of excellent recommendations. To buy 'The Collected Regrets of Clover':UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-collected-regrets-of-clover-an-uplifting-story-about-living-a-full-beautiful-life-mikki-brammer/7369892?ean=9780241588420US: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-collected-regrets-of-clover-mikki-brammer/1141976587If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps us to reach more listeners. You can give us a follow @apairofbookendspod on Instagram and Threads and @apairofbookends on Twitter & Tik Tok.To follow Mikki - https://www.instagram.com/mikkibrammer/Books & other recs discussed:Real Life by Brandon TaylorThe Late Americans by Brandon TaylorThe Night Circus by Erin MorgensternVladimir by Julia May JonasPast Lives (Film- A24)Until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to an impromptu minisode! We had an interview fall through last minute and thought what a wonderful time to bring you back an OG episode which we know lots of you have been missing! We talk about Lydia's little secret, the men she's making herself available for cough Hozier, Jeremy Allen White cough, the all important Barbenheimer debate & lots more. Let us know for future minisodes if there's anything you want us to cover, you can email us apairofbookendspod@gmail.comTo follow us: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/apairofbookendspod/Twitter - https://twitter.com/apairofbookendsTik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@apairofbookendsWe are also on Threads @apairofbookendspodBooks discussed:The Rachel Papers by Martin AmisPriest by Sierra SimoneIcebreaker by Hannah GraceDaisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins ReidGiovanni's Room by James BaldwinThe Fraud by Zadie SmithI'm A Fan by Sheena PatelRomantic Comedy by Curtis SittenfeldReally Good Actually by Monica HeiseyMy Husband by Maud VenturaThe Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinBeyond the Story: 10-Year Record Of BTS by BTS and Myeongseok KangOther recs: Kierra Lewis on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kierralewis75?lang=enForza Horizon 5 (Game)Unknown/Nth by Hozier (Song)Daisy Jones & The Six (Amazon Prime)

It's a BONUS bonus episode because we have the incredible Caroline O'Donoghue with us for today's episode chatting all about her wonderful new novel The Rachel Incident!Aswell as doing a deep dive into what can only be classed as one of the best books of the year, we chat about 'And just like that', how Caroline personally made Mumford and Sons happen(...), representation in books and so much more, it was such a joy to have Caroline on the pod and we hope you all enjoy it as much as we do. If you do enjoy, please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps our little pod massively!Books & Authors discussed:Fleishman Is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-AknerThe Female Persuasion by Meg WolitzerRomantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld Promising Young Women by Caroline O'DonoghueScenes Of A Graphic Nature by Caroline O'Donoghue To buy The Rachel Incident: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-rachel-incident-caroline-o-donoghue/4920877?ean=9780349013558To follow Caroline: https://www.instagram.com/czaronline/?hl=enListen to Sentimental Garbage Pod! Here's some of Hannah's FAVE episodes:https://shows.acast.com/sentimentalgarbage/episodes/the-nora-ephron-christmas-spectacular-with-ella-risbridgerhttps://play.acast.com/s/sentimentalgarbage/sentimentalinthecity1-sex-thecity-seasononehttps://play.acast.com/s/sentimentalgarbage/reality-tv-with-pandora-sykeshttps://shows.acast.com/sentimentalgarbage/episodes/girlbossing-with-otegha-uwagbahttps://shows.acast.com/sentimentalgarbage/episodes/the-rachel-incident-with-dolly-aldertohttps://shows.acast.com/sentimentalgarbage/episodes/luckybyjackiecollinswithjessieburtonYou can follow us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram and @apairofbookends on Twitter, Tik Tok & Threads. Until next time, happy reading! Han & Lyd x

Welcome back Bookends to a Bonus Books episode where we chat to author and award-winning arts critic Chloë Ashby about her latest novel 'Second Self', we chat about Art, her writing style, the choice to have or to not have children, positive heterosexual relationships and much more. We loved chatting to her and hope you take away as much as we did from this conversation! As always if you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe so we can reach more listeners, you can also follow us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram and @apairofbookends on Twitter and Tik Tok. To buy 'Second Self': https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/second-self-chloe-ashby/7351706?ean=9781398703032To buy 'Wet Paint': https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/wet-paint-a-blistering-story-stylist-chloe-ashby/7277891?ean=9781398703001To follow Chloë & her work: https://www.chloeashby.com/, https://www.instagram.com/chloelashby/?hl=en & https://twitter.com/chloelashbyUpcoming events with Chloë :11th July- https://www.waterstones.com/events/chloe-ashby-in-conversation-with-rhiannon-lucy-cosslett/london-crouch-end12th July - https://www.waterstones.com/events/gower-st-presents-jenny-mustard-and-chlo-ashby-in-conversation-with-bethany-rutter/london-gower-street13th July - https://dauntbooks.co.uk/shop/events/chloe-ashby-and-stephanie-bishop-in-conversation-with-tess-little/Books discussed: Art Monsters by Lauren ElkinThunderclap: A memoir of art and life & sudden death by Laura CummingThe Anniversary by Stephanie BishopOkay Days by Jenny MustardThanks so much for listening! If you want to get in touch with us with book recs, author interviews or anything else, you can do so at apairofbookendspod@gmail.com, Han & Lyd x