Shelf Life

If you are looking for a stunning debut, look no further than 'Revival Season' by Monica West. This book is truly magical and I'm not the only one who thinks so: 'Spellbinding debut' - The Washington Post 'Invigorating novel' - The New York Times 'Must-ready for May' - Barnes and Noble ‘Revival Season’ is all of those things and more. When you pick up this book and join 15-year-old Miriam Horton on her physical and spiritual journeys, you’ll quickly understand why so many people, including me, love this book. Miriam and her family pack up every summer and travel through small Southern towns for revival season: the time when Reverend Samuel Horton, Miriam’s father, holds massive healing services for local communities. Whether people need healing for ailments and disease or just want to witness Reverend Horton’s powers, each revival season is one to be remembered. And the memories aren’t always good ones. When Miriam witnesses a shocking act of violence after a healing session, she calls into question everything that she’s known to be true. Her confusion only grows as she begins to discover her own ability to heal. But this ability and power is denied to women, right? Throughout the book, Miriam struggles with her special ability, forcing her to decide between her religion, family and power. Should she disobey her father and potentially save others or should she deny her true gifts as a healer and woman? This book is about faith, feminism, and how our natural abilities can help us build strong, sturdy foundations for the future , even when our belief system is crumbling around us. I loved ‘Revival Season’ and my chat with Monica so much. We talked about the book’s beautifully complex characters, the relationship between mother and daughter, the violence and anger that occurs throughout the book and what it means to have a special healing power. Check out the events on Monica's website: https://monicawestwrites.com/ Buy 'Revival Season' at your local independent bookstore. Here is one of my favorites: https://blackpearlbookstore.com/

If I had to pick one word to summarise ‘Permission' by Saskia Vogel, it would be dreamy. In fact, it's the same word that Oprah Magazine used. And who’s going to disagree with Oprah Magazine? In March 2019, one of my favourite imprints, Dialogue Books, published Saskia's gorgeous debut novel, 'Permission' and it honestly took my breath away. It's a fantastic story that explores so many important and interesting topics: desire, grief, sex, love, dominance and pleasure. 'Permission’ follows Echo, a young actress in Los Angeles, who is devastated after losing her father in a horrible accident. With an emotionally distant mother and no close friends, Echo searches for solace in Orly, a dominatrix who lives across the street. Orly and Echo form the most beautiful relationship but it comes with strings - Orly has a roommate and ‘houseboy’ named Piggy who is very dedicated to Orly and his role in her life. The chapter’s alternative between Echo and Piggy point-of-view and Saskia does a brilliant job giving the reader all the beautiful details that we need and want to fall for Echo, Orly and Piggy. In fact, the characters are one of my favourite things about ‘Permission.’ The characters and that oh so sexy shower scene between Orly and Echo. I love love love this book and had the best time chatting with Saskia about her inspiration for ‘Permission’ and her characters, why Los Angeles had to be the setting for the book as well as what we need to do so we can finally erase the stigma around sexual fetishes. I really hope you enjoy this episode. Buy 'Permission' here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/permission/saskia-vogel/9780349700427

