Book Who's Talking
120 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★ - 7 ratingsA podcast about books. It's like a bookclub, but you don't have to leave your house and you don't have to bring a plate of cheese.
Hosted by Fiona, Laura and Cool Ben.
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Episodes
25. An American Marriage
January 31, 2019 05:45 - 53 minutes - 73.7 MBThis month we read the 2018 novel that ALL the critics (including Barack Obama) were raving about - An American Marriage by Tayari Jones. This book is full of twits and turns and surprises and emotions. And Laura's copy is now full of Laura's very own tears. Join us as we cover all of the important topics - Salmon croquettes, Tina Arena, weird doll babies, and the brand new definitely-not-made-up Book Who's Talking sweepstakes. ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or the pod...
What to Read in January - An American Marriage
January 04, 2019 16:46 - 50 seconds - 1.52 MBWe're kicking off our 2019 reading with a book that's had ALL of the buzz (here's looking at you, Oprah) - An American Marriage, by Tayari Jones. Laura is here to tell you what it's about, and why you should start putting in in your eyes / ears / heart immediately. We'll be back and ready to talk (weep?) about it at the end of January, so make sure you're with us. Happy reading!
24. Hercule Poirot's Christmas
December 30, 2018 12:07 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MBWe're celebrating the holidays with murder! And moustaches! That's right, bookworms, this month we dove into BWT's first every Agatha Christie novel, Hercule Poirot's Christmas. Join us for this holiday-themed delight (it really is delightful), and find out if we paid attention in high school biology, if anyone guessed whodunnit, and if Laura ever managed to pronounce "Hercule Poirot" correctly. ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or the podcast! Or if you know what an aquilin...
Mini Episode - Harry Christmas!
December 23, 2018 08:12 - 18 minutes - 26 MBIt's Christmas time, and for our resident ride or die Harry Potter fan (Laura) Christmas and the Potterverse are forever intertwined. But which wizarding Christmas is the *MOST* magical? Ben and Fiona have taken this episode off (Harry who?), so Laura is flying solo (on her Clean Sweep 7), counting down every Potter festive season, and making us feel as warm and toasty as McGonagall after a few egg nogs. So pop on your favourite Weasley jumper, pack up your wizard's chess, and snuggle in...
Mini Episode - Pachinko
December 13, 2018 23:55 - 9 minutes - 12.8 MBLaura and Fiona are joining forces to tell you about one of the best books they read this year - Pachinko by Korean American writer Min Jin Lee. Through eight decades and four generations, Pachinko is an epic tale of family, identity, love, death and survival. In this very spoiler free, very mini episode, let us convince you that *this* is the book you should be reading over your holiday break. ----- Get Fiona's favourite Korean face masks here: http://www.innisfree.com
What to Read in December - Hercule Poirot's Christmas
December 05, 2018 11:04 - 26 seconds - 653 KBIt's (nearly) Christmas! And Ben's here to tell you what we're reading for the festive season - Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie. This book was first published in 1938, and according to the New York Times Book Review "never has Poirot's mighty brain functioned more brilliantly". Family intrigue! Murder! Moustaches! Get it read in time for our next main episode, out at the end of December. Happy holiday reading!
23. Got Milkman?
December 01, 2018 12:20 - 48 minutes - 67.2 MBGrab yourself some cookies and settle in, because this month we're discussing Milkman by Anna Burns. Winner of the 2018 Man Booker Prize, Milkman is a story of hope, fear, tribalism, the patriarchy, rumour and dairy. Filled with quirky characters, and hardly any breaks for breathing, this book made for some Very Good Chat. Come and join us! ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or the podcast! Or your ideas for how to secretly poison people! We are @bookwhostalking on Twitter, F...
What to Read in November - Milkman
November 10, 2018 22:02 - 56 seconds - 1.34 MBThe Man Booker Prize is back, and so are we, Bookworms. This month we're reading the 2018 winner, Milkman by Anna Burns. Milkman is a tale of gossip and hearsay, silence and deliberate deafness. It is the story of inaction with enormous consequences. Sounds exciting (and also kind of terrifying), so get it read in time for our next main episode, out at the end of November.
