Bookies' Favourite

The book club dives into their third read from the International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist.Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, translated from the Mandarin Chinese by Lin King, published by And Other Stories.This novel was previously awarded:The National Book Award for Translated Literature (2024)The Golden Tripod Award (2021)Baifang Schell Book Prize (2025)ALTA First Translation Prize (2025)Best Translation Award (Japan, 2024)It was nominated for the Chommanard International Women's Literary Award (2026).If you enjoyed this book you might also enjoy our many discussions on the novel Eden’s Shore by Oisin Fagan.⏭️Next UpThe fourth book in the shortlist that the book club is diving into is The Witch by Marie NDiaye, translated from the French by Jordan Stump, published by MacLehose Press.💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail [email protected] @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes

Aaron & Lucy dive into the Women's Prize for Fiction longlist ahead of the shortlist announcement later today.We were gifted a copy of Gloria Don't Speak by Lucy Apps, published by Weatherglass Books, for review. Lucy shares her thoughts on the book & speaks with the writer about the novel.We've covered 3 other books on the longlist, check out our previous episodes:- The Benefactors by Wendy Erskine, published by Sceptre- Audition by Katie Kitamura, published by Fern Press- Flashlight by Susan Choi, published by Jonathan CapeIf you'd like us to cover this shortlist once we've wrapped up the International Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist let us know!💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail [email protected] @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes

The book club dives into their second read from the International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist.She Who Remains by Rene Karabash, translated from the Bulgarian by Izidora Angel, published by Peirene Press.This novel was previously awarded the Bulgarian Elias Canetti Prize in 2019 and the English version won the Gulf Coast Translation Prize 2023. It was awarded the PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant in 2023 and won the PEN Club Français Prize for Translation 2025. The book was also nominated for the Prisma Literary Award. 📘Judging the Book by it’s coverThe crew discuss the Hannah's ebook cover.If you enjoyed this book you might also enjoy our discussion on another Peirene novel, On the Greenwich Line by Shady lewis, translated from the Arabic by Katharine Halls.⏭️Next UpThe third book in the shortlist that the book club is diving into is Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, translated from the Mandarin Chinese by Lin King, published by And Other Stories.💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail [email protected] @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes

The book club dives into their first read from the International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist.On Earth as it is Beneath by Ana Paula Maia, translated from the Portuguese by Padma Viswanathan, published by Charco Press.This book was also longlisted for the Republic of Consciousness Prize US & Canada 2026.The original Brazilian Portuguese novel, titled Assim na Terra como embaixo da Terra, won Prêmio São Paulo de Literatura.Part of a shared universe, serving as a sequel to the award winning Of Cattle and Men, this is the third book in the series to be translated into English.🍰Read it & Eat itCheck out the club’s socials to see journalist & home baker Aaron’s baked cake from this book.He rustled up a Bolo de Fubá, which is a cornmeal cake often eaten with coffee early in the day.If you’d like to see Aaron bake some of his recipes inspired by the books get in touch.📘Judging the Book by it’s coverThe crew discuss the meaning behind the typical minimalist Charco-style cover design by Pablo Font.📛The Name GameOn discussing the alternative As Above, So Below publishing expert & writer Colin throws another suggested title for the book into the ring.📚Shelf-HelpLucy lends her bookworm expertise in offering up some books similar to this one if you enjoyed the themes, characters, location or plot.From John Steinbeck to Hemingway. Colin also suggest connections to the likes I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman.Due to the books’ cinematic writing we find similarities to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest & Breaking Bad, as well as some classic Western films.If you enjoyed this book you might also enjoy our many discussions on the novel Eden’s Shore by Oisin Fagan.⏭️Next UpThe second book in the shortlist that the book club is diving into is She Who Remains by Rene Karabash, translated from the Bulgarian by Izidora Angel, published by Peirene Press.💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail [email protected] @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes

Lucy & Aaron star their thoughts n what did & didn't make it to the shortlist.We'll be reading one book a week until the winner is announced.Our current reading schedule:On Earth As It Is Beneath by Ana Paula Maia, translated from the Portuguese by Padma Viswanathan, published by Charco PressShe Who Remains by Rene Karabash, translated from the Bulgarian by Izidora Angel, published by Peirene PressTaiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, translated from Mandarin Chinese by Lin King, published by And Other StoriesThe Witch by Marie NDiaye, translated from the French by Jordan Stump, published by MacLehose PressThe Nights Are Quiet in Tehran by Shida Bazyar, translated from the German by Ruth Martin, published by Scribe UKThe Director by Daniel Kehlmann, translated from the German by Ross Benjamin, published by riverrunBookies' Favourite: @bookiesfavouritebookclubEmail the Book Club" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Email: [email protected]: @AaronRiceMediaLucy: @bookz2026Colin: @c_f_writesHannah: @certifiedbookyapperhannah

Lucy & Aaron discuss this year's International Booker Prize long-list and share their picks for the shortlist.After tomorrow's announcement we'll be sharing our reactions to the books that have made it onto the shortlist and we'll be setting out our reading schedule for the next 6 weeks before the winner is announced.The book club has covered this award in 2025, the Booker Prize 2025 & the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026.Bookies' Favourite: @bookiesfavouritebookclubContact Bookies Favourite Book Club" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Email: [email protected] Rice : @AaronRiceMediaLucy: @Bookz2026Colin: c_f_writesHannah: certifiedbookyapperhannah

Ahead of the winner announcement Aaron & Lucy spoke with the director of the award and one of this year's judges.The insight helps us understand the prize and what is considered when deciding between the books.We'll be jumping into another shortlist next week; the International Booker Prize 2026.Before then we've got our interviews with the team who brought you Eden's Shore.Check out our previous episodes on some of the shortlisted & longlisted books from this year's Queen Mary Prize, our chapter-by-chapter read along of Eden's Shore & last year's International Booker Prize shortlist.

