Novel Thoughts

About Novel Thoughts

This is the podcast for the big readers and the book lovers. Novel Thoughts is a book chat podcast hosted by former bookshop owner Sapphire Bates. Twice a month we deep dive into a single book, from beloved classics to exciting new releases, exploring it from different perspectives with rotating co-hosts. Other episodes cover author interviews, literary prizes, new releases, and overlooked gems you might have missed. Expect thoughtful discussion, plenty of reading recommendations, and the occasional chat about the wider culture we have been enjoying. If you love to read, come hang out with Novel Thoughts. 📚 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Novel Thoughts

Category

arts · fiction · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Dec 2023

Latest episode

20 Mar 2024

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Mar 2024

   NEW RELEASE: Small Hours by Bobby Palmer

   This week we take a look at Small Hours (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781035402656), the highly-anticipated second novel from British writer Bobby Palmer whose debut Isaac and the Egg (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781472285515) is already being touted as a contemporary classic. Also this week, Saph read Turbulence (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529111972) by David Szalay and Joseph read The Night Alphabet (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529430936) by Joelle Taylor. This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Rachel who really enjoyed The Watchers (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781801102148) by A.M. Shine and is looking for more scary reads. Joseph recommended just about anything by Shirley Jackson and Blood Child And Other Stories (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781583226988) by Octavia E. Butler, and Saph recommended The Troop (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781472206244) by Nick Cutter and The Loney (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781473619852) by Andrew Michael Hurley. Also mentioned in this episode: Five Children and It (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781528713368) by E. Nesbit The Boy and the Dog (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781398515383) by Hase Seishu The Guest Cat (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781447279402) by Takashe Hiraide The Salt Path (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781405937184) by Raynor Winn Enchantment (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571378357) by Katherine May See the Novel Thoughts bookshop page (https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/novel-thoughts-podcast-episode-16?) for all books mentioned in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   13 Mar 2024

   The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell

   This week we’re deep diving into the brilliant Maggie O’Farrell’s The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780755308446), a novel about Victorian asylums, family secrets, and the tragedy of being yourself. Also this week, Saph read 100 Boyfriends (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781916355378) by Brontez Purnell, Joseph read Day by Michael Cunningham, and Michelle read Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780356519142) by Heather Fawcett. This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Skye who loved Milk Teeth (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781473682825) by Jessica Andrews and is looking for something with a similarly lyrical first-person style. Joseph recommends Second Self (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781398703032) by Chloe Ashby, Saph recommends Tangerine (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781408709979) by Christine Mangan, and Michelle recommends Normal People (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571334650) by Sally Rooney. Also mentioned in this episode: Rebecca (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780349006574) by Daphne du Maurier I Am I Am I Am (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781472240767) by Maggie O’Farrell The Secret Garden (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780141385501) by Frances Hodgson Burnett See the Novel Thoughts bookshop page (https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/novel-thoughts-podcast-episode-15?) for all books mentioned in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   6 Mar 2024

   Books Without Men

   In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2024 on this week’s episode we talk about active female representation in contemporary fiction and recommend some of our favourite books that absolutely smash the Bechdel Test Boulder (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781913505387) by Eva Baltasar Jungle House (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781800817616) by Julianne Pachico Matrix (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529157864) by Lauren Groff If I Had Your Face (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241986356) by Frances Cha Also this week, Joseph read On Reading, Writing, and Living with Books (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781782272519) by Pushkin Press/The London Library, and Saph read The Latecomer (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571376902) by Jean Hanff Korelitz. This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Mollie who reads a lot of contemporary fiction set in the present day and would like to read more books set in different time periods. Joseph recommends The Dutch House (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781526614971) by Anne Patchett, and Saph recommends Hurdy Gurdy (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571361953) by Christopher Wilson and The Glutton (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781783789191) by A K Blakemore. Also mentioned in this episode: Our Wives Under The Sea (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529017250) by Julia Armfield Nevada (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529092066) by Imogen Binnie The Handmaid’s Tale (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781784871444) by Margaret Atwood Dykes to Watch Out (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780224087063)For by Alison Bechdel See the Novel Thoughts bookshop page (https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/novel-thoughts-podcast-episode-14?) for all books mentioned in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   28 Feb 2024