22. Miss Smilla's Feeling for SLOW
November 01, 2018 00:14 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MBSnow and ice and murder and mystery and biscuits and boats and hats and furs and space rocks and worms and the LONGEST SENTENCES we've ever read. That's right, Bookworms, this month we're discussing Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg, and we sure do have some feelings about it. Also some technical questions about that one bit. You know the bit. ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or the podcast! Or send us your your theories on HOW THAT'S EVEN POSSIBLE! We are @bookw...
Mini Episode - Fahren-HATE 451 (the movie)
October 18, 2018 21:04 - 18 minutes - 25.9 MBYou know we love a movie adaptation, Bookworms, so this week we sat down to watch the 2018 HBO Original Movie, Fahrenheit 451. Based on Ray Bradbury's 1953 novel of the same name (that we read just a few months ago) and starring Michael B. Jordan and Michael Shannon, it's safe to say we were cautiously optimistic about this one. Whelp, come and hear how it all panned out (hint in the episode title). If you've seen the movie, come and roll around in your feelings with us, and if you haven't, m...
What to Read in October - Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow
October 06, 2018 13:18 - 50 seconds - 1.21 MBOctober is bringing you back-to-back thrillers, because this month we're reading the modern noir classic, Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow. Laura is here to give you the blurb, and tell you why you should read it in time for our next main episode, out at the end of the month. Happy reading!
21. The Nowhere Child
October 03, 2018 03:56 - 55 minutes - 76 MBThis month we're discussing Christian White's 2018 debut novel, The Nowhere Child, which is a mystery, a thriller, and pure nightmare fuel for anyone with a snake phobia (hi, Fiona). Join us as we talk about bad accents, amazing reveals, and the seminal Britney Spears film Crossroads (we promise it's relevant). ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or the podcast! Or send us your very best Kentucky accent! We are @bookwhostalking on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and Good...
What to Read in September - The Nowhere Child
September 06, 2018 13:03 - 43 seconds - 1.02 MBIt's September! And this month we're reading The Nowhere Child, a 2018 debut novel by Australian author Christian White (home town represent!). What would you do if a stranger came along one day and told you that you had been kidnapped as a small child, and that your parents weren't really your parents? The Nowhere Child is a suspenseful page turner that will keep you guessing until the bitter end. So read it in time for our next main episode, out at the end of September. Happy Reading! Make ...
20. The Immortal(ish)ists
September 01, 2018 23:45 - 58 minutes - 80.2 MBThis month we're feeling our impending mortality, because we read The Immortalists, a 2018 novel by Chloe Benjamin. Join us as we discuss fate, family, the perils of knowing the future, and whether or not we believe in magic (it's us, of COURSE we do). ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or the podcast! Or if you've ever snatched a baby! We are @bookwhostalking on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and Goodreads. And you can email us at [email protected].
Mini Episode - The Handmaid's Tale S2
August 22, 2018 03:39 - 1 hour - 99.5 MBWe've finally stopped crying and/or yelling long enough to bring you a mini* episode on The Handmaid's Tale Season 2. Join Fiona, Laura, and our first ever returning special guest Damien, to talk about this sometimes brilliant, often harrowing, and always controversial series. Whether you loved it, hated it, or just want to talk about Oprah, we've got you covered. *maxi, if we're being real
Mini Episode - Meet the Author: Lili Wilkinson
August 10, 2018 00:40 - 35 minutes - 48.2 MBIn this very special mini episode we welcome Melbourne author Lili Wilkinson to the podcast. Lili has written 12 books (so far), including the brand new release After The Lights Go Out, a novel about a doomsday prepping family in rural Australia. In this (mostly) spoiler-free chat, we find out where doomsday preppers hang out, how to write about sex for teenagers, and how prepared Laura is for the end of the world (more prepared than we thought tbh). We LOVED this book, you guys. Find ...