In this episode, Aaron & Lucy discuss Ghost Driver by Nell Osborne, published by Moist Books.This is the final book we’re covering from the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 shortlist before the winner is announced — and we break down its themes, style, and where it sits among this year’s contenders.🏆 The Winner Is Next📅 The winner is announced tomorrow (Wednesday)🎧 We’ll be back with a reaction episode as soon as the result dropsWe’ll also be releasing a special episode featuring:Neil Griffiths — Director of the PrizeSusanna Crossman — one of this year’s judges🌊 Eden’s Shore Specials IncomingWe’ve got a packed week of episodes coming your way:An episode with Tom Alexander, Anna Bu Kliewer, and Sofia HericsonA second interview episode with Oisín Ó Fágáin himself📚 Eden’s Shore is also featured on the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2026 list.🌍 What’s NextNext week, we jump into the International Booker Prize:📅 Shortlist announced Tuesday🎧 We’ll kick things off with a longlist reaction & shortlist prediction episode📚 Stay tuned — it’s a huge week on the podcast as we wrap one prize and dive straight into another!

In this episode, Colin, Lucy & Aaron discuss Figures Crossing the Field Towards the Group by Rebecca Gransden, published by Tangerine Press.This is the first book we’re covering from the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 shortlist, and we unpack the novel’s structure, atmosphere, themes, and how it stands out within this year’s field.📖 What’s Coming NextWe’ll be continuing our shortlist coverage with two more books before the winner is announced:Spit by David Brennan — published by époque pressGhost Driver by Nell Osborne — published by Moist Books📚 Read along with us as we work through the shortlist and discuss what might take home the prize.Email the Book Club" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Email [email protected] @bookiesfavouritebookclubAaron @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Colin @c_f_writesHannah @certifiedbookyapperhannah

All four of us are back together for this episode as we discuss On the Greenwich Line by Shady Lewis, translated by Katharine Halls, and published by Peirene Press.This is our third longlist pick from the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026, and we talk through its structure, themes, translation, and how it’s stacking up against the other contenders we’ve read so far.📖 What’s NextNext read: Spit by David Brennan (époque press)After that: Figures Crossing the Field Towards the Group by Rebecca Gransden (Tangerine Press)📅 The Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 shortlist is announced this Wednesday (4th). Once revealed, we’ll be selecting our sixth and final read from the shortlist to complete our series — all before the winner is announced.📚 Read along with us, share your thoughts, and join the book club as the prize race heats up.

In this episode, Lucy, Hannah & Colin discuss The Weasel and the Whore by Martha Luisa Hernández Cadenas, translated by Julia Sanches and Jennifer Shyue, published by Héloïse Press.This is the second book we’ve selected from the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 longlist, and we dig into its themes, structure, voice, and why it feels like such a bold and challenging contender in this year’s field.📖 What’s Coming NextOur longlist journey continues in the following order:On the Greenwich LineSpitFigures Crossing the Field Towards the GroupOnce the shortlist is announced, we’ll choose a sixth and final book to complete our reading — all before the winner is revealed.📚 Read along with us, share your thoughts, and join the book club as we work our way through the longlist and beyond.

In this bonus episode, Aaron, Colin & Hannah revisit There’s a Monster Behind the Door by Gaëlle Bélem, translated by Karen Fleetwood and Laëtitia Saint-Loubert, published by Bullaun Press.The novel was the 2025 winner of the Republic of Consciousness Prize for Small Press (now the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize), and we take this opportunity to examine why it won.We discuss the book’s style and use it as a lens to think about what the judges may be responding to as we continue our journey through the current Queen Mary longlist.This episode is all about context, criteria, and clues — what makes a small press novel stand out at prize level?📖 Next EpisodeUp next in our longlist reading series:The Weasel and the Whore by Martha Luisa Hernández Cadenas. Translated from the Spanish by Julia Sanches & Jennifer Shyue. Published by Héloïse PressRead along with us and share your thoughts as we continue unpacking the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize longlist

We begin our Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 longlist series with Small Boat by Vincent Delecroix, translated by Helen Stevenson. Published by Small Axes / HopeRoad.Our bookie this week is Jean-François Bodart @nathanael_archerThis is our second time discussing Small Boat, having previously covered it during our International Booker Prize 2025 episodes. Returning to the novel a year on, we reflect on how it holds up, which themes have stayed with us, and why this slim but devastating book continues to resonate.We all loved it then — and many of its questions, images, and moral tensions are still very much with us now.📖 Next UpOur next read is The Weasel and the Whore by Martha Luisa Hernández Cadenas, translated by Julia Sanches and Jennifer Shyue, published by Héloïse Press.📚 Read along with us, share your thoughts, and join the book club as we work our way through the longlist ahead of the prize announcement.More Queen Mary longlist episodes coming soon.🎙️ HostsAaron: @AaronRiceMediaHannah: @certifiedbookyapperhannahLucy: @bookz2026Colin: @c_f_writesBookies' Favourite: @bookiesfavouritebookclubEmail us [email protected]