   Our Top Picks For March

   Join us this week as we chat about a glut of great new fiction and non-fiction releases for March, plus we reveal our top picks from the new Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction long list. March 2024 New Releases Clear (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781803510408) by Carys Davies The Extinction of Irena Rey (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781915590121) by Jennifer Croft Mona of the Manor (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780857527073) by Armistead Maupin Stone Yard Devotional (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781399724340) by Charlotte Wood Who Owns the Moon? (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780861547258) by A.C. Grayling The Rising Down: Lives in a Sussex Landscape (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571350520) by Alexandra Harris Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction Long List - Our Picks Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in the Philippines (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781804710067) by Lisa Evangelista Intervals (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781804270837) by Marianne Brooker Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241621301) by Naomi Klein How To Say Babylon: A Memoir (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008491284) by Safiya Sinclair Wifedom: Mrs Orwell’s Invisible Life (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241482728) by Anna Funder This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Mike who normally enjoys cosy crime, but is looking for something a bit more heartfelt. Joseph recommends Things Can Only Get Better (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781409185161) by David M. Barnett, and Saph recommends Skippy Dies (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780141009957) by Paul Murray and just about anything by Fredrik Backman. Also mentioned in this episode: Shadowlands: A Journey Through Lost Britain (https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571338030-shadowlands/) by Matthew Green Flights (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781910695821) by Olga Tokarczuk Eileen: The Making of George Orwell (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781800180260) by Sylvia Topp Murder Before Evensong (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781474612647) by Richard Coles A Good Read Podcast (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006v8jn) (BBC Radio 4) See the Novel Thoughts bookshop page (https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/novel-thoughts-podcast-episode-13?) for all books mentioned in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   21 Feb 2024

   Six Memoirs to Read Now

   Join us this week as we give our empathy muscles a workout and chat about six of the best contemporary memoirs we’ve read recently. Saph recommends This Is Not A Pity Memoir (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529388350) by Abbi Morgan, Taking Sides: A Memoir About Love, War, and Changing the World (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781914484254) by Sherine Tadros, and The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241647448) by Jonathan Rosen. Joseph recommends Stay True (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781035036370) by Hua Hsu, In The Dream House (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781788162258) by Carmen Maria Machado, and Also A Poet: Frank O’Hara, My Father, and Me (https://www.adacalhoun.com/also-a-poet) by Ada Calhoun. Also this week, Joseph read The Wrong End of the Telescope (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781472156129) by Rabih Alameddine and Saph read The Lathe of Heaven (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781473234178) by Ursula K. Le Guin This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Sara who loved The Girl With The Louding Voice (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529359275) by Abi Daré and is looking for similar books. Joseph recommends Half A Yellow Sun (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780007200283) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Saph recommends The Seven Moons of Mali Almeida (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781914502071) by Shehan Karunatilaka. Also mentioned in this episode: The Left Hand of Darkness (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781473225947) by Ursula K. Le Guin War Stories (https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781471135965/Stories-Jeremy-Bowen-1471135969/plp) by Jeremy Bowen Boy Friends (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571360062) by Michael Pedersen Friendaholic (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008374938) by Elizabeth Day Platonic: How Understanding Your Attachment Style Can Help You Make and Keep Friends (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529075885) by Marisa G Franco See the Novel Thoughts bookshop page (https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/novel-thoughts-podcast-episode-12?) for all books mentioned in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   14 Feb 2024

   Author Spotlight - Rebecca Makkai

   Ahoy! Join us for our first ever author spotlight in which we dive into the award-winning novels of American author Rebecca Makkai. Makkai’s work tackles subjects as diverse as the trauma of the 1980’s AIDS crisis and the enduring legacy of the #MeToo movement, to the secrets and scandals of a mysterious artists’ colony and the modern-day politics of conversion therapy. I Have Some Questions For You (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780349727202) The Great Believers (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780708899120) The Hundred Year House (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780099591795) The Borrower (https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31575204478&searchurl=ds%3D20%26kn%3DThe%2BBorrower%2BRebecca%2BMakkai%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1) Also this week Joseph read The End We Start From (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781509843985) by Megan Hunter and Saph read Society of Snow (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781408716397) by Pablo Vierci. The Novel Thoughts team also talk about Charlie Kaufman’s forthcoming adaptation of Yoko Ogawa’s The Memory Police (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781784700447). This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Kelly who likes a good crime novel and is looking for recommendation for her next five-star read. Joseph recommends The It Girl (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781398508354)by Ruth Ware and Saph recommends Night Boat To Tangier (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781782116202) by Kevin Barry. Also mentioned in this episode: The Harpy (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529010237) by Megan Hunter Stillicide (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781783787098) by Cynan Jones They (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571370863)by Kay Dick To The Friend Who Did Not Save My Life (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781788168397) by Hervé Guibert The Farewell Symphony (https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9780679754763/Farewell-Symphony-White-Edmund-0679754768/plp) by Edmund White See the Novel Thoughts bookshop page (https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/novel-thoughts-podcast-episode-11?) for all books mentioned in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

7. 