I'm still on Cloud Nine after chatting with THE Nicole Dennis-Benn. This episode was one of the greatest milestones of my life and if you love 'Here Comes the Sun' and 'Patsy' as much as I do, you'll totally understand why. Nicole and her books are beloved by readers and aspiring and established writers around the world. And I love connecting with other readers who feel as passionately about these books as I do. Both books have received multiple awards, been on thousands of 'best books of 2016 and 2019' lists, and appear across social media literally every single day. It's such a beautiful thing to be a part of. Whether you started with 'Here Comes the Sun,' which was published in 2016, or 'Patsy,' which was published last June, you will absolutely fall in love with Nicole's beautiful ability to create worlds and characters that stay with you a very long time. In 'Here Comes the Sun,' we are transported to Montego Bay, Jamaica. The beautiful beaches and blue seas of Jamaica are present in this beautiful novel but it’s the four central characters - Margot, Thandi, Delores and Verdene - who live and work so hard to contribute to their community outside of ‘Paradise’ - that stay with you long after you close the book. During the day, Margot works at the front desk at the Palm Star Resort and at night, she sleeps with the hotel’s wealthiest guests. In Margot’s selfless effort to shield her 15-year-old sister, Thandi, from this life, she agrees to take on an opportunity for financial independence and freedom but also the chance to finally commit to Verdene, who she’s loved in secret for a long time. A secret Margot has kept from so many people, including her mother, Delores, who makes it very clear - through her words and actions - that she strongly disapproves of Margot’s choices. The journeys that these four women ultimately take are equal parts heartbreaking and beautiful. And Nicole’s second book, 'Patsy,' is another beautiful story about family, sacrifices, love and belonging. The book begins in Jamaica where we meet Patsy, who has just received her long-awaited American visa - her ticket and opportunity to leave Jamaica and join her friend, Cicely, who has been writing letters to Patsy from New York. These letters contain promises of a happier life, memories of young love, and glimpses of how they could spend this new life together. However, Patsy’s yearning for this new life with Cicely means that she will leave her five-year-old daughter, Tru behind. And while this isn’t an easy decision for Patsy, it’s her determination to love who she wants to on her own terms that ultimately helps her board the plane to America. But she arrives in Brooklyn to find that the promises from Cicely were merely words and so Patsy now has to work a variety of jobs to pay for a life she didn’t sign up for. I loved absolutely everything about this book, particularly the chapters from Tru’s perspective. Across 10+ years, we have the privilege of seeing Tru grow up, build a relationship with her father, Roy, and come to terms with her sexuality and identity. Both Patsy and Tru’s journeys are bittersweet - on the one hand, you want them to reunite but on the other hand, it is so beautiful to see them become the people they were always meant to be. Both books have a special place in my heart and it was an absolute honour to chat with Nicole about her books, her strong beautiful female characters and the importance of having Patsy’s name on a book cover. Buy Nicole's books here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/patsy/nicole-dennis-benn/9781786077103 https://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/fiction-poetry/here-comes-the-sun,nicole-dennisbenn-9781786072399 https://www.greenlightbookstore.com/book/9781631492945 https://www.greenlightbookstore.com/book/9781631497896

Three reasons why I'm so excited to have celebrated author, Erin Carlson, back on Shelf Life: she's written another brilliant book, she never tires of talking about Nora Ephron and she makes me laugh until my sides hurt. There are also dozens of other reasons but we'll stick with these three for today. Last September, my dear friend published her second book, Queen Meryl, and it's no surprise that people, including myself, fell in love with it. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy so I've been shouting about this book since June 2019. And it's been my absolute pleasure. For those who tuned in to our first episode in December 2018, you'll know that Erin and I share a mutual love for Nora Ephron. However, it’s Queen Meryl who is the star of today’s episode and I highly recommend that you rush out to the bookstore and buy Erin’s brilliant book. With chapter titles like Meryl Goes Nuclear and Meryl the Immortal, this book will likely have you laughing until your sides hurt. But like a gripping performance by Meryl herself, there are definitely moments of surprise and mystery in this book. Did you know that Meryl once mooned the director of The River Wild? Talk about being cheeky! In our short but very delicious chat, Erin and I discuss everything about Meryl Streep - her 1983 commencement address at Vassar - her alma mater - how and why she brings out the best in her male co-stars and our top five Meryl films. Oh, and we managed to save some time to talk about Nora at the end. Just in case you were worried. To quote the amazing Stanley Tucci, all right everyone, gird your loins and get ready for another episode with the brilliant Erin Carlson. Buy Queen Meryl here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/queen-meryl/erin-carlson/9780316485272 Buy I'll Have What She's Having here: https://www.strandbooks.com/product/9780316353892?title=ill_have_what_shes_having_how_nora_ephrons_three_iconic_films_saved_the_romantic_comedy