We’re kicking off a brand new reading series focused on selected titles from the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 Longlist — formerly known as the Republic of Consciousness Prize.We’ll be reading five longlisted books, before choosing a final sixth title from the shortlist once it’s announced. From there, we’ll follow the prize all the way to the winner.📅 New episodes every Monday🏆 Prize winner announced: 25th March🎁 Bonus episodes every FridayCheck our social media for the full reading schedule, read along with us, and share your thoughts — everyone’s welcome to join the book club.📖 Our Longlist PicksGroup pick:• Small Boat by Vincent DelecroixTranslated by Helen StevensonWe’ll also be revisiting Small Axes / HopeRoad, which we previously discussed during our International Booker Prize 2025 shortlist coverage — with a brand new episode on it coming this Monday.Hannah’s pick:• The Weasel and the Whore by Martha Luisa Hernández CadenasTranslated by Julia Sanches & Jennifer Shyue (Héloïse Press)Colin’s pick:• Spit by David Brennan (époque press)Lucy’s pick:• On the Greenwich Line by Shady LewisTranslated by Katharine Halls (Peirene Press)Aaron’s pick:• Figures Crossing the Field Towards the Group by Rebecca Gransden (Tangerine Press)🎙️ HostsAaron: @AaronRiceMediaHannah: @certifiedbookyapperhannahLucy: @bookz2026Colin: @c_f_writesFollow us @bookiesfavouritebookclubEmail us ⁠[email protected]⁠" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">[email protected]📣 Read along with us, share your reactions on social media, and help us decide which shortlisted book becomes our final sixth read.Welcome to the next chapter of Bookies’ Favourite!

We reach the end of Eden’s Shore by Oisín Fagan with Part III, Chapter 5: World — the final chapter of our read-along series.Aaron & Lucy discuss the closing moments of the novel, the meaning and placement of the letters threaded between each chapter, and share their overall reflections on the book as a whole now that the journey is complete.📚 What’s NextOur next episode will be a special finale conversation with:Oisín Fagan (author)Tom Alexander (audiobook narrator)Anna Bu Kliewer (cover illustrator)Sofia Hericson (cover designer)Send us your thoughts on Eden’s Shore and any questions you’d like us to ask our guests — we’d love to include them.After that, we’ll be launching our next literary award series, coming very soon.📩 Get in Touch📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bookiesfavouritebookclub/(@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📧 Email: [email protected] for reading along with us — and we’ll see you for the finale conversationCheck out Aaron's The Novel Series book club podcast!

Aaron & Lucy return to Eden’s Shore by Oisín Fagan for Part II, Chapter 4: Play — the chapter where everything comes to a head.In this episode, we dig into the climax of the novel: the play itself, the unfolding revolution, and how the many threads of the story are tied together. We also talk through the return of familiar faces, with cameo appearances from characters we last encountered much earlier in the book, and reflect on how their journeys finally converge.📚 What’s Coming Next🔹 Final Read-Along Episode: World — the closing chapter of Eden’s Shore🔹 Special Finale Episode: A full conversation withOisín Fagan (author)Tom Alexander (audiobook narrator)Anna Bu Kliewer (cover illustrator)Sofia Hericson (cover designer)We’d love to include your thoughts on the book and your questions for our guests, so please send them in via our socials or email.🏆 And After That…We’re launching a brand-new literary award series very, very soon — more details coming shortly.📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected]📖 Read our written reviews on Goodreads

It’s official — Flesh by David Szalay (Jonathan Cape) has won the Booker Prize 2025, and the Bookies are here to react!Aaron, Colin, Lucy & Hannah unpack the result — with Aaron diving deeper into the novel after his re-read and celebrating becoming the first host to successfully predict the Booker winner (from the two shortlists we’ve covered so far!).We also hear from Bob the Bookerer, who shares his reaction to the win and thoughts on the Booker’s choice this year.🎧 Missed our full in-depth review of Flesh?👉 Listen here📚 What’s Next for the BookiesThe team discuss what’s coming up next — including more literary prize lists, shortlisted reads, and award-winning novels. We want to know what you want us to cover next, so send us your suggestions!📩 Get in touch via Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub) or email [email protected]🌊 Returning Soon: Eden’s Shore Read-AlongLucy & Aaron will soon be wrapping up their chapter-by-chapter read-along of Eden’s Shore by Oisín Fagan, including the final chapters and a special interview with the author himself!🏅 Introducing… The Bookies’ Favourites!We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our very own award show, The Bookies’ Favourites — celebrating our picks for the best books we’ve read this year. More details coming soon!

**This episode was recorded before Flesh was announced as the Booker Prize 2025 winner***We’re onto book five of the Booker Prize 2025 shortlist with Flesh by David Szalay — a look at how others can influence our lives and define the relationships we form.📅 Coming Up NextNext week: our final shortlisted title, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai (Hamish Hamilton). 🌙💬 Get Involved📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected]📖 Read our written reviews on Goodreads

It’s time for our Booker Prize 2025 finale predictions! The Bookies sit down to rank all six shortlisted books, share their personal winner picks, and look at the bookies’ odds to see who the experts think will take home this year’s prize.We’re also joined (in spirit!) by some returning friends of the podcast:📚 @bobthebookerer📖 @dymphnaflynn📘 @afewofchifavoritethings💡 Plus, Maddi from @bookswithmaddi shares her Audition theory!📚 The 2025 Booker Prize ShortlistHere’s the full shortlist, in the order we covered them on the podcast:1️⃣ Audition by Katie Kitamura — Fern Press 🎧 Listen to our episode on Audition 💬 Featured Bookie: @bobthebookerer2️⃣ The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller — Sceptre 🎧 Listen to our episode on The Land in Winter3️⃣ Flashlight by Susan Choi — Jonathan Cape 🎧 Listen to our episode on Flashlight 📱 Aaron hasn’t read this one yet, but will be posting his reaction on social media before the winner is announced.4️⃣ The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits — Faber 🎧 Listen to our episode on The Rest of Our Lives 💬 Featured Bookie: @dymphnaflynn5️⃣ Flesh by David Szalay — Jonathan Cape 🎧 Listen to our episode on Flesh6️⃣ The Loneliness of Sonia & Sunny by Kiran Desai — Hamish Hamilton 🎧 Listen to our episode on The Loneliness of Sonia & Sunny 📖 Colin hasn’t yet read this one.🗣️ Share Your Reaction!The winner is announced on Monday, and we want to hear your thoughts!📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected]📖 Read our written reviews on Goodreads

