Seeking Tumnus

Keith's contemporary selection takes some of the Seeking Tumnus crew outside of their comfort zones, but fear not as this one is not by Christopher Pike. Instead it's Karen M. McManus's 2019 thriller Two Can Keep A Secret. Join us as we do our very best to not reveal the killer, or killers or was there even any death at all? You'll need to listen in to find out, or you know, read the book and then when you do listen in you'll already know and this episode will be so much better. You'll also find out just what a Marshmallow is, and who amongst the crew confesses to being one... ahh sweet sweet mystery, where have you been?

Holy smokes, it's been a little while, hasn't it? This episode sees a triumphant return to all things weird and wizardish, as we throw back to Alan Garner's 1960 classic, The Weirdstone of Brisingamen. We do our best argue about the pronunciation of the title for less than half of the episode, and, at least by that metric, we consider our 51st outing to be a qualified success. Put on your robe and wizard hat and join us on this happy occasion.

In this our 50th episode we go back to the well, the well trodden, well read, well written and much loved Harry Potter series. It's book two, The Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling. As well as giving you our thoughts on the officially lowest rated (on Good Reads) book in the original series we also briefly discuss the movie and have some potentially fun Potterverse games up our wizardly sleeves; Wand based trivia and a return of Laurie's divisive 'Would You Rather' segment.

To make up for the longer than usual time between episodes this Pat hosted special brings with it not one but two book reviews. First off the rank is the second book in Australian author James Bradley's Change Trilogy; The Buried Ark. We spoke to James in an earlier episode about the first in the series, The Silent Invasion. Next up is A.J. Betts visionary science fiction title, Hive. In the midst of all this dystopian exploration Pat launches a stunning new game, Dystopi-yeah. Listen in to find out who wins the coveted prize.

In this emotionally charged and erotic interlude, Pat has an intimate chat with Australian comedy duo Hamish and Andy about the podcast, writing erotica, reading erotica, storing erotica and YA and children's fiction.

In case there weren’t already enough reasons to hate him, he’s now stealing beloved soft toys and using your Snakes & Ladders set without permission. This episode, we examine Judith Kerr’s semi-autobiographical delight, When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit. For some of us this was a heartfelt glimpse into the life of a WWII-era family of refugees; for another, a rare chance to complain that the book wasn’t set wholly in Castle Wolfenstein. Join us as we try to come to some kind of vague, bitter consensus, and get distracted by one Tumnite's recent forays into artistic territory.

You've seen it everywhere! Laurie got it as a Christmas present! Recommended to us by nobody! It sounds like the perfect opportunity for Laurie to out-Brog himself. This episode we review book one of the best-selling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas. Join us for a laugh and another exciting game from Keith!

It has been far too long coming, but finally we address Ursula K Le Guin's influential classic A Wizard of Earthsea. What's in a name? Find out as we forge ahead into the meditative reflective waters of Earthsea, a mere 50 years after the words found their way to paper. We never said we were punctual!

This episode we’re delighted to be joined by the wonderful Steph Bowe, author of the 2018 CBCA notable contemporary YA title, Night Swimming. This is her third book, her first published at the remarkable age of 16. Listen in to find out who acts the goat, shoe-horning in a supposedly popular anthropomorphic series. Bri grinds Pat’s gears with an alleged geo-brag before we dip into Steph’s favourite children’s and YA titles. Doe be shore to join us, this episode can’t be bleat!

This episode we wrinkle our brows and dive in to Madeleine L'Engle's science fiction/fantasy (depending on who you ask) classic A Wrinkle In Time. Will we escape IT and Camazotz or will it leave us comatose? With a big screen, big budget release it's a hot , hot topic but Seeking Tumnus wonder Whatsit really all about, Who is going to see it and Which age group it's intended for? Listen in now!

Seasonal greetings to all in this completely un-Christmassy episode of Seeking Tumnus, where instead of looking at a work of Young Adult fiction we dissect a big screen adaptation of one; Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief, directed by Brian Percival. Discover which Tumnite couldn't stomach the 2013 film and hear who has a bee in their bonnet regarding books vs movies. You'll also learn who has complete and utter disdain for the Grammys. Tune in for the final episode of Seeking Tumnus in 2017.