You know those people who add so much joy, wisdom and humour to the world? Well, Michael Arceneaux is one of those people. And for anyone who follows Michael on social media, has read and loved his books or knows him personally, you know why he is so loved. Michael is such a talented and beautiful observer of life that it’s no surprise at all that his first book, ‘I Can’t Date Jesus’ which was published in July 2018, became an instant New York Times Bestseller. This essential and important collection of essays - which is equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking - offers readers a front row seat to Michael’s joys, struggles and experiences as a Black queer man growing up in America. His incredible talent at storytelling is stunning as is Michael’s honesty and realness about faith and religion, family and self-discovery. And I'm so thankful that Michael's second book, 'I Don't Want to Die Poor,' which was published in April, provides a second opportunity for readers to enjoy more of Michael’s wit and wisdom as he explores his personal struggles and frustrations with the financial and emotional price tags that come with following your dreams. ‘I Can’t Date Jesus’ and ‘I Don’t Want to Die Poor’ are literary gold and I can’t recommend them enough. In both books, Michael uses his powerful voice to reveal the truths behind important and relatable topics: relationships, family, sex, dating, politics and career choices. I loved chatting with Michael about his books, how emotional and financial debt demands so much more from us than a monthly payment and why conversations about race, politics and failed systems will always be timely and important. I really hope you enjoy our episode! Buy Michael's books here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/I-Cant-Date-Jesus-by-Michael-Arceneaux-author/9781501178856 https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/I-Dont-Want-to-Die-Poor-by-Michael-Arceneaux-author/9781982129309

My name is Nicole and I'm a very proud member of the 'Rainbow Milk' fan club. Everyone is welcome and there is only one rule: you must love this stunning debut novel with your whole heart, soul and mind. In this episode, I have the incredible privilege of chatting with Paul Mendez, the author of 'Rainbow Milk.' Published in April by the amazing team at Dialogue Books, this book - an Observer 2020 Top 10 Debut - is one of the most beautiful books ever written and my favourite of 2020. Oh, and it's just been longlisted for the 2020 Gordon Burn Prize. If you've read Paul's stunning novel, you'll definitely understand why there are countless glowing reviews, from readers, writers and journalists, and why 'Rainbow Milk' is THE book of the year. 'Rainbow Milk' has two central characters: Norman Alonso and Jesse McCarthy. The first section - set in the Black Country in the 1950s - features Norman and his wife, Claudette, who moved to Britain from Jamaica with the Windrush Generation, excited at the prospect of a new life in Britain. Three years later, now with two young children, Norman and Claudette face unexpected racism and heartbreaking illness while working incredibly hard to build the life they dreamed of and so deserve. Fast forward to 2001 and the book continues with Jesse who is hoping and searching for answers outside of his repressive family and Jehovah's Witness upbringing. And these answers might just be in London, where Jesse moves in the hope of starting over. As a young Black queer man in London, Jesse welcomes his new sexual and emotional freedoms, but through exploration and experience, sometimes finds himself at a loss for balance and stability. The unexpected challenges and often heartbreaking surprises that Jesse faces on the road to true connection and love are so beautifully written that you'll ache in places you never knew existed. This book is everything and an absolute masterpiece written by an extraordinary Black queer author. I loved chatting with Paul about his own experiences, the importance of honest and raw sex scenes, the book's beautiful characters and why we must always honour the stories of the Windrush Generation. I really hope you love this episode as much as I do! Buy Paul's book here: https://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/fiction-poetry/rainbow-milk-an-observer-2020-top-10,paul-mendez-9780349700595

Imagine you are 11-years-old and live in a bookshop with your grandparents. Then one day, Anne Shirley is sitting on a bench on the top floor. If this sounds like a dream come true, then this episode is definitely for you. I'm super lucky to chat with fellow book lover and super talented author, Anna James. For the past two years, Anna's Pages & Co books have been flying off the shelves. Beloved by readers of all ages, this series (the third one is out later this year)is magical, whimsical and such a treat to read. In the first book, 'Tilly and the Bookwanderers,' which was published in 2018, we meet 11-year-old Tilly Pages who lives with her grandparents in their bookshop, Pages & Co. On a very special day in the shop, Tilly encounters her favourite book characters and with the help of her grandparents and best friend, Oskar, she learns all about the magic of bookwandering. This new power leads to some fantastic adventures and the important answers that Tilly has been searching for her whole life. The second book, 'Tilly and the Lost Fairy Tales,' which was published last year, is another must-read. The adventures continue when Tilly and Oskar travel to Paris to spend time with Oskar’s family at Christmas. It’s so exciting to get lost in popular fairy tales, meet new characters and see Oskar learn more about his equally special bookwandering family. I had so much fun chatting with Anna about our mutual love of books, what inspires Anna’s writing and why storytelling will always be essential and important for readers today and in the future. Hope you enjoy our episode! Buy Anna's books here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/pages-and-co-tilly-and-the-bookwanderers/anna-james/9780008229870 https://www.waterstones.com/book/pages-and-co-tilly-and-the-lost-fairy-tales/anna-james/9780008229917 Pre-order 'Tilly and the Map of Stories' here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/tilly-and-the-map-of-stories/anna-james/9780008229948

