Our 2025 favourites - Better Words

What this episode covers

We were lucky enough to record this episode together in a studio at Vanishing Point Records in Chesterfield. We kick off with a wrap-up of our reading stats for the year: how many books and pages, the moods and re-reads.*Accessed through our work/from the publisher2024 debut book:Caitlin: The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage*Michelle: Confessions by Catherine Airey*Non-fiction:Michelle: John and Paul: A Love story in Songs by Ian Leslie Caitlin: The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly BishopAustralian book:Michelle: Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica StanleyCaitlin: Until the Red Leaves Fall by Alli Parker*Romance: Michelle: Swept Away by Beth O’Leary Caitlin: An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlisterFiction: Michelle: The Offing by Benjamin MyersCaitlin: Ever Blessed by Olivia O’Flynn*Young Adult:Michelle: Red Flags by Sophie Jo*Caitlin: Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody*Most surprising:Caitlin: Fake by Stephanie WoodMichelle: The Lamb by Lucy RoseFavourite cover:Caitlin: A Smart Girls Guide to Second Chances by Steph Vizard*Michelle: Sad Girl Hours by Anna Zoe Quirke*Recommendation for each other:Michelle: The Wedding People by Alison EspachCaitlin: *Until the Red Leaves Fall by Alli ParkerWorth the hype:Michelle: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidCaitlin: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsBooks on our radar for 2026:Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Motherfaker by Anna Brook-MitchellThe Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke*Esther is Now Following You by Tanya Sweeny*Heartstopper volume 6 by Alice OsemanThe Silent Appeal by Janice HallettCaller Unknown by Gillian McAllisterWhatever Happened to Madeline Stone by Louise O’NeillFruit Fly by Josh SilverThis Book Made Me Think of You by Libby PageSurvival Show by Juno DawsonHopeless Romantics by Mhairi McFarlaneOur Perfect Storm by Carley FortuneFavourite TV:Michelle: The AmericansOutrageousSupernaturalDaddy IssuesCaitlin:Fresh Off the BoatSeverenceHeated RivalryFavourite films:Michelle: Civil WarThe Thursday Murder ClubLily & Stitch (live action)Downton Abbey: The FinaleCaitlin:September 5Wicked: For GoodThelmaFavourite podcasts:Michelle: Just The GistBig Small Talk ‘Big Talk’ episodes Last Podcast on the Left episodes on Heinrich Himmler and The Great Molasses FloodCaitlin:Pulp KitchenGood HangHamish & AndyBut for your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode:Ready Player One by Ernest ClineThe Beatles by Hunter DaviesKatabasis by RF KuangThe Book Thief by Markus ZusakWings: The Story of a Band Rivals by Jilly CooperThe Dry Heart by Natalia GinzburgPicnic at Hanging Rock by Joan LindseyThe Job Share by Sophie JoHeartbreak Era by Sophie JoAll Fours by Miranda JulyLiterary Legends Reading Challenge The GoldmansThe Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo (film)Zootopia 2Celebrity TraitorsSpotlightThe Rest is EntertainmentInside Out 2Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with a bookish friend to help spread the word.We've ⁠got a Substack publication⁠ now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. ⁠Come say hi!⁠Connect with us on Instagram: ⁠@betterwordspod

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Better Words?

This episode is 1 hour and 37 minutes long.

When was this Better Words episode published?

This episode was published on January 5, 2026.

What is this episode about?

We were lucky enough to record this episode together in a studio at Vanishing Point Records in Chesterfield. We kick off with a wrap-up of our reading stats for the year: how many books and pages, the moods and re-reads.*Accessed through our...

Can I download this Better Words episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.