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This month, Book Choice is coming to you LIVE from the Hermanus FynArts Festival, where we'll interview Eon De Vos, Festival Director, as well as a few of the authors appearing at the festival; Trend forecaster and pet doula Dion Chang, Micah Reddy, co-author of Malema: Money. Power. Patronage, Shawn Buck founder of Cape Town's massively popular Silent Book Club, and Dr Adriana Marais, a doctor and scientist specialising in off-planet living.
In this Publishers' Choice edition, we're joined by Penguin Random House, Pan Macmillan, Jonathan Ball and Exclusive books, with a mix of international and local hits, including fiction, non-fiction and kids books, sponsored by Exclusive Books.
In this 10-minute podcast, we go from food love stories to werewolf fiction, mining investigative journalism and romance, with the Jonathan Ball team
In this 10-minute podcast we celebrate Jaco Jacobs' 300th book with Pan Macmillan.
In this 10-minute podcast we go from 650 page bangers to Psychological thrillers and just plain psychology, Twanji Kalula chats to Vis Chetty from Penguin Random House, about June Highlights.
In this 10-minute podcast, Vanessa Levenstein chats to 9-year-old author, Unarine Phaswana, FMR personality and artist, Chantal Coetzee, chats to Riana Scheepers, the author of Christelientije, about the magic of her real-life Christelientije.
Live from the Franschhoek Literary Festival Pagecast Studio. Sven Axelrad's new book is The Dogs of Vivo. Sven Axelrad is the author of four novels: Buried Treasure, God's Pocket, Nicotine Gospel, and now The Dogs of Vivo. He has published short stories in New Contrast and Fragment Collective and has been longlisted for the Desperate Literature Prize in Madrid. Sven is an accountant who just loves reading and writing. Riley Henry-Herbert is a fiction writer and book reviewer based in Cape Town. He reviews books on Book Choice for Fine Music Radio and shares his thoughts on social media and on his Substack page, Underline. Filmed & edited by Curt Ruiters at @Quickclickproductions_
How to find a great crime thriller to read, funny too. Beryl Eichenberger reviews the latest by killer crime, specific, humour author, Sarah Lotz. It's 5-minutes of amazing.
Beryl Eichenberger chats to Sally Andrew about her latest Tannie Maria mystery, what it's like to be streamed in over 100 countries and succulents.
Vanessa Levenstein chats to Pepe Marais with startling clarity, about his marketing how-to book, One Word in this must-listen 10-minute interview.
Shirley Gueller takes a moment to review Being Bill, by legendary actor and writer, Peter Terry, who sadly passed away in April. Have a listen to this 5-minute review in tribute.
An interview with Sally Andrew on her latest in the Tannie Maria series, an interview with Dr Pepe Marais, advertising genius on his new book, One Word. How to kill a crime writer by genius author Sarah Lotz, Being Bill by the late Peter Terry, the early writings of Alex La Guma and a book on tree spotting
We're going to open the show with Twanji Kalula, one of my favourite show reviewers, and today he's chatting to Vis Chetty from penguin Random house about what they've got happening on their shelves in the upcoming months. This is an important month for reading, because well actually every month is an important month for reading, but this one in particular, here in the cape Winter is coming John Snow (aside Game of thrones was a book first). It is based on the fantasy novel series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, with the first book, A Game of Thrones, published in August 1996. The HBO television series, which premiered in 2011, is an adaptation of these novels.
In this 10-minute short, Twanji Kalula grills Vis Chetty from Penguin Random House, about their huge upcoming hits, including a new Tannie Maria mystery (hoorah) and the riveting-sounding We Inherit the Fire by Kagiso Lesego Molope and more.
Johathan Ball Publishers talk faith-based titles in this 10-minute short.
From an hilarious vet's memoir to the Franschhoek Literary Festival lineup, to massive international hits, all in this 10-minute podcast with the Pan Macmillan team.
In this 10 minute short, Vanessa Levenstein chats to Rachel Kolisi and Zibu Sithole, authors of Falling Forward: For Every Woman Who's Had to Start Again. This Book Choice short is brought to you by Exclusive Books.
In this 10-minute short, Tan Twan Eng chats to Festival Programme Director, Jennifer Blaine, about his famous, award-winning House of Doors and his upcoming tour to South Africa and appearances at The Franschoek Literary Festival in May 2026.
The Franschoek Literary Festival team do a Book Choice show takeover with two big-name international author interviews plus everything you need to know about The Franschoek Literary Festival, taking place in May this year. Sponsored by Exclusive Books.