If you love magical stories as much as I do, then you HAVE to read 'Disappearing Earth' by Julia Phillips. Published in May 2019, 'Disappearing Earth' was on dozens of must-read lists for 2019. It’s no surprise that ‘Disappearing Earth’ was a National Book Award finalist and is considered a ‘nearly flawless novel’ by the NY Times. The book, set on Kamchatka, a Siberian peninsula in far East Russia, begins with the abduction of two sisters. Weeks go by and the police are unable to find the young girls and their disappearance is greatly felt by the community on the peninsula, particularly its women. The chapters, titled by month, feature the different women who have direct and indirect connections to the missing sisters. And although these women share a fear and loss, each story is beautifully unique and each character stays with you long after their story is first told. I absolutely loved ‘Disappearing Earth’ and had the best time talking with Julia about my favourite chapters, what inspires her writing, and learning about her experience as a Fulbright scholar which allowed her to live and study in Kamchatka. A magical episode that I hope you enjoy! Buy 'Disappearing Earth' here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/disappearing-earth/julia-phillips/9781471169496 Julia's website: https://www.juliaphillipswrites.com/

What do you get when you combine female empowerment and exciting twists and turns? A delicious novel from author Andrea Bartz! Available from 24 March, it's no surprise that 'The Herd' is on dozens of ‘must read’ and ‘best books of 2020' lists. It’s clear after only a few pages why Andrea is a master of mystery and surprise. The story follows four characters - Eleanor, Hana, Katie and Mikki - who all play important but different roles at The Herd, a female co-working space in Manhattan. At first glance, The Herd seems to be the perfect community for women in need of mentoring and support, but when Eleanor, The Herd’s founder, goes missing on the eve of a big announcement, it’s up to her friends to find out the truth behind all Eleanor's secrets as well as the ones that the three women have been keeping from each other. Just like ’The Lost Night,’ Andrea’s latest novel gives us more relatable characters, endings that are thrilling and exciting and showcases how much the past can haunt and cripple us in the present. I absolutely loved ’The Herd’ and so enjoyed talking with Andrea about what inspired her to write this book, how the wants and needs of women are evolving and the role that co-working spaces like The Herd play in society today. Andrea's website: https://www.andreabartz.com/

If you love beautiful stories as much as I do, then you will absolutely love 'In West Mills' by De'Shawn Charles Winslow, which was published in June 2019. In less than a year, this stunning debut novel has not only received praise from dozens of other incredible authors but 'In West Mills' was recently nominated for an L.A. Times Book Prize. For anyone else who read and loved this book as much as I did, you’ll definitely understand why 'In West Mills' is so special and worthy of all the praise and nominations. Set in West Mills, North Carolina, this novel introduces readers to characters who jump off the page and possess voices so rich and real that it feels like you are actually in West Mills. The story begins in 1941 and follows the struggles and blessings of Azalea Knot Centre, a young woman living in West Mills who, alongside her friends, Otis, Pep and Valley, is just trying to live life to the fullest and doesn’t take kindly to everyone thinking they know what’s best for her. Spanning across 46 years, we see Knot take on new adventures but she never loses her spirit or sight of who she truly is. I loved this book so much and had so much fun talking to De’Shawn about his beautiful gift as a storyteller, whether it’s ever too late to tell someone you love them and how he wants his characters to live on in our hearts and souls I really hope you enjoy this episode! Buy 'In West Mills' in hardcover here: https://www.bookpeople.com/book/9781635573404 Pre-order 'In West Mills' in paperback here: https://www.bookpeople.com/book/9781635575286 De'Shawn's website: https://www.deshawncharleswinslow.com/

Fancy going to Greece without getting on a plane? Do you love a tragedy that will break your heart and makes you laugh? Then you'll love Honestly, We Meant Well, the latest book from Grant Ginder. This story follows The Wrights: Sue Ellen, Dean and Will who appear to be the perfect family. One the surface, everything seems great, particularly when Sue Ellen receives an invite to lecture to a tour group on the Greek island of Aegina. But then disaster strikes and everything changes. From Berkley, California to the famous ruins of Greece, this book takes readers on a fantastic journey with characters who will make you laugh, break your heart and think hard about how the past can be the key to the future, even if it’s a different one than you imagined. I really hope you love this episode! Buy Grant's book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/honestly-we-meant-well/grant-ginder/9781250143150

