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A Pair of Bookends
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© Hannah MacDonald
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A weekly bookish podcast hosted by Hannah MacDonald. Join us for monthly Book Club episodes - read the book at your own pace and then listen to us deep dive with the author! Our Debut Spotlight series is to put the freshest authors and their work firmly on your radar and in our new series we bring you a monthly culture round up of all the recommendations we've collected over the previous month of consuming. Follow us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram and @apairofbookends on Twitter and TIk Tok.
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For today's episode Hannah was joined by author Iman Hariri-Kia to discuss her latest novel Female Fantasy. They discuss how this book became a love letter to the romance community, why romance is an important genre, her excitement for upcoming adaptations + all of the book recs your heart could desire!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Iman via Instagram, Substack & imanharirikia.comYou can buy Female Fantasy here (UK) & here (US)Books & other mentions in this episode: Quicksilver by Callie HartBrimstone by Callie HartCheck & Mate by Ali HazelwoodLove, Theoretically by Ali HazelwoodYou, Again by Kate GoldbeckWhen Harry Met Sally (1989)Exit Lane by Erika VeurinkReady or Not by Cara BastoneHeated Rivalry by Rachel ReidHeated Rivalry (2025)Deep End by Ali HazelwoodMate by Ali HazelwoodKiss Of The Basilisk by Lindsay StraubeThe Princess Diaries by Meg CabotBank Square Books, MysticGood Spirits by B.K. BorisonIt's Different This Time by Joss RichardIf It Makes You Happy by Julie OliviaMaxton HallThe Love Hypothesis AdaptationEvery Summer After AdaptationLily Allen- West End GirlAudrey Hobert- Who's The Clown?Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
In today's episode Hannah spoke to Uttama Kirit Patel about her debut novel Shape of an Apostrophe.They discuss the choice to be a mother, Indian family culture, claustrophobic settings & the books Uttama has been enjoying + lots more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Uttama via Instagram & uttamapatel.comBuy Shape of an Apostrophe here.Books & other mentions in this episode: The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran DesaiNow You See Us by Balli Kaur JaswalThings in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun LiLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
This episode was recorded live at the brilliant Queer Lit/ Social Refuge. For more of their upcoming events click here. The sound in this episode isn't perfect throughout, apologies for this! For today's episode Hannah interviewed Chloe Michelle Howarth for the launch event of her new novel Heap Earth Upon It. They discuss Chloe's creative process from ideas on a hangover to creating colour palettes for her novels, sibling dynamics, yearning, the lack of firsthand accounts of Queer people from 60's rural Ireland, writing influences & so much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Chloe via Instagram, Twitter/X& Tik TokBuy Heap Earth Upon It here. Buy Sunburn here. Books & other mentions in this episode: The Princess of 72nd Street by Elaine KrafShy by Max PorterJeffrey Eugenides So Late in the Day by Claire KeeganColm Tóibín Mouthing by Orla MackeyThis Immaculate Body by Emma Van StraatenLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
Sorry for the delay on this one but it's worth the wait we promise! For our October Book Club episode Hannah chats to author, actor & musician Joey Batey about his debut novel It's Not A Cult which you can buy here. They discuss how Joey 'meets' his characters before writing about them, how he stays motivated to write throughout his other projects, his experience of his first book tour, new music & the show that made him tear up a book he was working on. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Joey via Instagram, follow The Amazing Devil here: https://theamazingdevil.com/ & you can listen to their music here. Books & other mentions in this episode: The Lamb by Lucy RoseVanishing World by Sayaka MurataEarthlings by Sayaka MurataPluribus (Apple TV)Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
(PSA: Sound on this ep improves 5/10 mins in, apologies!) For today's episode Hannah was joined by author Lucas Oakeley to discuss his debut novel Nearly Departed which you can buy here.They discuss Lucas's social media campaign to get men reading fiction, love stories, food and lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Lucas via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik Tok. Books & other mentions in this episode: Flesh by David SzalayAll That Man Is by David SzalayThe Trees by Percival EverettAny Human Heart by William BoydImogen by Jilly CooperBeautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooneyhttps://www.service95.com/why-more-men-need-to-read-about-loveDavid NichollsBobby PalmerMike GayleWuthering Heights (2026)Frankenstein (2025)Saltburn (2023)The Narrow Road To The Deep North (2025)The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard FlanaganNora EphronMad Men (2007)Game of ThronesBreaking Bad (2008)Succession (2018)Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
For today's Debut Spotlight episode Hannah chats to author Viola van de Sandt about her debut novel The Dinner Party, they discuss their favourite dinner party scenes, writing about trauma, how Viola's debut was actually her 4th novel & much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can buy The Dinner Party here (UK) & here (US)You can follow Viola via InstagramBooks & other mentions in this episode: All Fours by Miranda JulyThe First Bad Man by Miranda JulyVirginia Woolf: Biography by Hermione LeeThe Party (2017)The Bear: FishesFleabag: S2 E1The Dry Heart by Natalia GinzburgHappiness, As Such by Natalia GinzburgLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
On today's episode Hannah chats to writer & co-host of the A Pod of Smut and Wingspan podcast B.A Pepper about her debut novel Daughter of Stone. They discuss what drew B into the world of Romantasy, how her friend and co-host Sam encouraged her to pursue writing, Welsh mythology & language and of course all of the Romantasy book recs. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can buy Daughter of Stone here.You can also follow B & her work via Instagram, Tik Tok and www.bapepperauthor.comListen to A Pod of Smut and Wingspan here.Books & other mentions in this episode:Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth HelenThe Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. JensenThe Tempest Blade by Danielle L. JensenA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J.MaasA Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J.MaasDaughter of No Worlds by Carissa BroadbentThe Mortal Instruments by Cassandra ClareThe MabinogiOne PieceBlood and Ash series by Jennifer L. ArmentroutThe Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa BroadbentSpark of the Everflame by Penn ColeThe Plated Prisoner series by Raven KennedyThe Sacred Stones series by Kate GoldenThe Cruel Prince by Holly BlackSix of Crows by Leigh BardugoLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
On today's episode in our Debut Spotlight series, Hannah was joined by writer Chloe de Lullington to discuss her debut novel Cacoethes. They discuss the 11 year writing process of this book, celebrity deaths, being an 'old soul', Class & lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Chloe via Instagram & Bluesky. Books & other mentions in this episode: Blue Sisters by Coco MellorsCleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco MellorsI Was Monty's Double by M. E. Clifton JamesTarot Interviews Podcast - Chloe's EpisodeThe Old Man and Me by Elaine DundyLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
On today's episode Hannah was joined by author Hattie Williams to discuss her debut novel Bitter Sweet. They discuss grief, power dynamics in relationships, those friends that get you through the worst of times and the writers we seek solace in + lots more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Hattie via Instagram, Substack & https://www.hattiewilliams.com/Books & other mentions in this episode: Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ni MhaoileoinBBC Radio 2 Book Club podcast - Niamh Ni MhaoileoinThe List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfreyhttps://www.writelikeagrrrl.org/category/courseshttps://www.amiemcnee.com/Women's Prize: Where I Write: Hattie Williamshttps://www.theparisreview.org/https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/parenting/article/grief-motherhood-experience-hattie-williams-llm9jn8cnRachel's Holiday by Marian KeyesGrown Ups by Marian KeyesMax PorterConversations with Friends by Sally RooneyJudy BlumePhilip LarkinTed HughesSeamus HeaneyEmma Hindshttps://interalia.ntlive.com/The Leftovers (HBO)The Split (BBC)Such Brave GirlsLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
On today's episode Hannah was joined by the inimitable Lily King to talk about her latest novel Heart the Lover. Aswell as a spoiler free book chat, they discuss love as a form of hope, navigating a creative career whilst working in hospitality, grief & Lily gives you her ultimate list of writers to read! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Lily via Instagram, Facebook & https://lilykingbooks.com/To book tickets for Lily's upcoming events: https://lilykingbooks.com/eventsBooks & other mentions in this episode: Our Evenings by Alan HollinghurstWriters & Lovers by Lily KingEuphoria by Lily KingVirginia WoolfToni MorrisonThe Evening Of The Holiday by Shirley HazzardTessa HadleyDoris LessingJane AustenMarilynne RobinsonLoved and Missed by Susie BoytElizabeth StroutJenny ErpenbeckSigrid NunezIt's Not the End of the World by Judy BlumeAre You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy BlumeJ.D SalingerAre You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023)https://www.booksbeachandbeyond.com/2182618/episodes/17677255-lily-kingMy Friends by Hisham MatarLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
On today's episode Hannah was joined by author Malika Nekhla to discuss her debut novel Hold on to Your Heart. They discuss her journey to self-publishing, bittersweet love stories & her love for Andrew Garfield & Emma Stone. A list of links to buy your copy is available here.If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Malika & her work via https://www.malikanekhla.com/, Instagram & Substack.Books & other mentions in this episode:Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlaneThe Split (BBC)https://www.hodgesfiggis.ie/https://www.dezondvloed.be/Waterstones PiccadillyFoyleshttps://www.bookbaruk.com/Talking at Night by Claire DaverleyOne Day by David NichollsNormal People by Sally RooneyLa La Land (2016)Fleabag (BBC)Rivals Bugonia (2025)Kinds of Kindness (2024)Poor Things (2023)The Favourite (2018)Heart the Lover by Lily KingWriters & Lovers by Lily KingLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
On today's episode Hannah was joined by Susan Choi, author of Booker Prize shortlisted novel Flashlight. Aswell as discussing her book (spoiler free), they chat about language, writing process, inspiration, the books she's been enjoying recently & lots more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Susan & her work via her website or Instagram.Books & other mentions in this episode:My Education by Susan ChoiEndling by Maria RevaWhen The Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/09/07/flashlightTrust Exercise by Susan ChoiDaughters Of The Bamboo Grove by Barbara DemickLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
For today's episode Hannah was joined by author of Booktok sensation The Pumpkin Spice Café, Laurie Gilmore to discuss the latest in her Dream Harbor series The Gingerbread Bakery. They discuss why this book might resonate with so many readers, what it's like living a double author life, all things romance & lots more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Laurie via Instagram, Tik Tok and her website. Books & other mentions in this episode:Dream Girl Drama by Tessa BaileyIt Happened One Summer by Tessa BaileyMelissa McTernanhttps://www.idlehandscoffee.com/10 Things I Hate About You (1999)Carley FortuneThe Daisy Chain Flower Shop (Pre-order)Chestnut Springs series by Elsie SilverLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
Welcome to our 150th episode! Today Hannah was joined by the wonderful Jo Morey to discuss her debut novel The Night Lagoon (UK)/ Lime Juice Money (US).In this chat they discuss the publishing BTS including the conversations around different titles for different territories, all of the amazing books Jo has been reading recently, writing a character that is living with tinnitus/hearing loss, the amazing trips she gets to do for research and loads more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Jo via Instagram, X/Twitter & https://jomorey.com/Books & other mentions in this episode:Wellness by Nathan HillSharp Glass by Sarah HilaryPenance by Eliza ClarkBoy Parts by Eliza ClarkShe's Always Hungry by Eliza ClarkThe Death Bed by Chris BridgesSick to Death by Chris BridgesLiane MoriartyWhere The Crawdads Sing by Delia OwensSerialously with Annie Elise Podcast - Scientology EpisodeThe Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox (Disney +)Tell Me Lies (Disney +)Straight Up PodcastLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
On today's episode Hannah was joined by bestselling author Elodie Harper to discuss her latest novel Boudicca's Daughter. Aswell as a spoiler-free chat about the book they discuss the Iceni rebellion, the characters' connection to the Gods, the research & writing process for the book and lots more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Elodie via Instagram, Substack or via her website.Books & other mentions in this episode:The Wolf Den by Elodie HarperThe House With The Golden Door by Elodie HarperThe Temple of Fortuna by Elodie HarperWeyward by Emilia HartA Novel Evening podcastA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J.MaasClaire DouglasThe Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienHekate by Nikita GillLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
For today's episode Hannah was joined by journalist & debut author Emma Cowing to discuss her dazzling novel The Show Woman. (You don't need to have read the book to enjoy the ep but do grab yourselves a copy!) On this ep they discuss the family history that inspired this book, what life would have been like for women & Queer communities during the Edwardian Era, the beauty of Scotland & loads more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon.If you love our podcast please also consider voting for us https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting!You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Emma via Instagram & https://emmacowing.com/Books & other mentions in this episode:The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-RobinsonPre-order Emma's second novel The Pleasure Palace (out 2026)https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/Brave New World by Aldous Huxley1984 by George OrwellTipping The Velvet by Sarah WatersThe Mourning Necklace by Kate FosterLiza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story (BBC Iplayer)Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
On today's episode Hannah was joined by author Thomas McMullan to discuss his latest novel Groundwater (spoiler free!)They discuss the infamous second novel, how acting classes helped him better understand human behaviour, the authors & books that have influenced him and lots more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon.If you love our podcast please also consider voting for us https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting!You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Thomas via Instagram.Books & other mentions in this episode:Thomas debut novel: The Last Good ManVaim by Jon FosseTo The Lighthouse by Virginia WoolfThe Lodgers by Holly PesterMiddlemarch by George Elliothttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/acting-and-theatre/actingKrapps Last Tape by Samuel BeckettOur Ep with Saba SamsFestival Recc- https://deptfordx.org/Art Recc- https://www.richarddeanhughes.com/Art Gallery recc- https://xxijrahii.net/Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
For today's episode Hannah was joined by author of the book of the summer The Compound, Aisling Rawle. They discuss the appeal of shows like Love Island, what Aisling's own relationship with reality TV is like, her writing influences & lots more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon.If you love our podcast please also consider voting for us https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting!You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. Books & other mentions in this episode:Moderation by Elaine CastilloWe Had To Remove This Post by Hanna BervoetsSky Daddy by Kate FolkHard Copy by Fien VeldmanLove IslandTotal WipeoutBig BrotherAnimal Farm by George OrwellIsola by Allegra GoodmanLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
For today's episode Hannah was joined by author Elaine Hastings to discuss her debut novel When We Were Young. (You don't have to have read the book to listen!) Aswell as discussing her writing process, they discuss mothers & daughters, how music connects us to memories, researching the life of a music star and much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon.If you love our podcast please also consider voting for us https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting!You can follow Elaine via Instagram & here.You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. Books & other mentions in this episode:Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas EvansThe Horse Whisperer by Nicholas EvansDavid Bowie: Cracked Actor (1975)Over The Rainbow: Tales from an Unexpected Year by Alex JamesIt Takes Blood and Guts: Biography by SKIN & Lucy O'BrienThe Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl https://www.musicvenuetrust.com/Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
On today's episode Hannah is joined by author Heather Darwent to discuss her latest novel A Sharp Scratch (spoiler free!), they discuss how books like Gone Girl and My Year of Rest and Relaxation were influences on her work, how she writes atmospheric settings & why she was drawn to writing a 'bad wedding' scene. All of this & more on today's ep so if you enjoy please do rate, review & subscribe! For more content from us you can find us over on Patreon. If you love our podcast please also consider voting for us https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting!You can follow Heather via her website or Instagram. You can follow us via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokBooks & other mentions in this episode: The Things We Do To Our Friends by Heather DarwentThe Compound by Aisling RawleTender Is The Flesh by Agustina BazterricaThe Unworthy by Agustina BazterricaFinding Grace by Loretta RothschildGone Girl by Gillian FlynnThe Guest List by Lucy FoleyMy Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa MoshfeghTana FrenchThe White Lotus (HBO)The Ring (2002)Cam (2018)Blink Twice (2024)Nicci FrenchThe Ministry of Time by Kaliane BradleyThe Winner by Teddy WayneLoner by Teddy WayneOur Wives Under The Sea by Julia ArmfieldWe Love You, Bunny by Mona AwadBunny by Mona AwadLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!
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