What to Read in August - The Immortalists
August 05, 2018 22:49 - 40 seconds - 994 KBWelcome to August, Bookworms. This month we're tackling The Immortalists, a 2018 novel by Chloe Benjamin. This book follows four siblings who, one hot Summer in 1969, visit a psychic who can (apparently) predict the exact day that they'll die. The book follows these siblings in the years after their visit, and poses the question, "If you knew the date of your death, how would you live your life?". Come and feel things with us, bookworms. Read The Immortalists in time for our next main episode...
19. The 411 on Fahrenheit 451
July 31, 2018 02:15 - 50 minutes - 69.2 MBThis month we're fanning the dystopian flames and reading Ray Bradbury's 1953 novel, Fahrenheit 451. Join us as we talk about what makes something a classic, if it's ever right to burn a book, and whether it's ok to got to bed without showering if you smell like kerosine (it's not, come on guys, be serious). ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or the podcast! Or if you're rooting for Tyra Banks! We are @bookwhostalking on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and Goodreads. An...
Mini Episode - Pride and Prejudice Prejudices
July 20, 2018 06:21 - 28 minutes - 39 MBJane Austen fans unite! Producer Josie was shocked and appalled to learn that none of the Book Who's Talking gang had ever read an Austen, so she asked (begged) Fiona and Ben to have a crack at the ever popular Pride and Prejudice. Find out if this book is as good as Josie says it is (it's really good), if Colin Firth is still swoon-worthy (he is), and if Fiona ever figured out why it's called Pride and Prejudice (wait and see). ----- If you want to know which P&P character you are: ht...
What to Read in July - Fahrenheit 451
July 04, 2018 02:09 - 49 seconds - 1.18 MBFiona is here to tell you what we're reading in July - Fahrenheit 451 by American writer Ray Bradbury (a science fiction author so influential they named an actual asteroid after him). First published in 1953, this dystopian novel is an undisputed classic than none of the BWT gang has ever read, so we're eager to find out what all of the fuss is about. Also there's a new-ish HBO movie adaptation starring Michael B. Jordan, so, you know, we need an excuse to watch that. Read it in time for our...
18. The Shepherd's Hut
June 30, 2018 02:24 - 1 hour - 83.1 MBPass the salt, Bookworms, because this month we're heading into the Australian outback, and reading The Shepherd's Hut by Australian Living Treasure (seriously, it's on his business cards) Tim Winton. Join us for a chat about this genuinely excellent book, find out what Laura used to call her binoculars, and hear some fair dinkum Aussie slang. ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or the podcast! Or if you already knew what a horn was (sorry, mum)! We are @bookwhostalking on Twi...
What to Read in June - The Shepherd's Hut
June 04, 2018 00:36 - 44 seconds - 1.05 MBBen drops by to tell you what we're reading in June - The Shepherd's Hut by Australian Living Treasure (no seriously, he was named a Living Treasure by the National Trust in 1997, imagine that kind of pressure) Tim Winton. Set in the vast saltlands of Western Australia, The Shepherd's Hut is a story of survival, solitude, unlikely friendship, and what it takes to keep hope alive in a parched and brutal world. Read it, and then drop in for our next main episode, out at the end of June. Happy r...
17. Manhattan Beach, Far Away In Time
May 30, 2018 01:10 - 1 hour - 84.5 MBPop on your diving dress and make sure your faceplate is secure, because this month we're exploring Manhattan Beach, the 2017 novel by Pulitzer prize winning author Jennifer Egan. Join us to find out if beaches really can save lives, if it's ok to kiss cousins, and whether or not you're a crumb-bum. Come on in, the water's fine! ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or the podcast! Or whether you know how to pronounce Saoirse Ronan. We are @bookwhostalking on Twitter, Facebook, ...