   31 Jan 2024

   The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

   It’s Donna Tartt appreciation week! Michelle joins us for our deep dive into The Goldfinch (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780349139630), Donna Tartt’s brilliant, award-winning novel about art, drugs, loss, and not always getting what you want. Also this week Joseph read Death Valley (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781526665218) by Melissa Broder and Duty Free Art (https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30935838303&searchurl=ds%3D20%26kn%3D9781786632449%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1) by Hito Steyerl, Michelle read A Curious History of Sex (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781783529711) by Kate Lister and Fire and Blood (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008402785) by George R R Martin, and Saph read Son of Rosemary (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781472111531) by Ira Levin and Taaqtumi: An Anthology of Arctic Horror Stories (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781772272147). This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Edward who is looking for a great (auto)biography. Joseph recommends Girl In A Band (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571309351) by Kim Gordon. Saph recommends Crying in H Mart (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529033793) by Michelle Zauner and Take Away (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781398705562) by Angela Hui. Michelle recommends Clothes Clothes Clothes, Music Music Music, Boys Boys Boys (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571328284) by Viv Albertine, Seabiscuit: The True Story of Three Men and a Racehorse (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780007167043) by Laura Hillenbrand, and Educated (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780099511021) by Tara Westover. Also mentioned in this episode: The Secret History (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780140167771) and The Little Friend (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780747573647) by Donna Tartt Milk Fed (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781408897126) by Melissa Broder Great Expectations (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781785996160) by Charles Dickens Whores of Yore Twitter account (https://twitter.com/whoresofyore?lang=en) e-flux (https://www.e-flux.com/) See the Novel Thoughts bookshop page (https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/novel-thoughts-podcast-episode-10?) for all books mentioned in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

8. 

   24 Jan 2024

   NEW RELEASES: Piglet by Lottie Hazell & The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunez (Spoiler Free)

   This week Sapphire and Joseph deep dive into two new brilliant fiction releases: debut novel Piglet (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780857529565) by British writer Lottie Hazell and The Vulnerables (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780349018119), the ninth novel from American writer Sigrid Nunez. Also this week Sapphire read Jillian (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781474617574) by Halle Butler and Normal Women (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781805460039) by Ainslie Hogarth. Joseph read Minor Detail (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781913097172) by Adania Shibli and The Coming Bad Days (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781911547907) by Sarah Bernstein. This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Saniya who really enjoyed Elif Batuman’s Either/Or (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529115932) and is looking for more great campus novels. Joseph recommends The Life of the Mind (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781787704268) by Christine Smallwood and White Noise (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529077261) by Don DeLillo. Sapphire recommends My Dark Vanessa (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008342289) by Kate Elizabeth Russell, The Secret History (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780140167771) by Donna Tartt, and The Nix (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781509807857) by Nathan Hill. Also mentioned in this episode: The Writer’s Prize 2024 Shortlist (https://thewritersprize.com/2024-prize/) The Boy and the Heron (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6587046/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) by Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) Boy Swallows Universe (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10399902/) How Do You Live? (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781846046469) By Genzaburo Yoshino The New Me (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781474612296) by Halle Butler The Friend (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780349012810) by Sigrid Nunez See the Novel Thoughts bookshop page (https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/novel-thoughts-podcast-episode-9) for all books mentioned in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

9. 

