It's a Charlie Thing

Charlie Science is back as we rate the Booker longlist, aiming to predict the shortlist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mare, one of Charlie B's favourite books, has been re-released. Today, we interview the author. We learn what inspired her to write Hermine Brausteiner's story, the journey to publication, and what books inspire her.Buy yourself a copy of The Mare by Angharad Hampshire here:https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Mare-by-Angharad-Hampshire/9781405989541 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which Charlie chats about the books she bought on holiday, and we rank the books from the Booker Prize longlist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're talking about the books we think are the best to read in autumn, from gothic masterpieces to coastal tales, we have some picks for you.Books mentioned:The Thirteenth Tale by Diane SetterfieldThe Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie LumsdenShadowplay by Joseph O'Connor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Waterstones created a list, so naturally we had to respond to it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Booker Prize Longlist for 2026 has been announced. The Charlies read the first line from each title to determine which is best.Books Mentioned:The Shadow of the ObjectSwitzyHelen of NowhereThe End of EverythingThe DisappearersBlack BagThe RenovationMay We Feed the KingThe Palm HouseThe Things We Never SayJohn of JohnAll Them DogsThe Vivisectors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which we recommend books for Women in Translation month and Charlie is missing an ostrich.Books Mentioned:What You Are Looking For is in this Library by Michiko Aoyama, translated by Alison WattsDeath at Sunset Grove by Mina Lindgren, translated by Lola RogersSimple Passions by Annie Ernaux, translated by Tanya LeslieElena Knows by Claudia Piniero, translated by Frances RiddleWhen the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen, translated by Alice MenziesDrive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk, translated by Antonia Lloyd-JonesBoulder by Eva Baltazar, translated by Julia SanchezInkheart by Cornelia Funke, translated by Anthea BellThe Eighth Life by Nino Haratschwili, translated by Ruth Martin and Charlotte CollinsRoman Mornings by Matson TaylorIt’s Not What You Think by Clare MackintoshMuckle Flugga by Michael Pedersen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's 1981 vs 1992 in this week's episode as Charlie and Charlie chat about the book releases from their respective birth years. Charlie H rants about a book he didn't enjoy and Charlie B is exploring the Wainwright Prize.Books Mentioned:What We Can Know by Ian McEwanEmotionally Weird by Kate AtkinsonRoman Mornings by Matson TaylorAn Inconvenience of Penguins by Jamie LaffertyLove is a Toad by Lucy LapwingThe Return of the King by JRR TolkienWhat We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond CarverGeorge's Marvellous Medicine by Roald DahlGoodnight Mister Tom by Michelle MagorianTar Baby by Toni MorrisonMidnight's Children by Salman RushdieAgatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by MC BeatonThe Shadow Rising by Robert JordanAll the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthyThe Secret History by Donna TarttThe Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline WilsonGoosebumps by RL StineAll that Remains by Patricia Cornwell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which the Charlies share their REPORTs.Books Mentioned:The Wren, the Wren by Anne EnrightWe Pretty Pieces of Flesh by Colwill BrownEmotionally Weird by Kate AtkinsonEverything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which we share our favourite books of the year, halfway through. Will they still be on this list by the end of December.Books Mentioned:The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl BainbridgeAn Unlikely Visitor by Joanna CannonThe Correspondent by Virginia EvansLeonard and Hungry Paul by Ronan HessionMarking Time by Elizabeth Jane Howard11.22.63 by Stephen KingDeath and the Conjuror by Tom MeadWhite Spaces by Elvin James MensahAgent Zo by Clare MulleyThunder on the Right by Mary StewartThings We Never Say by Elizabeth StroutThe Lord of the Rings by JRR TolkienThe Beginner's Goodbye by Anne Tyler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which we complete the Mid-Year Book Freakout TagBooks Mentioned:The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl BainbridgeMarking Time by Elizabeth Jane HowardThe Bed and Breakfast Star by Jacqueline WilsonThe Things We Never Say by Elizabeth StroutAn Unlikely Visitor by Joanna CannonThe Rainshadow Orphans by Naomi IshiguroLeonard and Hungry Paul by Ronan HessionThe Two Towers by JRR TolkienThe Other Valley by Scott