What to Read in May - Manhattan Beach
May 05, 2018 06:24 - 36 seconds - 900 KBJosie is here to let you know what to read in May - Manhattan Beach by Pulitzer Prize winning author Jennifer Egan. Set against the backdrop of World War Two, and in a world populated by gangsters, sailors, divers, bankers, and union men, Egan shows us what drives people to act the way they do, and what drives them apart. And it also gives us a real hankering to visit the beach. So get it read, and then come back for our next main episode, out at the end of May. Happy Reading!
16. All Systems Re(a)d
April 30, 2018 02:15 - 37 minutes - 50.9 MBIt's all systems go for All Systems Red by Martha Wells, a short and sweet sci-fi thriller about a robot who has become self-aware, and would rather be watching soap operas than helping its human companions. The gang get real about all things futuristic, there's some unexpectedly impressive casting from Ben, and we fondly remember a certain 90s heroine who can turn in to a puddle. Join us! ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or the podcast! Or send us a sample of your Grade 5 ...
Mini Episode - Ready Player One Large Popcorn Please
April 18, 2018 13:13 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBJoin us, bookworms, as we step back in time (and journey to the future) to talk about the new movie adaptation of our FIRST EVER monthly read, Ready Player One. Does the film live up to the hype? Are Wade's legs really that long? Was our cast better than Spielberg's? (You know it was.)
What to Read in April - All Systems Red
April 06, 2018 05:46 - 36 seconds - 899 KBJosie is stopping by to tell you what what we're reading this month - All Systems Red, by Martha Wells. The first book in a new series of novellas called The Murderbot Diaries, All Systems Red is a short and snappy read about a robot who's trying to figure out what "life" is all about, and who would rather be watching TV than dealing with humans (and, funnily enough, we can all relate). Get it read (we promise it won't take you long) in time for our next main episode, out at the end of April....
15. Sing, Unburied, Sing-ing Its Praises
March 30, 2018 01:32 - 1 hour - 88.6 MBThis month we're discussing Sing, Unburied, Sing - the award-winning and (spoilers) bloody excellent 2017 novel by Jesmyn Ward. If you haven't read it yet, do yourself a favour and READ IT NOW. Then join the gang as we talk uncomfortable road trips, complex family dynamics, and our frankly brilliant idea for the next ghostbusters film (call us, Columbia Pictures). ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or the podcast! Or your tips for hiding drugs in your car (and if you're the p...
Mini Episode - Call Me By Your Movie
March 16, 2018 09:10 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MBIn February's episode about Call Me By Your Name (the book), Laura told us she was off to see Call Me By Your Name (the movie) the very next day. Never the fibber, she went, and is back to tell us what she thought. Join us as Laura (who has seen it) tells Fiona (who hasn't) how the movie compares to the book, and as Fiona tells Laura about the director's controversial plan to make some sequels.
What to Read in March - Sing, Unburied, Sing
March 04, 2018 00:46 - 1 minute - 1.44 MBLaura is here to tell you what what we're reading this month - Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward. This 2017 novel won the National Book Award for Fiction, was named one of Time Magazine's best novels of the year, and was on Barack Obama's list of favourite books. What more do you want, people? We can't wait to talk to you about this book, and we promise you won't be disappointed. Get reading in time for our next main episode, out at the end of March. Happy Reading!
14. Call Me, Armie Hammer
February 27, 2018 00:50 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MBWe’re celebrating The Academy Awards with our review of Call Me By Your Name, the novel that inspired the film currently nominated for Best Picture. We’ve all heard about THAT peach scene, but the trio also discuss the highs and lows of Elio and Oliver’s relationship, the importance of espadrilles, and comparisons between this novel and the Australian classic, Holding The Man. So sit outside, dip your toes in the wading pool of your Italian villa, and give us a listen! ----- Tell us ...
What to Read in February - Call Me By Your Name
February 01, 2018 09:28 - 34 seconds - 852 KBBen is checking in to tell you what what we're reading this month - Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman. There's so much buzz around this book (and the recent movie adaptation) that farmers are using it to pollinate their crops. No jokes, guys, just facts. We're excited to read it, and you should be too. Get reading in time for our next main episode, out at the end of February. Happy Reading!