   17 Jan 2024

   Short Books To Start Your Year (Spoiler Free)

   On this week's episode we're chatting about the best short books to start your year. Read this week: Corey Fah Does Social Mobility (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241632536) by Isabel Waidner, The Employees (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781999992880) by Olga Ravn, Come Closer (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571355556) by Sara Gran, Bewilderment (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529115253) by Richard Powers, The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781399620406) by James McBride. Saph’s short books: Ti Amo (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781913505486) by Hanne Orstavik, I Who Have Never Known Men (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781784877200) by Jacqueline Harpman, You Should Have Left (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781786484048) by Daniel Kehlmann, Helpmeet by Nabeen Ruthnum, and A Short Stay In Hell (https://www.abebooks.co.uk/book-search/title/short-stay/author/peck-steven/) by Steven L. Peck. Joseph’s short books: Happening (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781910695838) by Annie Ernaux, Assembly (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241992661)by Natasha Brown, Days At The Morisaki Bookshop (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781786583239) by Satoshi Yagisawa, Ice (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241441565) by Anna Kavan, Open Throat (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781035007752) by Henry Hoke, and The Summer Book (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780954221713) by Tove Jansson. This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Patricia who is looking for historical fiction similar to The Marriage Portrait (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781472223883) by Maggie O’Farrell. Joseph recommends Secrecy (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781847084828) by Rupert Thomson and Sapphire recommends Small Pleasures (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781474613903) by Clare Chambers, Still Life (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008283391) by Sarah Winman, and The Mercies (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529075076) by Kiran Millwood Hargrave. Also mentioned in this episode: Isabel Waidner and Diarmuid Hester (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/isabel-waidner-and-diarmuid-hester-corey-fah-does/id734373360?i=1000639806959) (LRB Podcast) Consumed Future Spewed Up As Present (http://www.leagulddittehestelund.dk/index.php/projects/consumed-future-spewed-up-as-present/) by Lea Guldditte Hestelund Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

10. 

    10 Jan 2024

    Good Material by Dolly Alderton

    Happy New Year! Michelle is back with a hot take on Tom Hanks’s charisma. Read this week: Shark Heart (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529432213) by Emily Habeck, Ordinary Human Failings (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781787332508) by Megan Nolan and Chain Gang All Stars (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781787303942) by Nana Kwame Adeji-Brenyah, Children of Time (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781447273301) by Adrian Tchaikovsky, Speedboat (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781474615860)by Renata Adler, The Maid (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008435769) by Nita Prowse, Better Left Unsaid (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781542037747) by Tufayel Ahmed. This week’s deep dive book is the best-selling Good Material (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241523667) by Dolly Alderton, ‘this generation’s Nora Ephron’. This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Aimée who is looking for light hearted reads, but not Bill Bryson. Sapphire recommends The Dog of the North (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008561413) by Elizabeth Mckenzie, Romantic Comedy (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780857527493) by Curtis Sittenfeld and Where’d you go Bernadette? (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781780221243) by Maria Semple. Michelle recommends The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. Joseph recommends Olive Kitteridge (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781849831550) by Elizabeth Strout. Also mentioned in this episode: The Skeleton Key (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781473680920) by Erin Kelly ‘You’ve Got Mail’ ‘The Shop Around The Corner’ Ghosts (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241988688) by Dolly Alderton Foundation (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008117498) by Isaac Asimov Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

11. 

    3 Jan 2024

    Our Picks for 2024 (Spoiler Free)

    Sapphire and Joseph talk about the new releases they can’t wait to read in 2024. Sapphire is looking forward to reading Sandwich (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780857529923) by Catherine Newman, Nuclear Family (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008536619) by Kate Davies, and Small Hours (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781035402656) by Bobby Palmer. Joseph wants to read Parade by Rachel Cusk, Knife: Meditations After An Attempted Murder (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781787334793) by Salman Rushdie, Your Utopia (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781915829016) by Bora Chung, and Until August (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241686355) by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Sapphire and Joseph talk about their reading habits, how they track what they read, and how they manage to read so many books. This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Peter who enjoyed Klara and the Sun (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571364909)by Kazuo Ishiguro and is looking for novels with a similar sensibility. Sapphire recommends The Fish (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781914148194) by Joanne Stubbs, Annie Bot (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008584566) by Sierra Greer, and the Sea of Tranquility (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529083514) by Emily St. John Mandel. Joseph recommends The Unconsoled (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571283897) and Never Let Me Go (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571258093) by Kazuo Ishiguro, Do You Remember Being Born? (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781662602320) By Sean Michaels, Jungle House (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781800817616) by Julianne Pachico, and The Memory Police (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781784700447) by Yoko Ogawa. Also mentioned in this episode: Saving Agnes (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571350902) by Rachel Cusk ‘The Stuntman’ (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/04/24/the-stuntman-fiction-rachel-cusk) by Rachel Cusk The Fortune of the Rougons (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780199560998) by Emile Zola Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

12. 