Alexander HowardWhite Spaces by Elvin James Mensah Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which we chat about all the books we've been reading recently.Books Mentioned:Isaac and the Egg by Bobby PalmerThe Things We Never Say by Elizabeth StroutThe Driver’s Seat by Muriel SparkStrange Houses by UketsuGraveyard Shift by ML RioPotato by Rebecca EarleWhite Spaces by Elvin James MensahThe Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey EugenidesThe Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which we talk about our recent trip to London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We react to more AITA posts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which one Charlie is frazzled after a weekend away, and the other has been reading recent popular books and sharing his unpopular opinions.Books Mentioned:The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan DoyleThe Things We Never Say by Elizabeth StroutThe Rainshadow Orphans by Naomi IshiguroMaurice by EM ForsterYesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeAn Unlikely Visitor by Joanna Cannon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which the Charlies look back on their first book haul.Books Mentioned:An Elderly Lady is Up To No Good by Helene TurstenAn Elderly Lady Must Not be Crossed by Helen TurstenThe Cat Prince and Other Poems by Michael PedersenThe Angel of Redemption by Nikita Gill Bristol Short Story Prize Anthology Volume 17The Other Valley by Scott Alexander HowardThe Children Who Lived in a Barn by Eleanor GrahamWe Were the Universe by Kimberly King ParsonsTo Hear the Trees Speak by Olivia SprinkelCursed Daughters by Oyinkan BraithwaiteEverything is Energy by Emma TalbotTranslating Feminisms by Intan ParamadithaThe Wood in Midwinter by Susanna ClarkeA Glass of Blessings by Barbara PymThe Driver's Seat by Muriel SparkCamp! by Paul BakerBarrowbeck by Andrew Michael HurleyThe Ladie Upstairs by Jessie EllandLong Island Compromise by Taffy Brodessen-AknerSecrets in the Snow & Other Christmas Crime Stories, ed. Matthew BoothTouch Not the Cat by Mary StewartLublin by Manya WilkinsonJesus Christ Kinski by Benjamin MyersFruit Fly by Josh SilverLeonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession11.22.63 by Stephen KingThe House on the Strand by Daphne Du Maurier Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In which we have a very welcome visitor.Pre-order An Unlikely Visitor by Joanna Cannon here:Out 4th June:https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/An-Unlikely-Visitor-by-Joanna-Cannon/9780008255077Charlie’s video on Joanna’s books:https://youtu.be/W7_Fa-R-qEU?si=dj7EYjbKRgybs-8Nhttps://youtu.be/reEpKBSXyYY?si=yAh9NY-XYOYQLLFBhttps://youtu.be/OM4_o4WKsoM?si=DOimmJC3rU0Lj8obhttps://youtu.be/iwi5hHddqmg?si=hr56Y0p6W8wk6v7v Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're seeing if our favourite books from 2018 - the year we first discovered one another's existence - are still favourites today.Books Mentioned:Fool's Fate by Robin HobbThe Hoarder by Jess KiddThe Management Style of the Supreme Beings by Tom HoltAnansi Boys by Neil GaimanAnd After Many Days by Jowhor IleDriven by Dane CobainThe Music Shop by Rachel JoyceDon't Call Us Dead by Danez SmithDying in Other Words by Maggie GeeThe Museum of Innocence by Orhan PamukThe Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel BarberyEmma by Jane AustenA Christmas Carol by Charles DickensA Monster Calls by Patrick NessThe Hate U Give by Angie ThomasLove Simon by Becky AlbertalliThe Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann ShafferThe Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine ArdenEleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail HoneymanThe Terrible by Yrsa Daley WardThe Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood HargraveCall Me By Your Name by Andre AcimanPersepolis by Marjane Satrapi Wild Embers by Nikita GillThe Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart TurtonHomegoing by Yaa GyasiJane Eyre by Charlotte BronteFlames by Robbie Arnott Potato by Rebecca EarleAll the Names Given by Raymond AntrobusSigns, Music by Raymond AntrobusCursed Daughter by Oyinkan BraithwaiteThe Mercy Step by Marcia HutchinsonThe Book of Birds by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie MorrisThe Lord of the Rings: Return of the King by JRR TolkienKingfisher by Rozie KellyThe Lamplighters by Emma StonexThunder on the Right by Mary StewartFruit Fly by Josh Silver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie and Charlie catch up with each other and chat about the books they've hauled. Hear about all the celebrations for Mrs Heathcote's birthday, and how Charlie B saved a bird at a car boot sale.Books Mentioned:Like a Cat Loves a Bird by James BaileyThe Gabriel Hounds by Mary StewartThe Echoing Grove by Rosamund LehmannGraveyard