13. My Sister Ros-Aaaaaaaah
January 28, 2018 08:12 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MBWho's ready to dive into a Young Adult thriller about tween psychopaths? No, we're not talking Twilight (we never will, we promise), but we are talking about Justine Larbalestier's 2016 thriller, My Sister Rosa. The trio discuss Shirley Temple, if it's possible to have too many twists, and Josie's budding career in stunt doubling. ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or about the podcast! Or about your feelings on tulip dresses! We're @bookwhostalking on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, ...
Mini Episode - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Theatre
January 19, 2018 12:04 - 10 minutes - 13.9 MBThe entire Book Who's Talking gang went to see Melbourne Theatre Company's production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and in this super mini, SPOILER FREE episode we would love to tell you all about it. Find out if you need to read the book before you see the play, what Laura thinks of improv theatre, and why Ben has a headache.
Mini Episode - La Belle Sauvage
January 14, 2018 23:43 - 18 minutes - 25 MBAs long time listeners will know, BWT Producer Josie is a HUGE Philip Pullman fan, so she's been absolutely itching to talk about his new release, and the long awaited prequel / sequel / equal to the His Dark Materials trilogy, La Belle Sauvage. Josie and fellow BWT family member Jez will tell you why you should read this book, and how it compares to that other famous prequel, The Phantom Menace (spoilers: VERY WELL).
What to Read January - My Sister Rosa
January 04, 2018 00:17 - 49 seconds - 1.18 MBA new year of book reading is upon us, and Laura is here to tell you what you should read first - My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier. This book is tense, and exciting, and we can't wait to talk to you about it. Get it read in time for our next main episode, out at the end of January. Happy Reading!
12. Lincoln in the Bard-WHOA!
December 30, 2017 04:28 - 50 minutes - 70.1 MBEveryone's talking about it, Bookworms, so we're ending this year with the Man Booker Prize winner, Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. We give our honest opinions on this critically acclaimed best-seller, discuss all of the celebrity cameos in the audiobook (including our delight in hearing Nick Offerman say "poop"), and most importantly... we talk muppets. Come and help us end this year with a bang (or a matter light blooming phenomenon)! ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or...
Mini Episode - Alias Grace: As Seen On TV
December 13, 2017 10:32 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MBThank the Netflix (and CBC) Gods, bookworms, because the Alias Grace TV series is here, and your friends at Book Who's Talking have binge-watched and formed OPINIONS. Join us as we discuss the good, the bad, and the surprise we all felt on learning that "energetic dancing" was actually just energetic dancing. SPOILERS AHEAD.
What to Read in December - Lincoln in the Bardo
December 05, 2017 11:39 - 55 seconds - 1.31 MBFiona is ready and raring to tell you what we're reading this month - Lincoln in the Bardo, by George Saunders. Two main points: 1) This book recently won the Man Booker Prize, and 2) OMG READ THIS BOOK. Get it read in time for our next main episode, due out at the end of December. And honestly, the best Christmas present we can give you is a reason to read this book. Read this book.
11. Lexicon? Lex-We-Can!
November 30, 2017 04:17 - 50 minutes - 69.4 MBThis month we're talking about Lexicon, the 2013 thriller by Australian author Max Barry. We've got it all, including questionable Australian accents, tooth sucking, and the sound of kangaroo lips (gross, Laura). Come and join us! ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or about the podcast! Or about whether you think John Farnham missed his true calling! We're @bookwhostalking on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and Goodreads. And you can email us at [email protected].
What to Read in November - Lexicon
November 02, 2017 06:34 - 37 seconds - 915 KBLaura is here, and she wants to tell you all about the book that we're reading this month. (Spoilers: Lexicon by Max Barry, an Aussie thriller about words and persuasion, and also Broken Hill for some reason.) Read it in time for our next main episode, due out at the end of November.