It was in the spring of 2017 that Seeking Tumnus foolishly decided to read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Little did the unsuspecting populace know that their dams, levees and waterways were simply inadequate for the deluge that would follow. Can the stone eggs in Patrick's heart be cracked open? Will Keith's run of average ratings come to an end? Is Bri still dirty about Laurie's book thievery? To what degree can Laurie mangle his favourite non-English language? Find out here meine Damen und Herren!

Fantasy for the fantasy sceptic in this episode as Bri, no wait Laurie, takes us Over Sea, Under Stone with Susan Cooper's first book in The Dark is Rising Sequence. Life imitates art with the 1960s Cornwall treachery bleeding through to modern day suburban Melbourne, in a whodunnit for the ages (Clue: it was Laurie in the spreadsheet with die schnellen finger). You'd be barking mad to miss this one, because in the end we're still fools for the holy grail.

Warm on the heels of the acclaimed and controversial television series, we go back to the source with Jay Asher's 2007 best seller Thirteen Reasons Why. Watched and/or read? Join us on a merry dance through the trigger minefield as we tiptoe around sensitive topics including sexual assault, mental health, bullying, suicide and Brog the Stoop. Sounds like a riot eh? Listen in here!

Listen in as Bri lights the corners our minds with the 1993 dystopian sci-fi The Giver by Lois Lowry. Questions are answered that maybe shouldn't have been asked as we delve right into not only the book but also the 2014 film adaptation. The Dude abides.

Waking from our wintry slumber we trudge through snow and Dust as we explore the first book of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series; Northern Lights (also published as The Golden Compass). In this episode we reveal our inner Daemons, slander a missing co-host and attempt all the while not to disappoint a beloved fan. The 2007 film also gets a spin, adjusted for inflation it's one of the fifty most expensive films of all time!

On this slightly out of date episode of Seeking Tumnus the crew dissect the slightly out of print Master of Murder by prolific young adult fiction author Christopher Pike. Pop on your tencel jeans and flannel and settle in for the long haul ride as this unexpected 90s horror blockbuster episode takes us to darker depths than Keith could ever have imagined. How naive he was when he re-discovered this book and anticipated fun and frivolity ahead. Turns out some history is better left buried.

Our first interview! We sit down with author James Bradley to discuss his first foray into YA fiction - The Silent Invasion. We talk diversity, influential science fiction, climate change, impending disaster and stinky teddy bears before some clown keeps Seeking Tumnus bingo alive with Stephen King. We're so engaged by our guest that Laurie forgets to swear all episode and Keith neglects the most powerful man in the universe. Bri gets a little giggly and Pat seeks some writing advice to help kickstart his stalled erotic romance novel!

Ever wondered what it's like to have your own family island? According to E. Lockhart in her 2014 book We Were Liars it's not all it's cracked up to be. She takes us behind the scenes in the lives of the mega-rich social elite, but is it accurate? If you can confirm let us know, and invite us to your island already. We also examine the proliferation of mental health issues in the Seeking Tumnus library before Bri sparks a spirited conversation that quickly takes a detour via a distant galaxy. Pat diagnoses a case of metaphoric haemophilia and Laurie and Keith both agree and disagree. All this and more Whoopi Goldberg than ever before!

We discover The Perks of Being a Wallflower this episode, and not just because we've been keeping abreast of Emma Watson in the news; it's a stunning coincidence we assure you! For Stephen Chbosky's 1999 coming-of-age novel we dig deep into the tome, discuss the film and take a sentimental trip down memory lane. So jump in, turn up the music, leave your anxieties at home and we'll take a ride into the infinite together!

A Monster Calls and Seeking Tumnus answers this episode, as we review Patrick Ness' fantastically dramatic 2011 work - now also a major motion picture. Laurie gets a little grim, and reaps the rewards of talking about his favourite Death whilst Bri continues her journey of fantasy denialism! Patrick gives parenting advice and doesn't mention Stephen King before Keith gently weeps as he breaks free from the tyranny of Laurie's scoring! (BYO weeping).