We’ve reached the final book on the Booker Prize 2025 shortlist! This week, Aaron, Hannah, and Lucy discuss The Loneliness of Sonia & Sunny by Kiran Desai — a tender, multi-layered story exploring how the two titular characters navigate love, family, and belonging, both in India and beyond.The team dive into Desai’s luminous prose, the emotional depth of her characters, and how this novel fits within the broader themes of this year’s shortlist.We also give a special shout-out to our friends at @bookfarepod — go give them a listen for more great bookish chats! 🎧📅 Coming Up Next📊 Tomorrow: our Final Rankings & Predictions episode — including the Bookies’ odds ahead of Monday’s Booker Prize 2025 winner announcement.🏆 Then: our Winner Reaction episode, dropping after the announcement!💬 Get Involved📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected]📖 Read our written reviews on GoodreadsWhich book do you think will take home the prize?

This week, the team hit the road with The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits — a story of midlife crisis, family tensions, and health struggles, all unfolding across a cross-country road trip through the US. Opinions are divided on this one, but there’s plenty to discuss!Our Bookie of the Week is @dymphnaflynn — book reviewer, Costa Book Awards Judge 2021, and former BBC Arts producer — sharing her thoughts on this Booker-shortlisted novel.We also hear from listeners in the book club who’ve been reading along, and of course, Aaron brings back Read It & Eat It, cooking up a batch of pancakes inspired by the book. 🥞Judging the Book by Its CoverNext up: Flesh by David Szalay (Jonathan Cape). We take a first look at the cover and share our early expectations.💬 Get Involved📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected]📖 Read our written reviews on GoodreadsShare your thoughts on The Rest of Our Lives and join the discussion for Flesh!

This week, Lucy, Hannah, and Colin discuss Flashlight by Susan Choi — a sharp, layered story that shines a beam on identity, family, and the fragments that make up a life. The three of them unpack Choi’s lengthy tale.📅 Coming Up NextNext week: The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits (Faber) 📘💬 Get Involved📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected]📖 Read our written reviews on GoodreadsShare your thoughts on Flashlight or your first impressions of The Rest of Our Lives!

This week, Colin, Lucy, and Hannah brave the chill as they discuss The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller — a historical novel set against a fierce blizzard and the frozen backdrop of political and personal turmoil.Do they have a frosty opinion on this Booker-shortlisted story, or does it warm their hearts? Hannah also dives into another of her trademark “odd chapters”—you’ll have to listen to find out which one!📅 Coming Up NextNext week: Flashlight by Susan Choi (Jonathan Cape) 🔦💬 Get Involved📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected]📖 Read our written reviews on GoodreadsShare your thoughts or theories to be featured in a future episode!

This week we dive into the first book on the Booker Prize 2025 shortlist: Audition by Katie Kitamura (Fern Press). The novel is split into two distinct parts, exploring the life of an aging Broadway actress and her shifting relationships with those around her.Our Bookie of the Week is @bobthebookerer on Instagram—make sure to also check out his YouTube channel for more bookish content!📚 In This Episode✨ Breaking down the dual structure of Audition✨ Our classic “Rename the Novel” segment🥐 Read It & Eat It: Aaron snacks on a croissant straight from the pages—see the pic on our Instagram!✨ Listener reactions and book club thoughts📅 Coming Up NextHave you read other books by Katie Kitamura? We’d love to hear what you thought of them.Next week: The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller (Sceptre) ❄️💬 Get Involved📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected]📖 Check out our written reviews on GoodreadsShare your thoughts to be featured in an upcoming episode!

The official Booker Prize 2025 shortlist is here—and honestly? We’re a little disappointed by the choices. Still, there’s plenty to dig into, and we’re excited to read and discuss each of the six books in the lead-up to the winner’s announcement.Here’s the order we’ll be reading them in:1️⃣ Audition by Katie Kitamura (Fern Press)2️⃣ The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller (Sceptre)3️⃣ Flashlight by Susan Choi (Jonathan Cape)4️⃣ The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits (Faber)5️⃣ Flesh by David Szalay (Jonathan Cape)6️⃣ The Loneliness of Sonia and Sonny by Kiran Desai (Hamish Hamilton)We also hear again from our guest Bookie, Ashlee (@afewofchifavoritethings) on Instagram.📅 What’s NextEach week we’ll release a new review episode on one of the shortlisted books.Our Eden’s Shore chapter-by-chapter read-along will pause until the shortlist project is complete.💬 Get InvolvedWhich shortlisted book are you most excited (or dreading) to read?📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected]’ll also be posting written reviews on Goodreads: ⁠Bookies’ Favourite Bookclub on Goodreads⁠.Join us as we take on the Booker shortlist—six books in six weeks!

With the official Booker Prize 2025 shortlist announcement just one day away, we’re making our calls!Lucy and Hannah—who’ve managed to read some of the longlisted titles—face off against Aaron and Colin (who haven’t read any) as we each put forward our six predicted books for the shortlist. Then, together, we try to settle on a final six we’d love to see announced.📅 What’s Next📖 Tomorrow – the official shortlist is revealed.🎧 Later this week – we’ll be back with a shortlist reaction episode, setting out our full reading list.From there, we’ll be reading and discussing all six shortlisted books before the winner is announced.💬 Join the ConversationWhich books do you want to see on the shortlist?📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected] along as we make our way through the shortlist and build up to the winner!