10. So Alias Grace-ful
October 30, 2017 12:32 - 1 hour - 95.5 MBWe’re diving into Alias Grace, the Margaret Atwood novel behind the about-to-be-released Netflix series (and Fiona's actual favourite book). Join us as we discuss potentially-guilty-murderess Grace Marks, as well as patchwork quilts, memory-triggering potatoes, and the soon-to-be nuptials of Laura and Canadian actor/singer/superstar Drake. ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or about the podcast! Or about whether you've ever been aroused by a table leg! We're @bookwhostalking on Twit...
Mini Episode - Pitch Perfect
October 17, 2017 02:23 - 53 minutes - 73.6 MBWe welcome special guest Kate, a YA and children's book editor who tells us all the best bits about working in the publishing industry, and reveals why you should definitely hire a singing telegram. Then we play a super fun game where we make Kate listen to all our best (worst) book pitches, and make her choose the best (worst) ones. Find out why Fiona is starting a protest movement, why Ben loves Twilight, and why Laura has a single dropping in iTunes this week. Find Kate on twitter here: @s...
What To Read In October - Alias Grace
October 05, 2017 00:31 - 37 seconds - 909 KBJosie tells you what we're reading this month, and why you should read it in time for our next main episode, due out at the end of October. (Spoilers: Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood, and because you want to be all high-brow and say "It's not as good as the book" when the Netflix series drops on November 3rd.)
9. More The Power To Ya
September 28, 2017 12:22 - 1 hour - 83.2 MBThis month we're giving power to The Power, Naomi Alderman’s award winning 2016 novel. This book gave us ALL OF THE FEELINGS, and was also a great excuse to talk about Kesha starting her own religion. Settle in and enjoy (we sure did). Come and tell us what you thought of the book (and/or the episode), we're on facebook/ twitter/ instagram/ goodreads/ reddit @bookwhostalking.
Mini Episode - Roald Dahl-ings
September 13, 2017 00:15 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBThis September would have been Roald Dahl's 101st birthday, so to celebrate the author of some of our most beloved books, we're doing a quiz! Find out if we know our Buckets from our BFGs, and see who wins a golden ticket, and who gets a one-way trip to the chokey. (If you would like to submit a complaint about that half-point Laura thinks she deserved, please have a good, hard look at yourself, and then come and talk to us on Facebook or Twitter - @bookwhostalking.)
What To Read In September - The Power
September 01, 2017 23:48 - 55 seconds - 1.3 MBLaura tells you what we're reading this month, and why you should read it in time for our next main episode, due out at the end of September. (Spoilers: The Power by Naomi Alderman, and because we're *absolutely desperate* to talk about it with you.)
8. A Horse Walks Into a Bar
August 28, 2017 00:53 - 51 minutes - 71.4 MBCan you really ever know someone? Does tragedy plus time always equal comedy? What's the name of that Mandy Moore movie where she plays the President's daughter? All of these questions and more will be answered (or at the very least asked) as we delve into the 2017 Man Booker International Prize winner, A Horse Walks Into A Bar, by David Grossman. ----- Tell us what you think about the book! Or about the podcast! Or about whether you think it's a bad idea for Ben to sing karaoke the night bef...
Tell Us What You're Reading
August 21, 2017 06:19 - 1 minute - 1.42 MBWe want to know what you're reading! Whether you're up to date, starting from the beginning, or being a maverick and doing your own thing, we want to hear about it. Email / [email protected] Twitter / @bookwhostalking Instagram / @bookwhostalking Facebook / @bookwhostalking Reddit / @bookwhostalking Thanks for being in our book club, book worms <3
Mini Episode - The Handmaid's Tale
August 16, 2017 00:13 - 48 minutes - 66.3 MBWe know you’ve watched it, we hope you’ve read it, and now we invite you to listen to us chat about how weird it is that they decided to make The Commander and Serena Joy crazy young and hot (but mostly crazy). Fiona, Laura and special guest Damian discuss the book-to-screen Hulu adaptation, with all its highs, lows and Supré dresses.