Shift by M.L. RioNo Future by Paul CornellThe English Way of Death by Gareth RobertsI'll Never be Young Again by Daphne du MaurierMary-Anne by Daphne du MaurierFruit Fly by Josh SilverMy Year in Paris with Gertrude Stein by Deborah LevyGlyph by Ali SmithThe Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Charlies react to AITA posts all about books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the Charlies tested themselves to see what colour readers they are. However, they might not have agreed with the findings.Books Mentioned:My Father's House by Joseph O'ConnorThe Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz ZafonTipping the Velvet by Sarah WatersCreation Lake by Rachel KushnerLong Island by Colm ToibinThe Whisperwicks: The Vanished Key by Jordan LeesTo Be Young, Gifted and Black by Kadiatu Kanneh-MasonThe Two Towers by JRR TolkienThe Guardian and the Thief by Megha MajumdarKingfisher by Rozie KellyGreen Dot by Madeleine GrayChosen Family by Madeleine Gray Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which we talk about expectations in books, and how blurbs can be deceptive.Books Mentioned:The Raven Scholar by Antonia HodgsonThe Little Friend by Donna TarttBlaming by Elizabeth TaylorWe Pretty Pieces of Flesh by Colwill BrownA Stroke of the Pen by Terry PratchettSomeday, Maybe by Onyi NwabineliLimberlost by Robbie ArnottThe Mercy Step by Marcia HutchinsonThe Whisperwicks: The Vanished Key by Jordan LeesLublin by Manya WilkinsonThe House on the Strand by Daphne DuMaurierA Patchwork Planet by Anne TylerThe Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz ZafonThis House of Burning Bones by Stuart MacBride Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which we give recommendations of the poetical kind.Books Mentioned:Stag's Leap by Sharon OldsThe Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie MorrisStolen Rowan Berries by Joy WinklerThe Orange by Wendy CopeDeath of a Naturalist by Seamus HeaneyPostcolonial Banter by Suhaiymah Manzoor-KhanThe Half-God of Rainfall by Inua EllamsThe Perserverance by Raymond AntrobusThe Fellowship of the Ring by JRR TolkienEverything is Energy by Emma TalbotThe Correspondent by Virginia EvansThe Whisperwicks: The Vanished Key by Jordan LeesEmotionally Weird by Kate AtkinsonWar of the Daleks by John PeelThe Bed and Breakfast Star by Jacqueline WilsonPity by Andrew McMillan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which Charlie really doesn't like a book.Books Mentioned:Buckeye by Patrick RyanThe Correspondent by Virginia EvansThe Other Valley by Scott Alexander HowardThe Fellowship of the Ring by JRR TolkienDominion by Addie E. CitchensArtists Siblings Visionaries by Judith MackrellTo Be Young, Gifted and Black by Kadiatu Kanneh-MasonForeign Fruit by Katie Goh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our quarterly check-in.Books Mentioned:1Q84 by Haruki MurakamiThe Secret Commonwealth by Philip PullmanLoss by Donna AshworthA View of the Harbour by Elizabeth TaylorThe Mare by Angharad HampshireMurder in a Mill Town by Helen CoxThe Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie has an interesting rant about baked goods. We also recommend five Irish novels and share a couple we want to try.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsacharliethingig/Discord: https://discord.gg/jAuYvvxwBooks Mentioned:Dracula by Bram StokerShadowplay by Joseph O'ConnorThe works of Molly KeaneTrespasses by Louise KennedySmall Things Like These by Clare KeeganFamily Matters by Clare LynchThe Fellowship of the Ring by JRR TolkienConfusion by Elizabeth Jane HowardExit West by Mohsin HamidThe Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which we highlight some of our favourite female authors, and both of us are quite stressed.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsacharliethingig/Discord: https://discord.gg/jAuYvvxwBooks Mentioned:Beyond Black by Hilary MantelWildfire at Midnight by Mary StewartThe Girls of Slender Means by Muriel SparkPlaying Games by Huma QureshiThe Weekend by Charlotte WoodMaame by Jessica GeorgeThe Eyre Affair by Jasper FfordeThe Other Valley by Scott Alexander HowardThe Fellowship of the Ring by JRR TolkienA Body by the Lighthouse by Helen CoxDeath and the Conjuror by Tom Mead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which we talk book awards with Eric. However, the bigger question remains: will we ever give him chance to drink his brew?https://lonesomereader.com/Books Mentioned:Jurassic Park by Michael CrichtonThe Luminaries by Eleanor CattonThe Benefactors by Wendy Erskine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have new releases and some very hefty currently reading.Books Mentioned:Sisters in Yellow by Mieko KawakamiHooked by Asako YuzukiA Far Flung Life by ML StedmanStrange Pictures by UketsuTo Exist as I am by Grace Spence GreenA Hymn to Life