I could have definitely used 'The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney' when I was a teenager. If, like me, you love books full of humour, tenderness and beautiful relationships, then you'll adore this fantastic debut novel by Okechukwu Nzelu. Nnenna is a 16-year-old growing up in Manchester and has so much grit as she navigates the ups and downs of womanhood alongside her mum, Joanie. Their relationship is certainly very special but Nnenna’s curiosity to learn more about her father, Maurice, who Joanie refuses to discuss, is tested, particularly as Nnenna learns more about her father and his Nigerian culture. I absolutely loved 'The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney' and had so much fun chatting with Okechukwu about teenager anxiety, the powerful dynamics between all the characters in the book and why we tend to believe the doubts in our heads, especially when they are confirmed by those we love most. It’s no surprise that Okechukwu’s debut has been recommended by the i Paper, the Guardian, Metro and many others. Oh and by beloved authors such as Candice Carty-Williams, Andrew McMillian and Bernardine Evaristo. I really hope you love this episode! You can buy Okechukwu's book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-private-joys-of-nnenna-maloney/okechukwu-nzelu/9780349701059

If you are looking for a book that feeds your heart, soul and mind, then 'From Scratch' by the incredible Tembi Locke is for you. This stunning memoir features love, food, family and loss. Whether you believe in love at first sight, you will definitely fall in love with 'From Scratch'. The book transports readers to the streets of Florence, where Tembi met professional chef, Saro. What began as young love soon blossomed into a truly beautiful relationship, even when Saro’s family initially disapproves. Tembi and Saro forge on to build a happy life in California, complete with successful careers and a beautiful baby girl named Zoela. The couple eventually reconcile with Saro’s family just as he faces a formidable cancer that consumes all their dreams. The story chronicles three summers Tembi and Zoela spend in Sicily as they piece together a life without Saro and find solace and nourishment - spiritually and literally - at the dining table. This is the love story that stays with you forever. 'From Scratch' was one of my favourite books of 2019. I had so much fun chatting with Tembi about her beautiful story. Enjoy! Buy Tembi's book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/from-scratch/tembi-locke/9781501187650 Tembi's website: https://www.tembilocke.com/

If you love original, beautiful and extremely enjoyable stories, then you will love Cygnet by Season Butler. Published by Dialogue Books in April, Cygnet is a brilliant debut novel and one of my favourite books of 2019. It’s set on Swan Island - a very unique place to live, particularly for The Kid, a seventeen-year-old, who is stranded with the island’s community of old age separatists. With no guarantee of when she'll see her parents again, The Kid experiences ups and downs of being unwanted by the elderly residents and much to her disappointment, her family. I absolutely loved this book and my chat with Season. We talked about Cygnet, the important themes woven throughout the story, such as climate change and ageism, and why it’s absolutely vital that younger and older generations band together to take on the challenges of the world. We recorded in the very busy Waterstones Hitchin so you'll hear shoppers around us. But our conversation is definitely worth a listen! Enjoy! Buy Season's book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/cygnet/season-butler/9780349700328

It's official: only four months to go until the Texas Book Festival rolls out the red carpet for almost 300 beloved authors and thousands of avid readers from around the world. The festival has been going for almost 25 years and is one of the largest and most prestigious literary festivals in America. In this episode, I chat with literary superstar and director of the festival, Julie Wernersbach. It was such a treat to chat with Julie about why the festival continues to be a favourite for authors, readers and visitors to Austin, the fantastic work that the non-profit does each year and to find out about some of the incredible authors who will appear this year. Books and Texas - what more could you want? Put on your boots and let’s two-step over to Texas! Festival website: https://www.texasbookfestival.org/ 2019 Festival Lineup Sneak Peek:https://www.texasbookfestival.org/2019-festival-lineup-sneak-peek-fifteen-authors-were-excited-to-introduce/