A 10-minute short - Vanessa Levenstein chats to Francoise Malby-Anthony about Dining With Elephants and her upcoming appearance at the Franschhoek Literary Festival in May 2026.
In this 10-minute short, Vanessa Levenstein chats to FLF Festival Programme Director, Jennifer Blaine, about everything you need to know about this year's Franschhoek Literary Festival; the hot tickets, where to buy them, and what to see and do at this year's jam-packed festival. Don't miss this one
This week Nick talks to Dr Ewan KirkDr Ewan Kirk is a British technology entrepreneur, founder of Cantab Capital Partners, until recently was chair of the Issac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences, and Non-Executive Director of BAE Systems. He is also Co-Chair of the Turner Kirk Trust, which supports STEM, education, and conservation causes in the UK and the developing world. Nick and Ewan discuss Ewan's journey to becoming a leading figure in quantitative finance, from his early passion for maths, physics, and computing through to entrepreneurship and investment banking. They explore how his technical curiosity led him to build and sell software before joining Goldman Sachs, where he played a key role in developing and scaling derivatives trading, highlighting the importance of combining technical expertise with commercial instinct. The conversation also covers his departure from Goldman, reflections on risk and career decisions, and the founding of Cantab Capital Partners, where he applied systematic, data-driven trading strategies. Ewan's Book Choice was:The Selfish Gene - Richard Dawkins Ewan Music Choice was:Sweet Jane by The Velvet UndergroundThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
A 7-minute short with Beryl Eichenberger on brilliant novel, Bosadi by award-winning author, Kopano Matlwa.
Twanji Kalula reads one of the most contentious reads of the year, is woke dead, or shall we just kill Piers Morgan?
Vanessa Levenstein chats to Charlotte Bauer of The Charlotte Bauer Book Club on News24. What it does, how you can join and how you can win books?
Paige Nick chats about Penny Haw and her backlist of remarkable novels about remarkable women from history, and her latest, The Woman and Her Stars, published by Penguin Random House.
Meet the Newmans, My husbands wife, both massive international bestsellers. Haram by Zuabyr Charles, Bosadi by Kopano Matlwa and The Woman and her Stars by Penny Haw, two even better local bestsellers, and Twanji asks if Piers Morgan is right and woke is dead, or maybe he's just being contentious and we wrap up with Vanessa Levenstein chatting to Charlotte Bauer of the News24 Charlotte Bauer Book club.
Kutlwano Masote is an award-winning musician and one of South Africa's most sought-after orchestra conductors. Paige Nick reviews his memoir, Imperfect Harmony in this 10-minute short.
In this short, with bonus material, Helené Coetzee unpacks the latest in Afrikaans fiction and celebrates World Poetry day on the 21st March.
Riley Herbert-Henry interviews award-winning playwright and novelist, Nadia Davids on her Cape Fever in this 10-minute short.
An hour of award-winning writers and musicians, covering new literary-fiction titles by Imraan Coovadia and Michiel Heyns, a musical memoir by Kutlwano Masote, a big Afrikaans poetry segment with Danie Marais, to celebrate World Book day on the 21st. Political non-fiction to celebrate this election year with MafiaLand by Kyle Cowan, and an interview with Nadia Davids on her international release called Cape Fever.
Twanji and Vis chat brand new, big-hitting bestsellers in this 10-minute short.
A huge Publisher's Choice edition today, Penguin Random House, Exclusive Books, Jonathan Ball and Pan Macmillan are in the studio telling us what they have coming up. Vanessa Levenstein interviews famous Fehmz on her Damn Good Food recipe book which has gone seriously viral and Mike Nicol and his granddaughter drop into the show to tell us about his latest.
Pan Macmillan brings us some bests, Mike Nicol's granddaughter, his latest novel, and the 4 Non Blondes.
Vanessa Levenstein chats to internet cooking sensation Fehmz, about Damn Good Food in this ten minute short
In our February show we've got a great mix if big-hitting award winning fiction and authors, two afrikaans fiction reviews, the third in a series of South African Italian novels and an inter-review with cycling hero Cathy Carstens on her new memoir, Getting back on the bike.
Marc Falconer shares a review and interview with his cycling hero.
A 10-minute podcast on the best book Paige Nick has read so far this year. Bosadi, by Kopano Matlwa.
An iconic short podcast with iconic Beverley Roos Muller on iconic Salman Rushdie.
A 10-minute podcast by Riley Herbert-Henry plus bonus content on Mirari Press.
In this 10-minute short, Vanessa Levenstein reviews and interviews Shubnum Khan for Exclusive Books.
Our first Publishers' Choice show to flight on a Monday this Feb 2026. With another new Frieda McFadden, some Celia Ahern, a new Gruffalo is coming, yahoo, and Vanessa interviews award-winning author Shubnum Khan.