Our chapter-by-chapter journey through Eden’s Shore by Oisín Fagan continues! In this episode, we tackle Part II, Chapter 3: Colony, where the story shifts with a time jump of several years. We dig into the ensemble cast of characters, the rising rebellion, and explore some striking similarities with Les Misérables.🍗 Aaron’s Kitchen ChroniclesFood continues to play a role in the read-along! This week Aaron makes fried chicken (straight from the book’s pages), and we also chat about the intriguing mention of “spit cake.”📅 Coming Up NextNext episode: Part II, Chapter 4: Play 🎭And remember—the series will end with a special interview with Oisín Fagan. Got a question you’d like us to put to him? Send it in!💬 Get Involved📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected] along and share your thoughts as we read through Eden’s Shore together!

We’re back with our chapter-by-chapter read-along of Eden’s Shore by Oisín Fagan! In this episode, we explore Part I, Chapter 2: Land, diving into its characters, themes, and hidden layers.We’re once again joined by Emma from Real Life Ghost Stories, this time sharing some fascinating folklore about the Irish Púca. You can watch the original video we pulled audio from here: Emma on the Púca (TikTok).🍸 Lucy’s Cocktail CornerLucy debuts her Eden’s Shore Special cocktail—perfect for sipping as you read along! Check out the recipe and images on our Instagram: @bookiesfavouritebookclub.📅 Coming Up NextNext episode: Part II, Chapter 3: ColonyAnd don’t forget—this read-along series will end with a special interview with Oisín Fagan himself. Got a question for him? Send it our way!💬 Get Involved📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected] along with us each week and share your thoughts!

Welcome to our weekly chapter-by-chapter read-along of Eden’s Shore by Oisín Fagan!In this first episode, Aaron & Lucy dive into Part I, Chapter 1: Sea, exploring its plots, characters, themes, references, and hidden easter eggs.He hear from Emma of Real Life Ghost Stories, who lends her insight as we pull in some fascinating clips from their episode on Hy-Brasil—a mysterious phantom island off the Irish coast. You can listen to that full episode here: Hy-Brasil on Spotify.We also hear from one of our listeners who’s reading along with us, sharing their thoughts on the opening chapter.🍪 Aaron Bakes Eden’s ShoreAaron kicks off a new segment where he bakes something inspired by each chapter! This week: Oatmeal Biscuits.Want the recipe? Head over to our Instagram: @bookiesfavouritebookclub.📅 Coming UpNext, we’ll continue the read-along with Chapter 2: Land.We’ll also be taking in your reactions and preparing for an exclusive interview with Oisín Fagan at the end of the series.👉 Got a question for Oisín, or your own thoughts on Eden’s Shore so far? Email or DM us and we’ll share them in a future episode!💬 Get Involved📸 Instagram (@bookiesfavouritebookclub)📩 [email protected] along and read with us, chapter by chapter!

In this episode, we dig into Glorious Exploits—the witty, inventive, and widely celebrated debut that won your vote in our book club poll. Expect laughs, analysis, and plenty of admiration for Lennon’s bold storytelling.We’re also joined by this week’s special guest Bookie, Mᴀɪʀᴇ́ᴀᴅ Hᴇᴀʀɴᴇ (@mairead.hearne), who shares her thoughts on why this book has captured so much attention.📅 Coming Up Next📖 Confessions by Catherine Airey – Full review episode coming soon.🌊 Eden’s Shore Read-Along – Starting this Wednesday, we’re launching a special chapter-by-chapter series, unpacking Oisín Fagan’s dense and ambitious novel in detail. This will run every Wednesday, ending with an exclusive interview with the author himself.👉 Have a question for Oisín Fagan? Send it in and we’ll put it to him in our chat!🏆 Booker Prize 2025 Shortlist – Once the list is revealed in September, we’ll be reading and reviewing all six books in six weeks.💬 Join the ConversationWe want to hear your thoughts on Glorious Exploits and what you’re most excited about in our upcoming series.📸 @bookiesfavouritebookclub📩 [email protected] along so you don’t miss the Eden’s Shore breakdown or our Booker Prize shortlist marathon!

The longlist is here—and Aaron and Hannah are diving straight in!In this episode, they run through all 13 longlisted titles, sharing quick synopses of each book and discussing whether they hope to see them on the final shortlist.📚 While we’re not reading the full longlist, Lucy will be making her way through as many titles as she can in her own time.And don’t worry—we will be reading the full shortlist once it’s announced in September: six books in six weeks!📅 What’s Coming Up Next🏺 Glorious Exploits – Full review episode coming Monday🌊 Eden’s Shore Read-Along – A chapter-by-chapter mini-series starts soon, featuring a special interview with the author, Oisín Fagan🗣️ Confessions – Review episode coming in September, just ahead of the Booker shortlist announcement💬 Join the ConversationWhich books are you rooting for on the shortlist? Let us know!📸 bookiesfavouritebookclub📩 [email protected] follow to stay updated on every episode leading up to the Booker shortlist announcement—and beyond!