Are you a Geraldine, Rachel or Sunny? How about a lovely combination of all three? If, like me, you are looking for a funny and extremely relatable book to help you navigate your 30s, How Could She is exactly what you need. In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Lauren Mechling about her brilliant debut novel, friendships, new and old, careers and what it means to be a women in 2019. Whether you are considering a full career change like Geraldine, exploring what it truly means to go it alone like Sunny or hoping to refresh your image like Rachel, I truly believe that How Could She will resonate with every 30-something woman around the world. Witty, hilarious, painfully sad and honest, Lauren has given us a truly wonderful debut novel. I love this book and our episode. Enjoy! Buy Lauren's book here:https://www.waterstones.com/book/how-could-she-a-novel/lauren-mechling/9780525559382

''If the dominant LGBT narrative of the 20th century was a gay boy in the country buying a one-way bus ticket to the Big Apple, the untold story of the twenty-first is the queer girl in Tennessee who stays put.'' Just one of my favourite lines from Samantha Allen's fantastic travel memoir, Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States. This book, which was published in March, takes readers on an incredible journey through Red State America. Whether Samantha is in Provo, Utah, where she began her own journey as a Mormon college student, or with Jess Herbst, the first openly transgender mayor in Texas history, it feels like you are in the backseat alongside Samantha and her friend, Billy. Real Queer America gifts us with a much-needed spotlight on the extraordinary LGBT communities in states such as Utah, Texas and Indiana. Today as a happily married transgender woman, Samantha is the perfect champion and author to put these stories in the hands of allies around the world. I loved every second of this book and I was so honoured to chat with Samantha about her fantastic debut. I really hope you enjoy our episode. Buy Samantha's book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/real-queer-america/samantha-allen/9780316516037

Do you love characters that make you laugh, cry and ache all at the same time? Do you love historical fiction that transports you so you can hear from important voices of the past? Do you love beautiful storytelling? If you answered yes to one or all of the above, then you must read Yvonne Battle-Felton's debut novel, Remembered. Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction, this incredible novel, published by Dialogue Books in February, is all these things and more. I was so honoured to chat with Yvonne about Remembered, the important themes throughout the book and why these characters - Spring, Tempe, Edward, Ella, Agnes and many more - stay with you long after you close the book. My favourite book of 2019 and a fantastic episode. Enjoy! You can buy Remembered here:www.waterstones.com/book/remembered…n/9780349700502

In this episode, I had the immense privilege of chatting with Sharmaine Lovegrove. Sharmaine is the incredibly talented publisher of Dialogue Books, an imprint of Little, Brown UK that publishes stories for, about and by underrepresented voices, including BAME, LGBTQI+, disabled and working class writers. It's no coincidence that two of my favourite books in the last two years -The Leavers by Lisa Ko and Remembered by Yvonne Battle-Felton - have been published by Sharmaine and her team. These beautiful stories, and the authors who wrote them, deserve to be celebrated. I'm certainly not alone in this belief as these two books and others have been read and loved by thousands around the world. Sharmaine and I chatted about how much Dialogue has accomplished in two years, the stories that we will continue to love and why readers should read as many new books as possible. Dialogue Books website: https://www.littlebrown.co.uk/Articles/DialogueBooks.page

If you Google 'Daisy Buchanan', you'd probably expect to see references to the well-known F. Scott Fitzgerald character. However, it's the award-winning journalist and author by the same name that I'm celebrating in this episode. Daisy Buchanan doesn't really need an introduction. She's loved and admired by thousands, and if you've read any of her books or feature articles, you'll quickly understand why. I've been a fan for years which is why this chat was a special treat. In this episode, we talked about how she feels about sharing a name with a famous character, why body confidence remains a tricky topic for many women (myself included)and the inspiration for her latest book, The Sisterhood, which is on dozens of 'must-read' lists for 2019. You can buy 'The Sisterhood' here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-sisterhood/daisy-buchanan/9781472238856

Have you ever been mesmerised by a book cover? If you own a copy of Heads of the Colored People, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. In this episode, I chat with award-winning author, Nafissa Thompson-Spires. Her beautiful collection of short stories has received so much recognition from both sides of the pond and you only have to read the first story to understand why. Nafissa is a truly gifted writer who creates quirky and unforgettable characters who will stay with you long after you turn the page. It's no wonder that Nafissa just won the PEN Open Book Award for this incredible collection. It was one of my favourite books of 2018. You can buy Nafissa's book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/heads-of-the-colored-people/nafissa-thompson-spires/9781781090633