Listen up. In this 10-minute short, Helene Coetzee talks all things World Read Aloud Day with Pan Macmillan.
In this 10-minute short, Twanji Kalula presents Penguin Random House's top picks for January.
Ten minutes, ten recommendations from The Jonathan Ball team for Galantine's Day.
This week Nick talks to Jeff ChatfieldJeff Chatfield is the CEO of Avation, a publicly listed aircraft leasing company with a global portfolio of commercial and regional aircraft. He has over two decades of experience in the aviation finance industry, leading the company through multiple bond issues and strategic fleet expansions. Known for his pragmatic approach to capital management, Chatfield has built Aviation into one of the few small-scale lessors capable of issuing public bonds. Based between Singapore and London, he is recognised for his clear, data-driven insights into market trends and aircraft investment strategy.In this episode Nick and Jeff discuss the company's recent US$300 million bond issue and improved credit ratings from major agencies, marking a significant step forward since its earlier, lower-rated bonds. Jeff discusses how the refinancing provides long-term stability, enabling the company to continue its growth trajectory over the next five and a half years. He explains how the upgraded ratings reflect Aviation's maturity and scale in a market where even US$20 billion is now considered small, while also noting the flexibility and strategic value of bonds for managing capital efficiently.The discussion moves to fleet strategy, including the extended lease of a wide-body A330 to EVA Air and the company's ongoing focus on narrow-body aircraft such as A320s and ATRs. Chatfield highlights the global demand for aircraft driven by replacement cycles and rising air travel in emerging economies such as India and China. He emphasises Aviation's valuable order book and purchase rights, which position the company strongly amid limited aircraft supply.Jeff's Book Choice was:The Thursday Murder Club by Richard OsmanThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.
Matt finishes up our review of summer reading books with a discussion of "The Discipline of Inspiration" by Carey Wallace.
Marisa continues our Forum series by discussing her summer reading book choice, "The Bible Says So" by Dan McClellan.
Zack kicks off our Forum series this year with a presentation of his summer reading book choice, "Practicing the Way" by John Mark Comer.
Mike Palmer welcomes Doug Lemov, founder of Teach Like a Champion, to the podcast. Lemov discusses his journey from teacher to education innovator and the evolution of Teach Like a Champion. He highlights the importance of the new book, The Teach Like a Champion Guide to the Science of Reading, co-authored with Colleen Driggs and Erica Woolway. The conversation delves into the critical role of attention in reading, the impact of technology on cognition, and the power of shared reading experiences in the classroom. Lemov also explains the significance of close reading and knowledge-based comprehension, advocating for bringing complex texts, whole books, and writing back into the classroom. Key Takeaways: The Science of Reading: The importance of understanding the research behind reading acquisition and applying it to teaching practices beyond early elementary grades. Attention in the Digital Age: How screens and social media fragment attention, and the need to rebuild students' capacity for sustained concentration through practices like reading physical books and extended reading periods. The Social Nature of Reading: The value of shared reading experiences in fostering connection, meaning-making, and enjoyment, contrasting with individual, choice-based reading that can isolate students. Knowledge-Driven Comprehension: The understanding that reading comprehension is primarily driven by background knowledge, not just transferable skills, emphasizing the need to build students' knowledge base to improve their understanding of complex texts. The Power of Writing: The benefits of slow, durable, and difficult writing in the classroom for deep thinking, memory encoding, and improved discussion, especially in contrast to the shortcuts offered by AI. Why You Should Listen: Discover how to reignite joy and meaning in the classroom by understanding the science of reading and practical strategies for improving student comprehension and engagement. Doug shares insights on combating the challenges of modern attention spans and leveraging the power of shared experiences and knowledge-building to cultivate lifelong readers. Subscribe to Trending in Education so you never miss a conversation like this one! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:01 Doug Lemov's Professional Journey 02:05 Founding a Charter School 03:02 Teach Like A Champion: Origins and Impact 07:36 The Science of Reading: New Book Insights 09:46 Challenges in Reading Education 13:49 The Importance of Attention in Reading 19:22 Social Aspects of Reading and Meaning Making 20:31 The Social Power of Books in the Classroom 21:09 The Debate on Book Choice in Education 22:06 The Importance of Shared Reading Experiences 23:22 Understanding the Role of Complex Texts in Education 26:38 The Cognitive Science Behind Close Reading 31:13 The Impact of Writing on Learning and Memory 36:37 The Role of Background Knowledge in Reading Comprehension 42:38 Concluding Thoughts and the Importance of Whole Book