It's finally time for Sabriel, book one of the bestselling Old Kingdom/Abhorsen series by Australian author Garth Nix! Can this mysteriously positioned fantasy bridge the stalwart gorge or will Bri and Keith plummet to a watery demise in the river of death. It's all a little tributary thanks to the suggestion of a listener, and don't even question for whom the bell tolls, there's plenty of ringing for all. Finally Pat shines a light on his fascination with pop culture, then steps from the light into the... light in another enlightening episode of Seeking Tumnus.

What would happen if the world of the fae lay just at the outskirts of our own? What if you could visit? And what if something found its way home with you? Join us this episode as we immerse ourselves in Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and help us decide where the boundaries lie between fantasy and reality.

Bri leads us on a discovery of The Secret Garden, the classic 1922 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Along the way Pat revives his Good Reads segment, Keith tells us about the 1993 movie and Laurie does his best to casually offend Bri. Join us for this very un-Christmassy episode.

Seeking Tumnus returns with a review of Joe Abercrombie's Half a King, the first book of the Shattered Sea trilogy. It's a low fantasy bestseller featuring a young prince seeking vengeance for betrayal and murder, in a harsh and brutal kingdom. Laurie has some sympathy for Yarvi, as his fellow hosts circle like hungry wolves.

In this episode we take a look at S.E. Hinton's classic coming of age novel The Outsiders. Join us as we inadvertently insult the elderly quadragenarians, discuss the fine distinctions of processed meat and prove ourselves incapable of matching one Tumnite's boundless enthusiasm. To round things out we'll also take a peek at the star-studded 1983 movie adaptation.

This episode we delve into the dark secrets of private Girl's school life in Alice Pung's 2014 Australian cultural drama Laurinda. For an at best tenuous reason we also take a look at the 2004 comedy, Mean Girls. Is technology changing the way in which we tell stories? Listen in to find out, or like, just google it.

This episode we're back in our classics zone with Michelle Magorian's Goodnight Mister Tom, the story of a timid and abused London boy evacuated to country England during World War II. We take a fresh look at what is at times a confronting read that pulls no punches despite being for children. Did this selection of Pat's maintain his impressive run of quality? Listen in to find out.

Post apocalyptic dystopian sci-fi romance is back on the agenda this episode as we take on Veronica Roth's 2011 best seller Divergent. Will there be compliance in the Seeking Tumnus faction? Or will there be a divergent revelation? Along the way we'll also take a look at the 2014 movie and consider our own factional allegiances.

We turn back the clock almost 150 years this episode as we get up close and personal with the diminutive ladies of Louisa May Alcott's breakout coming of age novel Little Women. No prizes for guessing who selected this one, or for what the reception will be!

In this deluxe episode we wander the great halls of Hogwart's, exploring J.K. Rowling's blockbuster Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (or Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for our American listeners). We of course also take a gander at the 2001 movie of the same name(s); naww ain't they soooo cute! Laurie casts a spell on us with a spot of Hogwart's "Would You Rather?", and Brie enchants not only us, but the general(ish) public with some word association fun.

We sip once more from the deep well of Roald Dahl in this episode, revisiting the 1982 classic The BFG. It also just so happens to be a brand squaffling new movie by Steven Spielberg, Do we go buggles for it? Does it prove to be whoopsy-splunkers? Or it is it filthsome swigpill?

In which we discuss Lynne Reid Banks' classic best selling book The Indian in the Cupboard. A fun game quickly turns a little sour, as we bring the fantasy to life in more ways than one. We also hear some questions from Bri, and take a quick look at the movie of the same name. What toy would you bring to life if you had a magic cupboard?

Lost at sea with no captain to steady the ship, the crew of the HMAS Seeking Tumnus divert their course with a humorous foray into Goodreads territory. The turbulent seas of gender bias are navigated before we find the calmer waters of a jolly old game. Finally, we reflect on our favourite books and lament the stinkers we could have done without.

The Fault, dear Tumnites, is in Our Stars. This episode we wax lyrical about John Green's mega smash hit The Fault in Our Stars. There's no burying the lede here; join us as we meet Hazel, a teenage girl with terminal cancer and a whole lot of unanswered questions about life, love and literature. Pat also challenges us with some insightful Goodreads comments and we confirm once more that most book-to-screen adaptations are a let down.