With the official Booker Prize 2025 longlist announcement just around the corner, Aaron, Lucy, and Colin sit down to pitch their top 12 books they’d love to see make the list.⚡ Plus, Lucy takes us through a speed round of eligible books she’s already read and whether she thinks they’ll appear on the list.📚 Previous Booker-Eligible EpisodesWant to catch up on some eligible books we’ve already covered? Check out our past reviews:Eden’s Shore by Oisín FaganThe Benefactors by Wendy ErskineAnd stay tuned—in September, we’ll be reviewing Confessions by Catherine Airey, another eligible title. If you're reading it too, send us your thoughts!👀 What’s Coming Next🎧 Wednesday – We’ll be uploading a longlist reaction episode, breaking down the official picks revealed in tomorrow's announcement and seeing which of our predictions made it.🏺 Next week listen out for our review of Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon🪼 Aaron & Lucy will also be launching a read-along mini-series soon, going chapter-by-chapter through Eden’s Shore. Read along and join the discussion!📚 And once the shortlist is announced in September, we’re planning to read and discuss every book on it.💬 Share Your Predictions & Hopes!What books do you want to see on the longlist?Send us your predictions and hot takes on:📸 Instagram: @bookiesfavouritebookclub📩 [email protected] along and be part of the Booker conversation!

In this special bonus episode, Lucy is joined by Stacey from @whatstaceyreadnext to discuss The Benefactors by Wendy Erskine—a sharp, moving, and freshly released novel set in Belfast.⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault as it relates to the themes in the book.‼️ As we discuss the full book there are spoilersBoth Lucy and Stacey bring local insight to the conversation, exploring the novel’s themes, setting, and characters with care and excitement. With its powerful storytelling and distinct voice, they share why they’re hopeful this book will make the Booker longlist.Lucy also reports back from a recent event with Wendy Erskine at the Belfast Book Festival, where Wendy shared details about The Benefactors.📊 Help Pick Our Next Book!Head to our socials and vote in this week’s polls to help us choose our next book club read:📸 Instagram post & story polls🎧 Poll on this Spotify episodeThe more places you vote, the more power your vote has!📅 What’s NextOur next full episode drops Monday, and we’ll be reviewing Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon—the book YOU voted for!🌊 Then in two weeks, we kick off our Eden’s Shore mini-series, starting with Chapter One: Sea.💬 Connect With UsWe want to hear what you think of The Benefactors, Glorious Exploits, or the Eden’s Shore mini-series.📩 [email protected]📒 Goodreads📸 Instagram🐦 Twitter/X📘 FacebookFollow us, share your thoughts, and stay tuned for the next chapters!

In this episode, we dive into Eden’s Shore—a dense, experimental, and rewarding read that left us wanting more. With Hannah away traveling, we’re joined by our Bookie of the Week, Graeme (@graeme_c on Instagram), who shares his take on this powerful and unusual novel.📚 Eden’s Shore is divided into four main chapters—Sea, Land, Colony, Play—plus a final chapter titled World. We all agreed: we’ve barely scratched the surface. So, we’re launching a mini-series between our regular episodes to unpack each chapter in its own dedicated discussion. If you're reading along, we’d love to hear your thoughts for inclusion in future episodes!🎧 Bonus: The audiobook is free on Spotify for anyone with a subscription—perfect for those catching up!🏆 Poll Results Are In!The next book we’ll be reading together is Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon! Start reading now and send us your thoughts—our next full review episode drops Monday in two weeks.📊 New Book Club Poll – Vote Now!Help us choose what to read after Glorious Exploits! You can vote on:🟢 Spotify poll (on this episode)📸 Instagram post poll📸 Instagram Story pollThe more places you vote, the more influence you have!This week’s picks:👑 Has Been Crowned – The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden (Aaron’s pick)→ Winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2025📖 Freshly Bound – The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis (Colin’s pick)→ Recently released and gaining momentum🏅 Now Renowned – Confessions by Catherine Airey (Lucy’s pick)→ Shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize💬 Share Your ThoughtsWe want to hear what you think of Eden’s Shore, Glorious Exploits, or the books in this week’s poll!📩 [email protected]📘 Goodreads📸 Instagram🐦 Twitter/X📘 FacebookTap Follow wherever you’re listening so you don’t miss the mini-series or our next review!

We’re back! In this season premiere, we react to Heart Lamp’s big win at the 2025 International Booker Prize, reveal our next book club read—Eden’s Shore by Oisín Fagan—and launch our Book Club Vote to decide what we’ll read after that.🎧 We also catch you up on what we’ve been reading and planning behind the scenes. Come join the conversation!📊 Book Club Poll – Vote Now!You can vote in four places—Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook, and right here on this episode.📌 Voting closes Midnight GMT on Friday.📌 The more places you vote, the more your vote counts!This Week’s Categories & Picks:👑 Has Been Crowned - LucyGlorious Exploits by Ferdia LennonWinner of the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic FictionWinner of the Waterstones Debut Fiction PrizeWinner of the Authors’ Club Best First Novel AwardNamed a Best Book of 2024 by Slate, The Guardian, and the New York Public Library📖 Freshly Bound - HannahThirst Trap by Gráinne O’HarePublished 12th June 2025Be among the first to read it!🏅 Now Renowned - AaronThe Tusks of Extinction by Ray NaylerShortlisted for the 2025 Hugo Award for Best NovellaShortlisted for the 2025 Nebula Award for Best Novella📚 Been Around - ColinMother Naked by Glen James BrownColin’s personal top read of 2024📅 What’s Coming UpOur next episode drops Monday 16th June, where we’ll review Eden’s Shore and reveal the winner of the vote.From then on, we’ll be releasing new episodes every two weeks this season.💬 We Want to Hear From You!Tell us what you thought of Eden’s Shore, vote in the poll, or recommend our next book!Which book would you suggest for each category?📩 [email protected]📘 Goodreads📸 Instagram🐦 Twitter/X📘 Facebook👉 Tap Follow on your favourite platform to stay in the loop and help shape what we read next!