    27 Dec 2023

    Best Books of the Year (Spoiler Free)

    Read this week: Throne of Glass (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781639730940) by Sarah J Maas, The Seaplane on Final Approach (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781783786084) by Rebecca Rukeseyer, Wellness (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781035008346) by Nathan Hill, and Ghost Music (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529112177) by An Yu. 2023 favs: The Bee Sting (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241353950) by Paul Murray, In Memoriam (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241567821) by Alice Winn, Land of Milk and Honey (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529153668) by C Pam Zhang, In Ascension (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781838956271) by Martin MacInnes, The Glutton (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781783789191) by A K Blakemore, Julia (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781783789153) by Sandra Newman, Roman Stories (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781035017553) by Jhumpa Lahiri, Dying of Politeness (A Memoir) (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008508159) by Geena Davis, The Darkness (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529116106) Manifesto: Why The World Needs The Night (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529116106) by Johan Eklöf, North Woods (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781399809283) by Daniel Mason. Christmas reads: The End of Alice (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781783787166) by A.M. Homes, Dykette (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781250843135) by Jenny Fran Davis, The Town of Babylon (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781662601033) by Alejandro Varela. Blackouts (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781847083975) by Justin Torres, Closer (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781800812895) by Dennis Cooper, I Have Some Questions For You (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780349727233) by Rebecca Makkai. Recommendations: Trespasses (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781526623362) by Louise Kennedy, Demon Copperhead (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571376483) by Barbara Kingsolver, My Name Is Why (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781786892362) by Lemn Sissay, Chavs (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781839760921) by Owen Jones, The End of Eddy (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780099598466) by Édouard Louis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

13. 

    20 Dec 2023

    Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

    Sapphire, Michelle and Joseph chat about what they’ve been reading, watching, and listening to this week including Sean Michaels’ sensitive existential comedy Do You Remember Being Born? (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781662602320), Clementine Ford’s inspiring feminist manifesto Fight Like A Girl (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781786076038), Nathan Hill’s portrait of marital dysfunction Wellness (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781035008346), and Julian Fellowes’ historical drama The Gilded Age (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4406178/). This week’s deep dive book is the best-selling bookclub favourite Lessons In Chemistry (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781804990926) by Bonnie Garmus. This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Leigh who enjoyed Bliss Montage (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781911231356) by Ling Ma and is looking for other quirky and interesting short story collections. Sapphire recommends Cursed Bunny (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781916277182) by Bora Chung, Objects of Desire (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529053586) by Clare Sestanovich, The Dangers of Smoking in Bed (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781783788217) by Mariana Enriquez, Where The Wild Ladies Are (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781911284383) by Aoko Matsuda, Dark Tales (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241308493) by Shirley Jackson, Out There Screaming (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781035040285) by Jordan Peele, Old Babes In The Wood (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781784744854) by Margaret Atwood, Send Nudes (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781526621795) by Saba Sams, and 19 Claws and a Black Bird (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781782279013) by Augustina Bazterrica. Michelle recommends Fragile Things (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780755334148) by Neil Gaiman and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780199536955) by Conan Doyle. Joseph recommends Seven Empty Houses (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780861546466) by Samanta Schweblin. Also mentioned in this episode: The Great Believers (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780708899120) by Rebecca Makkai Severance (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781922330642) by Ling Ma Little Eyes (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781786078612) by Samanta Schweblin Fever Dream (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781786072382) by Samanta Schweblin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

14. 

    20 Dec 2023

    Babel by R.F. Kuang

    Sapphire, Michelle and Joseph chat about what they’ve been reading, watching, and listening to this week including the thought-provoking The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780465094455) by Bruce D. Perry, the international bestseller Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780141995465) from Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson, the atmospheric novella Eastbound (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781838490447) by Maylis de Kerangal (translated by Jessica Moore), and Blue Sisters (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008622992), the highly anticipated second novel by Coco Mellors. This week’s deep dive book is the critically-acclaimed grim dark epic Babel (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008501853) by R. F. Kuang. This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Cathy who is looking for engaging detective fiction similar to her favourite, Agatha Christie. Sapphire recommends The Maid (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008435769) and The Mystery Guest (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008435776) by Nita Prose, An Expert In Murder (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571366392) by Nicola Upson, The Franchise Affair (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241639139) by Josephine Tey, Small Pleasures (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781399620833) by Clare Chambers, The Appeal (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781788165303) by Janice Hallett, and The Twyford Code (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781788165334) by Janice Hallett. Michelle recommends Whose Body? (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781473621251) By Dorothy L Sayers, Footsteps In The Dark (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780099493693) by Georgette Heyer, Eight Detectives (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781405944977) by Alex Pavesi, and Curtain Call (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780099593232) by Anthony Quinn. Joseph recommends The Honjin Murders (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781782275008) by Seishi Yokomizo. Also mentioned in this episode: The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781471168956) by Benjamin Zephaniah The Bee Sting (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241353950) by Paul Murray The Year of Living Danishly (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781785780233) by Helen Russell How to Raise a Viking (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008602727) by Helen Russell The Novel Thoughts team also pay tribute to poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah. Rest in power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

15. 