In this episode we revisit the 1992 Australian classic coming of age book Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta. Set in Sydney we also take a peek at the film adaptation that hit our screens in 2000. Find out which Tumnite is part Italian. Chi è?

Come with us as we find our way out of James Dashner's smash hit 2009 book The Maze Runner. It's the first in a trilogy that has spawned as many movies (the last coming in 2017) and an ongoing prequel series. We'll not only search out the dark corners of the book, but also poke our noses into the movie adaptation that hit our screens in 2014. No goblins or tight pants here.

Come aLong as we journey through the first book in Laurie's childhood favourite fantasy series Redwall. What effect will Brian Jacques classic tome have on the other Seeking Tumnus members?

Sophie Kinsella's 2015 book about a 14 year old girl with a social anxiety disorder is up for discussion in this episode. Finding Audrey is its name, how will we rate this Bri selection?

Fear not listeners, for Tomorrow is no longer a day away. John Marsden's Australian classic, Tomorrow When the War Began is fodder for the hungry Tumnus herd. We devour every word of this first book in a series of seven, then turn our attention to the 2010 film adaptation. There's some enjoyable dalliances with the Aussie vernacular, a heart is crushed with Oz of another kind, and half the team confront some post traumatic stress induced by the gripping writing.

Prepare yourself for an olfactory overload, as we examine (from a safe distance) Mr Stink, a curious tale by David Walliams. Illustrated by Sir Quentin Blake there are some very obvious parallels to be drawn with one of our favourite authors, you'll never guess who. We also hear from a listener and a wee cannie laddie.

Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is the focus of our attention this episode. Who'd have thought that a forty year old book about a nine year old and his two year old brother could be the cause of such contention? Listen in and find out why. We hope you won't be left shell shocked!

It gets rather Grimm this episode as we bravely delve into the gory and morbid creation of John Connolly, The Book of Lost Things. A little darker than our other forrays into written word, Brie in particular has her guard up, her eyes closed and her freezer at the ready. Grab a copy and join us!

We see red this time out as Lucy Maud Montgomery's 1908 Canadian classic Anne of Green Gables is up for examination. How will it hold up for the smitten Brie and what will three Anne rookies make of this out of their wheelhouse tale? The noteworthy 1985 television mini series also gets a visit.

It's doom and gloom this episode as we immerse ourselves in the lives of the newly orphaned Baudelaire children in Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning. Opinions are divided on this smash hit book. How will the 2004 film adaptation featuring Jim Carrey fare in our reckoning?

Join us in this episode on the Greek island of Corfu as we meet ten year old Gerald Durrell and his eclectic relations in My Family and Other Animals. We're inspired by Gerald's childhood autobiography and flip the spotlight briefly to some of our own formative years.

Join us in this episode as we take a smouldering look at Stephenie Meyer's smash hit book Twilight. We also examine the blockbuster movie and put the tenth anniversary gender switched Life and Death version under the microscope.

This episode we dissect the obscure coming of age fantasy, Brog the Stoop by British author Joe Boyle. It has a particularly endearing attachment for one of us, but opinions are somewhat divided amongst the rest of the Tumnus crew.

The Darkest Part of the Forest is our hunting ground in this episode of Seeking Tumnus. We investigate whether Holly Black hit the mark in this modern day faerie tale, and also take a look back at some of the more familiar classics and their contemporary recreations.

Join us this episode in Enid Blyton's Enchanted Wood. We forage a little deeper to see if this children's favourite and sales juggernaut is of sufficient sustenance for the Tumnus crew. We also seek the balance between acceptable modernisation and losing the essence, discuss responsible parenting and Pat throws his hat in the ring in the controversial field of young adult fiction related relationship advice.

The Seeking Tumnus crew enter the arena this episode as we take on the Suzanne Collins epic, The Hunger Games. Flirting with controversy we look into possible inspirations for the content of this dystopian tale, turning our attention to a Japanese book-cum-movie with suspiciously similar themes. Is the violence suitable for children? Does this hugely popular novel hold up to our scrutiny? Would we survive in the arena ourselves? Join us to find out. This episode is for everyone and contains no explicit content.