The shortlist has been read, the opinions have been aired, and now it’s time... to rank them.In this special bonus episode of Bookies’ Favourite, we each reveal our final rankings of the six International Booker Prize 2025 shortlisted books—complete with laughs, debates, and a little chaos, especially as Lucy goes head-to-head with the Bookies' Favourite hivemind 👀📚We also:Discuss our aggregate podcast rating based on all previous reviewsBreak down the bookies’ odds and what they might tell us about tonight’s winnerShare a few last-minute hopes and predictions before the announcement drops this evening🎉 Stay tuned:We’ll be back later this week with a reaction episode once the winner is announced, and to share our plans for what we’ll read next—whether that’s more awards, future shortlists, or award-winning books.💬 We want to hear from you!Let us know what prize lists, books, or themes you’d like us to cover going forward. This podcast is a book club, after all—and we want your voice in the conversation.📘 Facebook: Bookies’ Favourite📸 Instagram: @bookiesfavouritebookclub🐦 Twitter/X: @BookiesFavorite📚 Goodreads: Bookies’ Favourite Bookclub📧 Email: [email protected] for joining us on this International Booker journey—see you soon for the winner reveal!

In this final instalment of our International Booker Prize 2025 shortlist read-through, we’re diving into Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi and published by And Other Stories.A powerful collection of short stories that explore gender, class, and quiet resistance, Heart Lamp left us with a lot to reflect on—and no shortage of opinions. We also hear the thoughtful response of guest @sazloureads on Instagram, whose take adds another layer to our discussion.This is the last book on the shortlist—but we’re not done yet...📢 Coming up tomorrow:We’ll be releasing a bonus episode with our final rankings, Booker predictions, and some final reflections before the winner is announced on Tuesday evening.🎉 Later this week:We’ll be back once more with a reaction episode to the big announcement—did our predictions hit the mark, or did the judges surprise us?✨ Get involved:Now’s the time to send in your final rankings, predictions, or thoughts on the shortlist—we’d love to feature your opinions in our wrap-up coverage!📘 Facebook: Bookies’ Favourite📸 Instagram: @bookiesfavouritebookclub🐦 Twitter/X: @BookiesFavorite📚 Goodreads: Bookies’ Favourite Bookclub📧 Email: [email protected] for reading along with us—we’ll see you tomorrow for the final countdown!

This week on Bookies’ Favourite, we’re setting sail with Small Boat by Vincent Delecroix, translated from French by Helen Stevenson and published by Small Axes. A poignant dive into the conflicted conscience of a woman haunted by guilt after a migrant boat sinks in the English Channel under her watch, Small Boat has us asking: how much of grief can truly be put into words?We’re joined by special guest Stacey from @whatstaceyreadnext who shares her thoughts on the book, and we also hear from some of our listeners—thank you to everyone who wrote in! 📖 Next week’s episode is a bumper one!We’ll be discussing Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, a collection of short stories translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi and published by And Other Stories. It’s the final book on the International Booker 2025 shortlist—and with the winner announced Tuesday, May 20th, we’ll also be:Ranking all six books in order of our personal favouritesPredicting the winner with our take on the bookies’ oddsReading out your final rankings and reactions!✨ Get involved:Send us your shortlist rankings, predictions, or general Booker thoughts—we’d love to include your takes in our final episode of the season.📘 Facebook: Bookies’ Favourite📸 Instagram: @bookiesfavouritebookclub🐦 Twitter/X: @BookiesFavorite📚 Goodreads: Bookies’ Favourite Bookclub📧 Email: [email protected] for listening — we’re almost at the finish line!

This week on Bookies’ Favourite, we’re tackling the ambitious and reality-bending On the Calculation of Volume I by Solvej Balle, translated from Danish by Barbara J. Haveland and published by Faber.It’s the first book in a septology, and we’re diving deep into its looping timelines, philosophical undercurrents, and quiet emotional resonance. What’s it like to relive the same day again and again—especially when no one else notices? Is this the boldest book on the shortlist so far?We’re joined by special guest Imie Kent-Muller, aka @mythicreader, who brings her sharp insight to this cerebral and structurally daring novel.📖 Next week: We’ll be reading Small Boat by Vincent Delecroix, translated from French by Helen Stevenson and published by Small Axes. A quiet, lyrical novella about grief, music, and drifting through memory, it’s a haunting journey we can’t wait to discuss. New episode lands Monday, May 12th—read along with us!✨ Join the club:Have thoughts on Volume, Boat, or the shortlist in general? We love hearing from listeners—send us your takes and we might feature them in future episodes!📘 Facebook: Bookies’ Favourite📸 Instagram: @bookiesfavouritebookclub🐦 Twitter/X: @BookiesFavorite📚 Goodreads: Bookies’ Favourite Bookclub📧 Email: [email protected] for listening—and don’t worry, this episode only happens once.

This week on Bookies’ Favourite, we’re diving into A Leopard-Skin Hat by Anne Serre, translated from French by Mark Hutchinson and published by Lolli Editions.⚠️ Content Warning:This episode includes discussions of mental illness and suicide, major themes within the novel. If you’d prefer to skip, feel free to rejoin us next week.We unpack the book’s exploration of grief, loneliness, and fragile mental states, and we discuss the divisive writing stylethat sparked some strong reactions. We also share thoughts from multiple listeners—including special guest Ashlee (@afewofchifavoritethings)—who weigh in with their perspectives on this moving, elusive story.📖 Next up:We’ll be reading On the Calculation of Volume I by Solvej Balle, translated from Danish by Barbara J. Haveland and published by Faber. New episode drops Monday, May 5th!✨ Get involved:We love hearing your reactions—whether you loved a book, hated it, or felt somewhere in between. Send us your thoughts and we may feature them in a future episode!📘 Facebook: Bookies’ Favourite📸 Instagram: @bookiesfavouritebookclub🐦 Twitter/X: @BookiesFavorite📚 Goodreads: Bookies’ Favourite Bookclub📧 Email: [email protected] for being part of the club ❤️

This week on Bookies’ Favourite, we’re diving into the second book on the 2025 International Booker Prize shortlist: Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami, translated from Japanese by Asa Yoneda and published by Granta Books.In this episode, we share our thoughts on Kawakami’s surreal, poetic, and quietly haunting novel. From its strange dream logic to its tender moments of grief and connection, we unpack what worked for us—and what left us scratching our heads. As always, we pitch alternative titles and imagine how this unique story could be adapted into other media (animated series?).📖 Aaron only made it halfway through, so while he’s got some thoughts, the others carry most of the conversation this time around.Next week, we’ll be reading A Leopard-Skin Hat by Anne Serre, translated from French by Mark Hutchinson and published by Lolli Editions. That episode lands Monday, April 28—grab a copy and read along!✨ We want your opinions!If you’ve read this book—or any of the shortlist—send us your reactions, reviews, or rants! We’d love to include listener thoughts in future episodes.📘 Facebook: Bookies’ Favourite📸 Instagram: @bookiesfavouritebookclub🐦 Twitter/X: @BookiesFavorite📚 Goodreads: Bookies’ Favourite Bookclub📧 Email: [email protected] unfinished reads to full-on literary obsessions, we’re all about honest book chat.

This week on Bookies’ Favourite, we dive into the first book on the 2025 International Booker Prize shortlist: Perfectionby Vincenzo Latronico, translated from Italian by Sophie Hughes and published by Fitzcarraldo Editions.We break down our reactions to this cool, clinical novella about art, lifestyle, and the pursuit of aesthetic control—was it minimalist mastery or just emotionally cold? The group also pitches alternative titles, debates how it could be adapted into film or TV (hello, A24?), and tries to get to the heart of what Perfection is really about.🎙️ Bonus: Due to some pesky tech issues, Hannah’s full thoughts come in at the end of the episode—don’t miss them!Next up? We're heading to Japan (literarily speaking) to read Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami, translated by Asa Yoneda and published by Granta Books. That episode drops Monday, April 21st—plenty of time to grab a copy and read along!✨ Join the conversation:📘 Facebook: Bookies’ Favourite📸 Instagram: @bookiesfavouritebookclub🐦 Twitter/X: @BookiesFavorite📚 Goodreads: Bookies’ Favourite Bookclub📧 Email: [email protected] want to hear your thoughts—on Perfection, the shortlist, or anything bookish you’re burning to share. Send us your takes, and we might read them out on a future episode!

The International Booker Prize 2025 shortlist has officially landed—and we’ve got thoughts.In this episode of Bookies’ Favourite, we react to the shortlist reveal and dish out our gut feelings, wild hopes, and bold predictions. Which books are we thrilled made the cut? Which ones broke Lucy’s heart by missing out? And who do we think should take home the prize?We’re also laying out our official reading schedule—one book a week, one episode every Monday, starting April 14th. Read along with us and get involved in the conversation!📚 Reading & Episode Schedule:🔹 Perfection – April 14🔹 Under the Eye of the Big Bird – April 21🔹 A Leopard-Skin Hat – April 28🔹 On the Calculation of Volume I – May 5🔹 Small Boat – May 12🔹 Heart Lamp – May 19We want you to be part of the club! Send us your thoughts, reviews, rants, and raves on each week’s book—whether you read it or rage-quit it. We’ll be sharing listener takes throughout the series.✨ Get involved:📘 Facebook: Bookies’ Favourite📸 Instagram: @bookiesfavouritebookclub🐦 Twitter/X: @BookiesFavorite📚 Goodreads: Bookies’ Favourite Bookclub📧 Email: [email protected] you’re a Booker newbie or a seasoned lit prize fiend, we’re glad you’re here. Let’s read some weird and wonderful books together!

Welcome to the very first episode of Bookies’ Favourite, the book club podcast where four friends with very different reading habits come together to talk about big prize lists, bold opinions, and maybe even read a few books along the way.Meet your hosts:📻 Aaron Rice – radio journalist, pop culture guy, and proud non-reader (he’s working on it).📚 Colin Rice – Aaron’s twin, book-a-week reader, creative writing and publishing grad, and aspiring novelist.📖 Hannah – a passionate reader who knows her way around a good plot twist.🏆 Lucy – International Booker Prize devotee and the only one among us to have read 11 out of 13 books on the 2025 longlist (yes, she’s our MVP).In this debut episode, Lucy breaks down the International Booker Prize 2025 longlist and shares her predictions for the soon-to-be-announced shortlist (dropping Tuesday, April 8th). Hannah’s read one book and adds her thoughts too. The rest of us… are just here for the ride, vibes, and occasional chaos.We’ll be back tomorrow with a bonus episode reacting to the shortlist reveal and mapping out our reading schedule for the six shortlisted titles. After that, new episodes drop every Monday as we make our way through the shortlist—one book a week.✨ Read along with us! ✨ Got thoughts? Hot takes? Wildly different opinions? We want to hear them. Join the conversation and follow us on:📘 Facebook: Bookies’ Favourite📸 Instagram: @bookiesfavouritebookclub🐦 Twitter/X: @BookiesFavorite📚 Goodreads coming soon!Whether you're a literary prize nerd or just trying to finish one book a year, you're in the right place.