Who is Mr. Penumbra and why does he have a 24-hour bookstore? Is it possible for the average human to bake a perfect loaf of sourdough? These questions came to my mind when I read and loved Robin Sloan's two novels, Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore and Sourdough. The characters who feature in Robin's books are fascinating and mysterious, not unlike the author himself. After chatting with Robin, it's obvious why Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, which came out in 2012, was a New York Times bestseller that was translated into more than 20 languages. His second novel, Sourdough, was published in 2017 and is just as fun to read. We chatted about the inspiration behind Robin's books, whether a 24-hour bookstore is actually a good idea as well as the new projects that Robin is working on in 2019. Robin's website: https://www.robinsloan.com/ You can buy Robin's books here: https://www.waterstones.com/author/robin-sloan/1164089 Find out more about Robin's 2019 projects here: https://desert.glass/

If you love clever plots that draw you in and surprise you, as well as characters that are relatable and easy to fall in love with, then Camille Perri's books are definitely for you. As a former librarian and books editor for both Cosmopolitan and Esquire, Camille truly knows a thing or two about books. While she was the assistant to the editor-in-chief at Esquire, she wrote her first novel, The Assistants. If you know first-hand what it's like to be overworked and underpaid, then you'll definitely relate to Tina and Emily's journey. And equally, if you love Nora Ephron and the delicious ingredients that go into a love story, then Camille's second novel, When Katie Met Cassidy is a must-read. It's a heartwarming tale of two women who start out as friends but find love and their happy ending. You can buy Camille's books here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-assistants/camille-perri/9780552173087 https://www.waterstones.com/book/when-katie-met-cassidy/camille-perri/9780349421193

Abigail Bergstrom knows a thing or two about publishing. After many successful years at Simon & Schuster (the first book she published was Everyday Sexism by Laura Bates), Abigail became Head of Gleam Titles in July 2017. For almost two years, the team has published bestsellers from some of the biggest names in digital and social media. In this episode, Abigail and I chat about our mutual love of books, the unique voices that are getting our attention as well as all the exciting things that Gleam Titles has planned for 2019. https://www.gleamtitles.com/

Do you crave organisation in your life? Fancy learning how to declutter everything from your wardrobe to your bookshelf? Award-winning online content creator, YouTube superstar and author Anna Newton has the answers. Her first book, An Edited Life, comes out in January and is a fantastic guide to organising your home, mind and life. With the help of Anna's brilliant tips and advice, you'll soon learn how to edit out the mess and noise to make room for what makes you happy. Pre-order Anna's book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/an-edited-life/anna-newton/9781787132429

Nora Ephron was an inspiring woman who built an incredibly successful career as a screenwriter, producer, author, director and journalist. Her three iconic films - When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail - literally saved the romantic comedy. In this episode, author Erin Carlson and I discuss her book, I'll Have What She's Having, which perfectly encapsulates the brilliant mind of Nora Ephron and explains why these three films will continue to be favourites for many years to come. Erin's book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/ill-have-what-shes-having/erin-carlson/9780316353892

Our friendships, whether they begin IRL or via social media, define us. From your childhood best friend to your work spouse, our lives are filled with wonderful people who keep us on our toes and make us laugh. In this episode of Shelf Life, journalist and author Kate Leaver explains how we are currently facing a loneliness epidemic and how the special relationships with our friends can be just the right cure. Buy Kate's book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-friendship-cure/kate-leaver/9780715652527 Kate's website: https://kateleaver.com/

Who would you consider the best-dressed people in history? Could you narrow it down to just 100 figures? Thankfully, fashion historian and author Amber Butchart has done just that in her new book, The Fashion Chronicles. In this special episode, recorded at Jane Austen's House in Chawton, we discuss fashion during the Regency period as well as the people who influenced these styles. Buy Amber's new book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-fashion-chronicles/amber-butchart/9781784723811v Amber's website: https://www.amberbutchart.com/

It's been 20 years and we are still watching, loving and talking about the television phenomenon that is Sex and the City. In this episode of Shelf Life, author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong talks about her new book, Sex and the City and Us, as well as the impact that the show continues to have on friendships, relationships and society. Jennifer's website: https://jenniferkarmstrong.com/ Buy Jennifer's book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/sex-and-the-city-and-us/jennifer-keishin-armstrong/9781501164828 Every Episode of SATC, Ranked: http://www.vulture.com/2018/06/every-episode-of-sex-and-the-city-ranked.html