One for the Books

We didn't always enjoy reading Flesh. We also couldn't stop thinking about it. This week we're unpacking David Szalay's Booker Prize-winning novel, Flesh, discussing one of the most frustrating protagonists we've ever encountered, the novel's sparse and emotionally distant style, whether our frustration with István was actually the point, and why a book that withholds so mu...

"Let them." It's a phrase that has become a cultural phenomenon, but does the theory, let alone the book, behind it live up to the hype? Unfortunately, we have thoughts. Lots of thoughts. We discuss whether the book's central idea is genuinely transformative or simply emotional regulation with a catchy slogan, why the examples left us wanting more, and the growing self-help indus...

We might be the only two people on the internet who hated this book… This week on One for the Books, we’re diving into The Housemaid — the viral BookTok thriller everyone’s obsessed with — and asking: is it actually worth the hype? From predictable twists and paper-thin characters to a plot that feels like a poor man’s Gone Girl, we’re breaking down everything that didn’t work for us (and why we’r...

This week, we're diving into Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors — does it deserve all the buzz, or is it just another overhyped bestseller? We unpack its themes, characters, and emotional weight alongside two other thought-provoking reads: I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, a haunting dystopian novel, and Bite Back by Hannah Ferguson, a fiery feminist critique of modern medi...

Some books dominate the literary conversation — but do they actually deserve it? In this episode we take on some of the biggest books of the last year with Sally Rooney's millennial angst, Rachel Kushner's cinematic storytelling, plus rising star Lottie Hazell. Do these authors and their latest books live up to their reputations, or are they just riding the wave of hype? BOOK RECS: Interme...

We're back! ...and with some brand spanking new recommendations of the best, most memorable books we devoured all last year. What reads lived up to the hype? What let us down? Plus, what surprised us the most! Listen to us agree (and disagree!) in one of our fave eps each year. BOOK RECS Jacinta’s - Book I expected to like and didn’t: The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novel by Nita Prose Book I ex...

Get cozy with a warm drink and join us for a special Christmas-themed episode of our podcast, where we unwrap the magic of holiday books! This week, we’re diving into three heartwarming and festive reads perfect for the season to give you all the feels. BOOK RECS: One Day in December by Josie Silver: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9780525574682/one-day-in-december--josie-silver--2018--9780525...

Is it worth the hype??? We are constantly bombarded with so many bestsellers and recommendations of the hot new book, but do they really live up to expectation? In this ep, we’re unpacking some recent popular books and spilling on whether they’re actually worth your time or not. BOOK RECS: Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth Tales from the Cafe by Toshikazu Kawaguchi The Work by Bri Lee OTHER RECS: Th...

We have made no secret of the fact that we love a historical fiction story! Now we're dividing into some of our favourites, so cosy up and transport yourself into past worlds with our most loved and enjoyable historical fiction recommendations. BOOK RECS: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah OTHER RECS: Guts (Spilled) Deluxe Edition by O...

There have been a raft of bestselling autobiographies hitting bookshops in the past few years - Britney, Prince Harry, Michelle Obama anyone? So we’ve done the hard work for you and read some of the most popular (and the ones that you should be!) to work out if they’re actually worth the hype. BOOK RECS: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears Strong Female Character by Fern Brady Spare by Prince Harry...

In the wake of Valentine's Day this year, we decided to dust of a couple of our favourite romance and love stories (historical fiction and romcoms included!). This episode we want to share the love along with these heart-warming tales with you as well... BOOK RECS: A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende Book Lovers by Emily Henry Love Stories by Trent Dalton OTHER RECS: Happiness for Beginn...

It's our favourite episode of the year! Join us as we embark on a literary journey through the pages of our favourite books from the year 2023. From captivating novels to thought-provoking non-fiction, we've curated a list that we hope has something for every kind of reader. Whether you're an avid reader looking for your next favourite book or someone seeking an informed list of the mo...

It's almost Christmas and Halloween was months ago??? Do not fear (or maybe do)! We have a bunch of our favourite thrillers - covering crime, historical, psychological, even ecological - from this year to keep you on the edge of your seat... BOOK RECS: The Guest by Emma Cline Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy OTHER RECS: Mrs. Davis TV Show on Bin...

In a belated book club pick, we're tackling books by marginalised authors we don't usually see and experience in the mainstream media as often as we should. Our bookcases (and minds!) were very much expanded - we hope yours will be too. BOOK RECS: Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola Sand Talk by Tyson Yunkaporta Black Girl, Call Home by Jasmine Mans OTHER RECS: Where Should We Begin Podcast wi...

There's a reason YA Novels are so popular - coming-of-age is a universal experience that can take whatever form imaginable. So, this ep we're celebrating that awkward, bemusing time between childhood and adulthood, and here are are absolute favourite YA novels from an expert and novice... BOOK RECS: The House by the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros They...

We're doing things a little different this episode. We're using our respective birth years as the jumping off point for some new book recommendations. It proves very interesting! Take a listen to what what happening in the late 80s and early 90s, and celebrate the books that were also born in the same year as us... BOOK RECS: Black Swans: Stories by Eve Babitz The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho...

This episode we're shining a light on our favourite books that have been unfairly subjected to censorship throughout modern history. Beyond the cliché classics that have been banned, we have also picked some more recent recommendations that have made the blacklist in a bid to silence these authors... You might be surprised at some of the titles that have been challenged over the years! BOOK RE...

One of the joys of reading is being able to travel to some dream destinations via the book you’re bingeing. This ep, we’re taking you on an epic world adventure to some of our bucket list travel spots thanks to some amazing books! BOOK RECS: San Francisco/Hong Kong/China - Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen Hydra, Greece - A Theatre for Dreamers by Polly Samson Alberta, Canada - The Erratics by Vicki Lav...

This year is set to be a huge one for TV show and movie releases... And a ton of these are based on some absolutely incredible books! So this ep, it's a recommendation extravaganza as we’re giving you our top three books you have to read before getting stuck into these very exciting upcoming television shows, movie or music too. BOOK RECS: Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Rea...

This ep, we’re bringing the laughs and chatting about our favourite satire or comedy books to make you laugh. We debate the ever popular My Year of Rest & Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh and both fall on very different sides of this dark satire. Where do you land? Strap in for all the LOLs and great recommendations. P.S. We get into My Rest & Relaxation spoilers from 10.10 to 11.28, so skip...

The best time of the year is here! www.adelaidefestival.com.au BOOK RECS: The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland Bruny by Heather Rose The Arsonists’ City by Hala Alyan OTHER RECS: The White Lotus Season 2 Le Gateau Chocolat and Johnny Woo ‘ A Night at the Musicals 3: Summer Lovin’ Tour ’ Happy Reading!

We're so excited to kick off this year with a different kind of theme - this episode we're recommending you books based on your specific zodiac sign! For thousands of years, people have looked to the night sky for life's biggest (…and most inconsequential) questions and now we're using it to chart what book you should pick up next. Whether you're a newbie or make every important decision according...

Okay, so we cannot quite believe that 2022 is almost over, but we’re ready anyway! This ep, we’re bringing you a list of some of our absolute standout books we’ve read this year. As always, we’ve got an eclectic mix covering all genres and styles. Jacinta’s book recommendations: Two Nights in Lisbo n by Chris Pavone The Giant Dark by Sarvat Hasin Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder Meet Me in the Bathroom...

To honour Mental Health Awareness Month (October), we’re sitting down to chat about our must-reads on wellbeing, mental health and self-help.  BOOK RECS: It Didn’t Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari Five Minute Therapy : Ment...

We grew up in the era of Gilmore Girls, and whether you stan Rory or not, you can’t argue that she had impeccable and nerdy taste in most things, including literature. So this ep we’re taking a look at books Rory recommended throughout the seasons of one of the 2000s' most iconic shows. Plus, we’ve got a special treat for you this episode! We’re joined by podcast bestie Yas who is here to chat all...