by Gisèle PelicotFinding Albion by Zakia SewellDoctor Who: Genocide by Paul LeonardThe Examiner by Janice HallettDeath Awaits in Durham by Helen CoxA Witch Hunt in Whitby by Helen Cox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which we chat about all we've been reading and doing over the last week.Books mentioned:Murder by the Minster by Helen CoxA Body in the Bookshop by Helen CoxMurder on the Moorland by Helen CoxDeath Awaits in Durham by Helen CoxA Witch Hunt in Whitby by Helen CoxA Body by the Lighthouse by Helen CoxMurder in a Mill Town by Helen CoxA Body in the Borderlands by Helen CoxA Body at the Christmas Book Fair by Helen CoxDoctor Who: Genocide by Paul Leonard1Q84 by Haruki MurakamiAgent Zo by Clare MulleyThe Spy Who Loved by Clare Mulley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We invited Clare Mulley, author of Agent Zo, who was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction in 2025 to come and talk to us about her work, researching the life of Elzbieta Zawacka and her initial thoughts on this year's prize.Clare's Books:The Woman Who Saved the ChildrenThe Spy Who Loved The Women Who Flew for HitlerAgent ZoClare's author photo is used with permission. Photo credit: JP Masclet Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the Charlies are talking book to screen adaptations, recommending Cinderella retellings and books on class because of the new season of Bridgerton, and one Charlie might just be reaching a new stage of grumpiness.Books Mentioned:Throne of Glass by Sarah J. MaasCinderella is Dead by Kalynn BayronCinder by Marissa MeyerGreat Expectations by Charles DickensThe Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst by Katie LumsdenMarking Time by Elizabeth Jane HowardJane and Prudence by Barbara PymHow to be Champion by Sarah MillicanLyra’s Oxford by Philip Pullman1Q84 by Haruki MurakamiMargo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi ThorpeAgent Zo by Clare MulleyMaudMartha by Gwendolyn BrooksWellness by Nathan HillMurder by the Minster by Helen CoxBuckeye by Patrick RyanBooktubers Mentioned:  @katiejlumsden  Katie reads the first chapter of The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeSRPQ2t4RE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which we are rather rushed but somehow manage to talk about crocheting family members into blankets, new reading initiatives and David Bowie.Books Mentioned:Crux by Gabriel TallentHoly Boy by Lee HeejooLost Lambs by Madeline CashJean by Madeleine DunniganFloodlines by Saleem HaddadStrange Buildings by UketsuWomen and Power by Mary BeardCitizen by Claudia RankineThe Beginner's Goodbye by Anne TylerGo Tell it on the Mountain by James BaldwinCrocheted Squares by Kate EastwoodMade with Love by Tom DaleyBooktubers Mentioned:Paul Magrs: https://www.youtube.com/@paulmagrs-g8nThe Goblin King and Me: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002pfh8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview the Booktuber Keri Books about all things self-care. She has some brilliant book recommendations and great insight.Books Mentioned:(video version available on YouTube) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're chatting how to combat the January blues and sharing the comfort reads that help us through.Books Mentioned:10 Poems About HappinessSmall Joys by Elvin James MensahFar From the Madding Crowd by Thomas HardyEmotionally Weird by Kate AtkinsonHogfather by Terry PratchettThe Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.Instagram: itsacharliethingigDiscord: https://discord.gg/z9Cesauc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're discussing reading goals. One Charlie is making goals they will never achieve, and the other is in complete denial. There's also chat about forthcoming book to movie adaptations, and the general Charlie chat we've come to expect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In which the Charlies share some bookish news, haul books and reminisce about the festive season.Instagram:   / itsacharliethingig  Discord:   / discord  Books Mentioned:Great Expectations by Charles DickensHigh Rising by Angela ThirkellA Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan ThomasA Case of the ClawsThe Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas AdamsHogfather by Terry PratchettThe Raven Scholar by Antonia HodgsonThe Book of Dust Vol. 3: The Rose Field by Philip PullmanFrankenstein by Mary ShelleyStrange Pictures by UketziBibliomaniac by Robin InceThe Genius of Birds by Jennifer AckermanThe Story Keeper by Anna MazzolaUnschooled by Caro GilesBeloved by Toni MorrisonThe Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie SmithThe Starlight Barking by Dodie SmithThe Ruby’s Curse by Alex Kingston1001 Nights in Time and Space by Steve Cole and Paul Magrs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.