Advertise on podcast: One for the Books

Is “delightful” enough to make a book worth the hype? This week on One for the Books, we’re getting cosy with The Correspondent by Virginia Evans — the bestselling novel told entirely through letters. From its prickly, wonderfully human protagonist to its exploration of grief, regret, connection and redemption, we’re unpacking why this book feels so warm and comforting even when dealing with some decidedly un-cosy things. Plus, Jane Fonda casting thoughts, whether the magic of letter writing can translate to screen, and the big question: what actually makes a book cosy? It might not be what you think! Happy Reading!

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 much can leave such a lasting impression. As always, we wrap up with our Hype Verdict, Urgency Rating and a few recommendations for what to read next. Happy Reading!

"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 industry's obsession with optimisation, empowerment and personal responsibility. Along the way we compare Mel Robbins to Goop, accidentally pitch a Netflix documentary, discuss why men don't read enough fiction, and recommend several books we think tackle similar ideas with a little more depth. Plus: period drama obsession The Other Bennet Sister, Korean reality show gem Battle of Fates, and a teaser for our next Booker Prize-winning read. Happy Reading!

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’re so confused by the hype). Plus, our thoughts on the movie adaptation, dream casting choices, and better books to read instead. ⚠️ Spoilers ahead… obviously. We hated it.

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 media. BOOK RECS: Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacquelin Harpman Bite Back by Hannah Ferguson The Natural Way of Things by Charlotte Wood OTHER RECS: Book Journal from Kunitsa Co. Embroidery Course from Collective Gen Geneva Vanderzeil on Instagram Happy Reading!

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: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner Piglet by Lottie Hazell OTHER RECS: Cat Power Sings Dylan: the 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert by Cat Power The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Bob Dylan Concert by Bob Dylan Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii NPR's Doechii Tiny Desk Concert Selling Sunset on Netflix Happy Reading!

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 expected to like and loved: Funny Story by Emily Henry Book I didn’t expect to like and loved: Orbital by Samantha Harvey Jacinta’s top 10: Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner Orbital by Samantha Harvey The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell Parade by Rachel Cusk Piranesi by Susanna Clarke The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley Light Eaters by Zoe Schlanger Forest of Noise by Mosab Abu Toha All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me by Patrick Bringley Emma’s - Book I expected to like and didn’t: Orbital by Samantha Harvey Book I expected to like and loved: Prima Facie by Suzie Miller Book I didn’t expect to like and loved: Things Will Calm Down Soon by Zoe Foster-Blake Emma’s top 10: Prima Facie by Suzie Miller Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens by Shankari Chandran Know My Name by Chanel Miller The Kitchen God’s Wife by Amy Tan The Work by Bri Lee The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis What You Are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama Let us Descend by Jesmyn Ward Runt by Craig Silvey

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--9780525574682 Everyone this Christmas has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: Stuff the British Stole on ABC iVew My Old Ass on Amazon Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!

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: The Gentlemen TV show on Netflix This Town TV show on SBS Happy Reading!

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 Olivia Rodrigo Digital clean-up! Unsubscribe from emails, unfollow people on socials who make you unhappy. Happy Reading!

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 OTHER RECS: Fern Brady's Instagram Taskmaster TV Show Joy Ride Movie Happy Reading!

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 Beginners on Netflix Happiness for Beginners Book Deadloch TV Show Happy Reading!

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 most noteworthy releases, listen as we reminisce about the unforgettable stories that made 2023 a remarkable year in literature. Emma’s top 5 books for 2023: Wifedom: Mrs Orwell’s Invisible Life by Anna Funder The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin Babel by RF Kuang Jacinta’s top 5 books for 2023: Still Life by Sarah Winman Sugar, Baby by Celine St Clare Indelible City: Dispossession and Defiance in Hong Kong by Louisa Lim Flux by Jinwoo Chong Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin Happy Reading!

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 Binge Spirited Film Happy Reading!

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 with Esther Perel The Cut’s guide to where to begin with Esther Perel Spotify free audiobooks if you have a premium account Palestinian journalist Motaz Azaiza on Instagram 20 Palestinian Writers in Their Own Words Ballads of Defiance: Powerful Poetry by Palestinian Poets Five Palestinian artists who enrich the Arab Culture Scene Happy Reading! Emma and Jacinta xx