    20 Dec 2023

    Disobedient Bodies by Emma Dabiri

    Michelle, Sapphire and Joseph chat about what they’ve been reading, watching, and listening to this week including the true crime podcasts Crime Junkie (https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/), Morbid (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cpyLfDHP1cNnyOb478qrt), and Small Town Dicks (https://www.smalltowndicks.com/), as well as the new TV series The Curse (https://www.paramountplus.com/gb/shows/the-curse/?&ftag=IPP-02-10ada8b&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiApaarBhB7EiwAYiMwqiy-eGh5VcuScHWKMh4-SJAuMfmryOdtkNKNFci3rCleRYV6XxnKRhoC5SsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) starring Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder, and the classic 80s creature feature Gremlins (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087363/). This week’s deep dive book is Disobedient Bodies: Reclaim Your Unruly Beauty (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781800817920) by Emma Dabiri, a radical, deeply personal and empowering essay that points to ways we can all embrace our unruly beauty and enjoy our magnificent, disobedient bodies. Emma Dabiri is an Irish-Nigerian academic, author and broadcaster. Her books include the Sunday Times bestseller What White People Can Do Next (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780141996738) and Don’t Touch My Hair (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780141986289). This week’s listener recommendation request comes from Jane who has ADHD and is looking for a recommendation that will hold her attention. Michelle recommends Underland (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780141030579) by Robert MacFarlane. Joseph recommends This Is The Place To Be (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781909585218) by Lara Pawson. Sapphire recommends Antarctica (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780571382217) by Claire Keegan, In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781783788019) by Amy Bloom, Modern Times (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781474618496) by Cathy Sweeney, The Crane Wife (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241503782) by C.J. Hauser, and I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

16. 

    20 Dec 2023

    A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

    Sapphire, Joseph, and Michelle chat about what they’ve been reading, watching, and listening to this week including Paul Lynch’s Booker Prize-winning novel Prophet Song (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780861546459), Alison Rumfitt’s gutchurning new release Brainwyrms (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781739220723), and Down The Drain (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008637903), the hotly anticipated memoir from model and actress Julia Fox. This week’s deep dive book is the million copy bestseller A Little Life (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781447294832) by Hanya Yanagihara. For this episode, listener recommendation request comes from Dan who is looking to branch out into the fantasy genre after enjoying The Earthsea books by Ursula K. LeGuin. Joseph recommends The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781841498171) by N.K. Jemisin, the first book in Jemsin’s ‘Inheritance Trilogy’. Sapphire recommends The Poppy Wars (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780008239848) by R.F. Kuang, and Roadside Picnic (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781399617208) by Arkady Strugatsky and Boris Strugatsky. Michelle recommends The Left Hand of Darkness (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781473225947) by Ursula K. Le Guin, A Court of Thorns and Roses (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781526605399) by Sarah J Maas, the first book in Maas’ four book ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ series, and Temeraire (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780007258710) (aka His Majesty’s Dragon) by Naomi Novik, the first book in Novik’s nine book ‘Temeraire’ series. Also mentioned in this episode: Tell Me I’m Worthless (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781838390020) by Alison Rumfitt The Bee Sting (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9780241353950) by Paul Murray Western Lane (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781529094626) by Chetna Maroo Study for Obedience (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13280/9781783789931) by Sarah Bernstein ‘Hanya’s Boys’ (https://www.vulture.com/article/hanya-yanagihara-review.html) - an essay by Andrea LongChu about A Little Life and Hanya Yanagihara’s other novels SFGateway website (https://www.sfgateway.com/imprint/orion/gateway/page/series/sf-masterworks/) - browse all the titles in the SF Masterworks series Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

17. 

    16 Dec 2023

    Novel Thoughts Trailer

    What to expect on the Novel Thoughts podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings