Hope Book Club

Kirsty Nancarrow began telling stories as soon as she learned to write. She spent 15 years reporting for ABC News and Current Affairs in Far North Queensland, before a chance interview with a Nepalese Australian – Som Tamang – changed her career trajectory.  

Kirsty's debut book Himalayan Dreams shares the remarkable story of Som Tamang, who overcame incredible odds to empower children in rural Nepal through education. 

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This episode, Georgia speaks to Gyan Yankovich about her debut book Just Friends. Just Friends is an exploration of modern friendship – what it means to be, to make, and sometimes to lose a friend.   

Gyan is a writer and editor based in Sydney. She is currently the lifestyle editor at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. 

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This episode, Georgia speak to Australian crime fiction author Sulari Gentill, about her new book The Mystery Writer. They discuss the process of writing a mystery, Sulari’s switch from law to writing and the role of conspiracy theories in her new novel. 

Further Information:  

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Georgia and Joni discuss Homecoming by Kate Morton – a historical mystery set in the Adelaide Hills, in which a journalist Jess tries to solve a decades-old murder mystery within her own family.  

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Georgia spoke to author and science communicator Dr Jen Martin about her new book Why Am I Like This?  

They delved into the science behind our weirdest thoughts and habits, as well as talking about how important science communication is in the modern landscape.  

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Win a Copy of Why Am I Like This? (closes Monday 25th March 2024)

LIVE EVENT DETAILS:  Hope Book Club Live - 'The Jam Queens' 

Follow Dr Jen Martin:  

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On the first episode of 2024, Georgia was joined by David Barker to discuss their favourite reads of January. Georgia also shares an update on her co-host Simone.

LIVE EVENT DETAILS:  Hope Book Club Live - 'The Jam Queens'

Books mentioned in episode:  

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In this bonus episode, Georgia chats to Sally Colin-James, author of One Illumined Thread, about the writing process, the hidden influence of women throughout history and how a split-second decision at a traffic light influenced her decision to become a writer.

Resources:

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For your chance to win:  Book Giveaway - Robert Fergusson 

This episode's books: 

Books and authors mentioned in episode: 

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In the final episode of 2023, Simone, Georgia (and their colleagues) reveal their favourite books of the year.
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This episode's book: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

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Live Event Book: The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland

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For your chance to win:  Book Giveaway - Kathryn MacDowall and Trudy Adams 

This episode's books: 

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This episode's book: After Storyby Larissa Behrendt

Next episode's book: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

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Simone and Georgia discuss the sustainability of the paper and publishing industries - and how we as readers can be more aware of our choices in this space. 

Resources mentioned: 

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This episode's book: One Illumined Thread by Sally Colin-James

Next episode's book:After Storyby Larissa Behrendt

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Books mentioned in episode: 

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This episode's book:Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

Next episode's book: One Illumined Thread by Sally Colin-James

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Books mentioned in episode: 

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This episode's book: Blood and Ink by Brett Adams 

Next episode's book: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

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Live Event Book: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

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In a special bonus episode of Hope Book Club, we sit down with one of Australia's best writers, Tim Winton! The man behind Aussie classics including Cloudstreetand Dirt Music, Tim shares the secrets behind his writing process, how he incorporates faith into his books and his favourite read of 2023 so far. 

Georgia's interview with Tim about Ningaloo:  Author Tim Winton Says New Docuseries is an “Act of Prayer to Creation” - Hope 103.2 (hope1032.com.au)

Books mentioned in episode: 

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This episode, we discuss The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce and the brand new film adaptation of the same name, starring Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton.

This episode's book: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

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This episode, Simone and Georgia dive into the wonderful world of bookstores. What makes a great bookstore? How do you choose what to buy once you’re there? And will online shopping be death of bookstores altogether? We answer those questions and so much more.

Next episode's book: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

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This episode, we are joined by guest contributor Isobel Sutcliffe to talk about cookbooks we love!

This episode’s books: 

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This episode, we speak to three children’s authors who have each created some incredible books that make a difference, including Hope Book Club founder Katrina Roe.

This episode’s books: 

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This episode’s book: The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams

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Next episode’s book: The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams

Books mentioned in episode:

Film & TV adaptations mentioned in episode: 

Authors mentioned in episode: 

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This episode’s book: Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikaza Kawaguchi 

Next episode's book: The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams

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Register for the live event here: Hope Book Club Live (on Zoom!)

Live Event Book: The Wattle Island Book Club by Sandy Docker

Next episode’s book: Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Books mentioned in episode:

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This episode’s book: The Garden of Hopes and Dreams by Barbara Hannay  

Next book: Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikaza Kawaguchi 

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Ask (or share) anything about books!  

Next episode’s book: The Garden of Hopes and Dreams by Barbara Hannay  

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Find your next summer read in Episode 45 of the Hope Book Club.

Natasha Moore has been readingThe Bullet That Missedby Richard Osman. 

This is the third book in the Thursday Murder Club series, set in an upmarket English Retirement Village. This time incorrigible flirt Joyce is driving the investigation as she wants to meet her favourite local TV newsreader.  

Katrina Clifford has been reading The Cartographers about a mapmaker called Nell who discovers a mysterious map with magical powers after her father is murdered in his New York office.

And Katrina Roe has been reading The Tilt,the new thriller from Chris Hammer. Newly promoted homicide detective Nell returns to her hometown to take a closer look at a cold case after a body is discovered in the forest. 

That’s all in episode 45 of the Hope Book Club- because summer’s just better with a book. 

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In episode 44 of the Hope Book Club Katrina Roe and Natasha Moore are joined by Ellanda Joyce from The Little Lost Bookshop. 

In this ep they review:

The Essex Serpentby Sarah Perry. A historical drama set in 1893, about a young widow, Cora, and a local village caught up in rumours and superstition about a a mythical monster called The Essex Serpent.Claire Danes stars in the TV adaptation.

A Man Called Ove by Frederick Backman. This is the story of a grumpy old man called Ove and his relationship with a young family who move in next door. It’s being made into a movie starring Tom Hanks.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owen. An atmospheric murder mystery about a young girl Kya, who grows up alone on the edge of the marsh. When a young man from town is found dead in the marsh, the townsfolk blame the wild marsh girl. The film was made by Reese Witherspoon and stars Daisy Edgar Jones.

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It’s the honeymoon edition of the Hope Book Club.  

With a newlywed on the podcast, it’s the perfect time for romance. 

In this episode we review: 

The Giant Darkby Sarvat Hasin, inspired by the ancient Greek tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice. Aida is an adored rock star, Ehsan is the love of her youth. When they get back together, Aida disappears from public life, but her fans won’t let her go. 

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles - a WW2 romance based on the true story of the heroic librarians at The American Libraryin Paris. Odile is a young and ambitious woman who joins the resistance using the only weapon she has: books. 

In Want of a Wife, by Meredith Resce, winner of The Caleb Prize for Fiction. Meddling mother Louise Brooker is a regency romance author and serial matchmaker, who can’t resist interfering in the lives of her adult children. Fiery nurse Chloe decides to teach her mother a lesson by announcing a fake engagement to handsome lawyer, Michael. 

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In Episode 42 of the Hope Book Club we explore the personal stories of some famous people and some not so famous. 

Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah. A coming-of-age story, set during the twilight of apartheid and a tribute to a mother who defied the world in which her son was not supposed to exist.

The Bookseller at the End of the World by Ruth Shaw. This seemingly innocuous 75 year old bookshop owner, living in a remote part of New Zealand is a world away from the adventurer she once was. She spent most of her life trying to outrun tragedy loss and 4 marriages, but now she shares her story and those of the intriguing customers she encounters.

A Funny Life by Michael McIntyre. Michael honestly and hilariously shares the highs and the lows of his rise to the top and desperate attempts to stay there. Its a story of perseverance, dusting yourself off after disaster and making the most of the chances you're given.

That’s all in Episode 42 of the Hope Book Club – Because Life’s Just Better with a Book! 

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In this bonus episode, Hope Book Club host Katrina Roe chats with Aussie Crime author, Sulari Gentill about her new hit novel, The Woman in the Library.

Witty, warm and wise, Sulari shares her approach to crafting what she calls ‘the grand lie’ of storytelling.

In this conversation, Katrina and Sulari discuss:

We hope you enjoy this bonus episode of The Hope Book Club – because life’s just better with a book!

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The Hope Book Club is turning 40!

To celebrate, we have picked out some Killer Reads for you!  And they’re all by Aussie authors.

In this episode, we review:

Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson. It’s a novel set around a family reunion, but the members of the Cunningham family don’t like each other. If you loved Knives Out, this book is for you! 

The Woman in the Libraryby Sulari Gentill. An Australian novelist writes a story about four strangers who overhear a woman being murdered in the Boston Public Library. Her scream brings them together, but could one of them be the killer? And what about the author crafting their story? Could she be in real danger from one of her own characters?

The Sorrow Stone by Brisbane-based author, Kari Gislason. Set in the 10th century, it’s based on the true story of Disa - one of Iceland’s most famous women. It’s a saga of divided loyalties, revenge and betrayal.

And we'll discuss the books keeping us awake at night.

We hope you enjoy the 40th episode of The Hope Book Club – because life’s just better with a book!

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In this episode, our book club reviewers have been celebrating love in all its forms.

In Love Stories,much-loved novelist and journalist Trent Dalton collects stories of love from the streets of Brisbane as an antidote to the heartache and pain of the pandemic. 

Sex and Vanity is Kevin Kwan's modern re-telling of EM Forster's Italian romance, A Room with a View. Just like Crazy Rich Asians, this story features the uber-wealthy elite who have more money than sense.

Still Life by Sarah Winman tells the story of Ulysses, a British soldier who starts a new life in Italy after he inherits a villa in Florence. Over four decades, he and his unconventional friends become family. It's a celebration of love, beauty, art and family.

That’s all in Episode 39 of the Hope Book Club – Because Life’s Just Better with a Book! 

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Episode 38 of the Hope Book Club features new Australian fiction and a special guest reviewer - Georgia Free from Finding Hope.  

Devotion is the new novel from bestselling Australian author Hannah Kent.  It’s about a Prussian family who relocate to South Australia to escape religious persecution.

The Shut-ins by Katherine Brabon is about a young adult called Hikaru who spends all his time at home alone in his room. Set in Japan, the novel explains the growing phenomenon of hikikomori – people who never leave their home.  

The Paris Secret,by Natasha Lester, is a World War Two romance about the female pilots of the Air Transport Auxillary.

Plus our reviewers discuss the difficult decision of how to cut back your book collection when it’s time to move house. 

That’s all in Episode 38 of the Hope Book Club – Because Life’s Just Better with a Book! 

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In our first episode for 2022 we are learning to live a healthier, happier and unhurried life.

Natasha Moore has been reading The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer.  This book sees hurry as the greatest enemy of a healthy spiritual life and argues for a slower, simpler way of life.

Katrina Clifford has been reading Decluttering at the Speed of Lifeby Dana K White.  A de-cluttering guide for those whose busy lives are less than perfect. If being tidy does not come naturally to you, this book can help. 

Katrina Roe reviewsEmotionally Health Spirituality by Peter Scezzaro. A book about dealing with your emotional baggage and living in a way that is in tune with your emotions so you can grow spiritually.

Join us for an emotionally healthy start to 2022. 

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In Episode 36 of the Hope Book Club we’re solving some hot new mysteries.

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman is the sequel to the comic crime novel The Thursday Murder Club. Set in a retirement village, our four septuagenarians are drawn into a mystery involving diamonds, a violent killer, the mafia and MI-5.

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz - a crime fiction editor finds a real-life mystery hidden in the pages of the murder mystery she’s editing. Magpie Murders pays homage to the golden age of crime fiction.

Apples Never Fallis the latest novel from Liane Moriarty. When retired tennis coach, Joy Delany goes missing, her four adult children start to suspect their own Dad is hiding something.

Plus we’ll discuss our Top 3 books from 2021.

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In Episode 35 of the Hope Book Club we explore the latest thought-provoking fiction. 

Beautiful World, Where are you? by Sally Rooney follows the lives of four young friends trying to learn the knack of ‘adulting’. Another novel about friendship, sex and politics from the author of Conversations with Friends and Normal People.

Amnestyby Aravind Adiga - Danny is an illegal immigrant living in Sydney who has overstayed his visa by four years and works as a cash-in-hand house-cleaner. When he witnesses a murder, Danny faces a complex moral dilemma. Will he tell the police what he knows and risk being deported? 

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Nora is overwhelmed by regrets. Her life is characterised by unfulfilled potential. In a moment between life and death, she finds herself in a library, where she can try out all the other lives she could have lived. A life-affirming story about the choices we could have made.

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‘On her 38th birthday, Miriam Tedesco received flowers from a ghost.’

One year after the death of her husband and teenagers, Miriam Tedesco is struggling to hold it together. When she receives a bunch of flowers from her dead husband on their wedding anniversary, she understandably unravels. She sets off on a musical pilgrimage with her husband’s guitar, her daughter’s cello and her son’s unfinished piano sonata to grieve her family and face up to her choices.

While the plot may sound heavy, it’s actually a very hopeful book and Miriam’s authentic Catholic faith is a natural part of the story. 

Katrina Roe spoke to author Kathleen Basi about her novel, her faith and her love of music.

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In episode 34 of the Hope Book Club we explore tender tales of love and loss.

Sea Wife, by Amity Gage - A family buy a boat and sail around the Caribbean, with mystery, tragedy and intrigue thrown into the mix.

H is for Hawke by Helen Macdonald - The memoir of a woman who is grieving her father and a memoir of the tenuous, but growing trust between human and hawk as one attempts to train the other. 

A song for the Road - a debut novel by American author Kathleen Basi.  A grieving wife and mum takes a flip-a-coin road trip devised by her late teenage children. It’s a musical sojourn about coming to terms with the past, and forgiving yourself and others.

And we discuss our go-to comfort reads – the Tim Tams of the Book World.

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In Episode 33 of Hope Book Club we’re staying homegrown.

And our reviewers discuss which section of the bookshop they head to first!

The Hope Book Club – because life’s just better with an Australian book!

Hey if you’ve enjoyed this episode of the Hope Book Club, please do rate and review us and remember to subscribe!

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

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In episode 32, we are picking up some of the best American literature from the last few years. 

Plus we discuss which American author we would most like to have dinner with.

Thanks for listening to the Hope Book Club – because life’s just better with a book!

Donate to our November Appeal. Click here http://hope1032.com.au/donate

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In Ep 31, we look at some challenging non-fiction that can help us live more deliberately.

Plus our booklovers discuss the influence of books on their real life decisions.

Learn to live better in Episode 31 of the Hope Book Club – because life’s just better with a book!

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Put on your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass, and make sure you have your wits about you in Episode 30 of the Hope Book Club

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Join Katrina Roe & Natasha Moore as they dive into the humour, trials and first hand tales from three journalistic style memoirs this week.

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We delve into some hot new holiday reads – Natasha Moore has been reading the latest novels by two of her favourite authors.

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I am woman. Hear me roar. Our latest instalment of the Hope Book Club explores books about fierce and fiery women.

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These cracking books all feature a plague of some description, but they’ll also make you feel a whole lot better about the current crisis.

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Upgrade your brain, show off your smarts and get your genius on. It’s the brainy edition of the Hope Book Club, with a focus on Australian non-fiction.

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What could be better than reading about books?

In this episode, Hope 103.2’s Katrina Roe and Natasha Moore from the Centre for Public Christianity explore some of the best books about books.

The Dictionary of Lost Words - the debut novel from Australian author Pip Williams, this delightful tale is set around the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary.   Young Esme spends her childhood hanging around the lexicographers in the Scriptorium, but as she grows she realises that some words, especially women’s words, aren’t making it into the dictionary.

Mr Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookshop – by Robin Sloane.  This mystery/adventure is about an unemployed digital designer who finds himself working the graveyard shift in a very unusual bookstore in San Francisco.

And How Proust can Change Your Life, by Alaine de Botton – Part literary biography, part self-help, this witty and wise book by Britain’s favourite philosopher might just convince you to finally tackle Proust yourself!

Plus we discuss the TV shows that are actually better than the books they’re based on.

It’s the extremely bookish episode 24 of the Hope Book Club podcast – Because life’s just better with a book about books!

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Perfect for these chilly winter days, the Hope Book Club fires up some crackling good fireside fiction for Episode 23.

Katrina Roe and Natasha Moore from the Centre for Public Christianity discuss:

Fleishman is in Trouble - the debut novel of Taffy Brodesser-Akner. It’s the story of a 41 year man, Toby Fleishman, going through a bitter divorce from his wife of 15 years.

Bel Canto by Anne Patchett - Loosely based on true events, a group of high profile diplomats and an opera singer are taken hostage by terrorists in South America. It’s a lockdown experience like no other.

And The Giver of Stars, by Jojo Moyes - about the packhorse librarians in the mountains of Kentucky.

Plus, we bring our top five heart-warming reads for the Pandemic.

That’s all in episode 23 of the Hope Book Club podcast.

Because life’s just better with a book!

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Hope Book Club returns to the scene of the crime with another popular crime fiction episode.

Natasha Moore from the Centre for Public Christianity has been reading the morbidly funny book, My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite. Nominated for the Booker Prize in 2019, it’s about how blood is thicker than water, and also harder to get out of the carpet.

Still Life by Louise Penny is the first book in the much-loved Chief Inspector Gamache murder mystery series, set in small town Quebec.

And Katrina’s been reading The Scholar by Dervla McTiernan - a cracking, Aussie-penned murder mystery set in rainy Galway, Ireland.

Plus, we discuss the big, thick books we’re finally tackling in lockdown.

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As the Hope Book Club turns 21, it’s all about becoming – which seems appropriate for a 21st!

In this memoir-focussed episode, Katrina Roe and Natasha Moore (from CPX) share personal stories of transformation from inspiring women.  These stories of resilience and flourishing in spite of life’s challenges are perfect for these challenging times:

Educated by Tara Westover, a memoir about overcoming a socially isolated childhood, growing up in a household of extreme End Times preppers
Metanoia, a memoir by the Australian screen actor Anna McGahan about making peace with her body
And Becoming – the much-loved autobiography of former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Plus, we play Change One Word, Ruin a Book Title! So much fun!!!

That’s all in this transformative, auto-biographical episode of the Hope Book Club - Because life’s just better with a book!

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Don't panic!  Supermarket shelves  may be empty, but thankfully book shelves are still well-stocked!

It’s the epic 20th episode of the Hope Book Club, featuring special guest Paul Kelly.

We’re talking fully Australian made, choccas with home-grown goodness, all freshly picked from our own backyard. And there’s not a roll of toilet paper in sight!

In this episode Katrina Roe and Natasha Moore discuss:

The Yield by Tara June Winch, a powerful indigenous story of a Wiradjuri elder facing his death, and his granddaughter who has returned from living overseas. It’s a book about indigenous language, storytelling and identity.
Love is Strong is Death, a new poetry anthology by Aussie singer/songwriter Paul Kelly.
And the latest from a popular Australian mystery series, A Few Right Thinking Men by Sulari Gentill. Just released in March 2020, this is the tenth book in a series.
Plus Katrina and Natasha choose their all-time favourite Aussie books. It’s a bold move!

Quick!  Download Episode 20 of the Hope Book Club BEFORE ALL STOCK SELLS OUT - Because life’s just better with an AUSSIE book!

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It’s the movie-lovers edition of the Hope Book Club!

In this episode, Natasha Moore and Katrina Roe review books that have all made the leap to the big or small screen.

Normal People by Sally Rooney is a millennial love story featuring an on-again, off-again romance. It explores the energising electricity of first love and the way that relationships change people.  It’s as much about the clunky moments of miscommunication, as it is about rare moments of connection.  It’s being made into a 12-part drama for BBC Three.
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War is a factual account of the horrors faced by ordinary people in the aftermath of the zombie wars.   While you’ll learn a lot about the terrifying impact of the undead, this book is mainly concerned with capturing the human reaction to this epochal event.  (And yes, it’s fiction.  No you didn’t fall asleep and miss the end of the world).  It was made into a movie starring Brad Pitt.
And Little Women by Louisa May Alcott has been turned into a big budget film with Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan and Merryl Streep. Katrina’s had her head in the book and found there’s plenty in there to chew on.

Plus, Katrina and Natasha discuss the book-based movies that "lost the plot".

That’s all in Episode 19 of the Hope Book Club - Because life’s just better with a book!

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In Episode 18 of the Hope Book Club, Natasha Moore and Katrina Roe have picked out some deep thinking, but oh-so-easy-to-read, non-fiction with more fizz and sparkle than your summer drink selection!

Dive in deep this summer!

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In Episode 17 of the Hope Book Club, Natasha Moore and Katrina Roe accidentally stumble upon three books with a common thread – they’re all about marriage and relationships!

It wasn’t planned this way, we promise!

Heartburn, by Nora Ephron - an autobiographical novel from the famous screenwriter of films like When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle. The book is unashamedly based on Ephron’s second marriage (and divorce from) Carl Bernstein of Watergate fame.  It’s hilariously funny!


The Museum of Modern Love by Australian author Heather Rose – this book explores the famous performance art piece, The Artist is Present by Marina Abramovic at MoMA in New York and imagines the impact it has on the relationships of those who are touched by the exhibition.


The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanan is a thriller in the same vein as The Girl on the Train, with a big (and slightly confusing) twist.
WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!  But don’t worry, we give you plenty of notice!!

Plus—Katrina and Natasha discuss the books they’ve read over and over again!

Sink your teeth into this relationship-themed episode of the Hope Book Club… because life’s just better with a book!

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Break out your bunsen burner - it's science time in the Hope Book Club! In this episode Katrina Roe and Natasha Moore review:
- 'Lost and Wanted' by Nell Freudenberger.
- Randall Munroe's 'What If?'
- 'Can't Beat the Chemistry' by Kat Colmer
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'Lost and Wanted':  Poetry and science come together in this novel about a renowned physicist who has to confront the supernatural. Helen Clapp doesn't believe in life after death, ghosts or anything supernatural.  So when she receives a phone call from a friend who has just died it rocks her to the core. It’s a bittersweet story about lost friendships, grief and regrets.
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'What If?' gives compelling scientific answers to absurd random questions, such as how many humans would a rampaging T-Rex need to eat per day to survive in New York city? Or, what are the odds of meeting your one true soulmate? Or, when will Facebook contain more profiles of dead people than living ones? It's by the creator of the 'world's best web comic', Randall Munroe.
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And 'Can't Beat the Chemistry' is a YA romance about a nerdy chemistry student who learns more than she expected from her deadbeat drummer-tutor student, Luke. This PG romance by local Aussie author Kat Colmer focuses on real friendship, and finding love in unexpected places.
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Also, Natasha and Katrina discuss the novels that taught them something they never knew they wanted to learn! That's all in this nerdy, sciencey, empirically researched episode 16 of the Hope Book Club.

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It’s the Booker Prize edition of the Hope Book Club, also known as the Hubba Bubba edition, the mozzarella edition or the downward dog edition because it is going to stretch you. 

Natasha Moore and Katrina Roe have picked out their favourite Booker Prize winners ahead of the 2019 annoucement:

Milkman by Anna Burns (2018)
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017)
Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan (2014)

Milkman was the Booker Prize winner in 2018.  It’s a tale of gossip and hearsay set in the heavily politicised atmosphere of Northern Ireland during The Troubles.  The writing style divided critics, with long sentences and an original approach to punctuation.  For example, the whole story is told without any characters being named.

George Saunders’ first novel - Lincoln in the Bardo - won the Booker prize in 2017.  It’s the story of Abraham Lincoln, grieving his young son, as told by the spirits who inhabit the graveyard where he’s buried.   This is a novel that ‘teaches you how to read it’.

And Narrow Road to the Deep North is a gruelling Australian novel set in the Japanese Prisoner of War/Labour camps that built the Thai-Burma railway.  It shows the full horror of how Australian prisoners were treated, including torture, but also explains the Japanese mindset at the time. It won the Booker Prize in 2014.

The winner of the 2019 Booker Prize will be announced on October 14.

Until then, sink your teeth into the Booker Prize edition of the Hope Book Club! Because life’s just better with a book!

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In this episode Natasha Moore and Katrina Roe have picked out some cracking fiction for you:

* 'Big Stone Gap' by Adriana Trigiani,
* 'The Young Lion' by Blanche D’Apulget, and
* 'The Lost Man' by Jane Harper

'Big Stone Gap' by Adriana Trigiani is a heart-warming small town story set around the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia – it’s also a New York Times bestseller, that’s been made into a movie. If you loved 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society', you’ll probably love this one! 

Now, for some good monarchy fiction. Fans of 'Game of Thrones' or 'Wolf Hall' need to know about Australian author Blanche d’Alpuget, wife of the legendary and recently departed former Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Her historical fiction series, 'Birth of the Plantagenets', tells the stories of King Henry II during his rise to power and his marriage to the French Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, and chancellor of England Thomas Becket and his falling out with the king. Now The Lion’s Torment - the third book in this series - has just been released. It follows Henry, Eleanor and Becket in a tumultous era that includes one of history's most scandalous and tragic murders.

Finally, to Outback Queensland, with 'The Lost Man'. Katrina has devoured this latest offering from Australia’s new queen of crime fiction, Jane Harper. 'The Lost Man' is an Outback murder mystery… or is it?

Also, to top the episode off, Katrina and Natasha divulge some highly personal information – their fictional crushes!

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It’s the crime fiction edition! Natasha and Katrina sink their teeth into "The Three Evangelists" by Fred Vargas, Dorothy Sayers' "Lord Peter Wimsey" series, and "The Ruin" by Dervla McTiernan - AND they reveal which long-term book series they have stuck with for years.

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In this non-fiction episode of the Hope Book Club, Katrina Roe and Natasha Moore discuss Dear Farenheit 451, Fierce Conversations, and The Land Before Avocado.

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From quirky Professor Don Tilman to Stephen King's teenage misfit Carrie, and quirky authors themselves, this episode covers a few of literature's odd-bods.

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In this episode Katrina Roe and Natasha Moore discusses Liane Moriarty’s new bestseller, Nine Perfect Strangers, Bridge of Clay, by Marcus Zusak, All the Light You Cannot See by Anthony Doerr and The Signature of All Things. by Elizabeth Gilbert.

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In this summer episode, Katrina Roe and Natasha Moore holiday on a book lover’s paradise - exploring books that will fill those long summer days with joy and wonder.

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In this episode of the Hope Book Club, Katrina Roe and Natasha Moore travel the world from North Carolina, to the Camino in Spain, to Australia's outback.

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In this episode of the Hope Book Club, we look at three books tackling sex and relationships from very different angles. The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty, On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan and Out of the Cages, by Penny Jaye.

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The Hope Book Club Episode 5: From social media shaming, to a best-selling real-life love story set in the concentration camps.

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In this episode, Katrina Roe is joined by Rowena Beresford from The Book Curator Magazine to discuss the most exciting new books for kids.

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Join Katrina and Natasha for another episode of the Hope Mornings Book Club. This week, a memoir from Washington Post owner Katherine Graham, the sci-fi classic I, Robot and Fools and Mortals, a fictional tale of Shakespeare's lesser known brother.

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In this episode of the Hope Book Club Katrina Roe and Natasha Moore discuss the sci-fi romp, To Say Nothing of the Dog, a Holocaust memoir, Man's Search for Meaning and the 2008 historical novel The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society now being released as a major film.

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Katrina Roe and book reviewer Natasha Moore bring you books to enrich your life. This episode, the dystopian feminist novel The Power, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and World War 2 love story, Everyone Brave is Forgiven.

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