A Pair of Bookends

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!

For exclusive monthly episodes with Emma & I, find us over on Patreon. For our bonus summer reading guide, I dragged Emma over to the main platform again to share everything we'd recommend to you for the rest of your summer holidays- from beach reads to big books to short books that pack a punch to all the sexy books, we've got you covered!Books & other mentions in this episode:Disappoint Me by Nicola DinanThe Hypocrite by Jo HamyaThe Odyssey by Lara WilliamsThe Pisces by Melissa BroderCaledonian Road by Andrew O'HaganOpen Water by Caleb Azumah NelsonMorgan Is My Name by Sophie KeetchLe Fay by Sophie KeetchGirls by Kirsty CapesSlags by Emma Jane UnsworthAll Fours by Miranda JulyThe Underground Railroad by Colson WhiteheadCirce by Madeline MillerBeach Read by Emily HenryPiranesi by Susanna ClarkeBoy Parts by Eliza ClarkThe Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley HellerCall Me By Your Name by André AcimanTipping The Velvet by Sarah WatersDavid NichollsNick HornbyMhairi McFarlaneMarian KeyesTalking at Night by Claire DaverleyThe Safekeep by Yael van der WoudenThe Artist by Lucy SteedsMagpie by Elizabeth DayYou can buy Emma's latest book here.You can follow Emma via InstagramYou can follow us via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokLet 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 friend of the pod and author Emma Hinds joins Hannah to chat about her second novel & our July Book Club pick The Quick and The Dead. Contrary to Emma wanting to have a spoiler filled conversation, this actually contains no spoilers! Emma gives us insights into her writing & research process, they discuss what drew Emma to exploring the world of alchemy, what the cultural family tree was for this book & lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscibe and for extra content from Hannah & Emma you can find them over on Patreon.You can find Emma via Instagram, Patreon & her websiteYou can find us via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokBooks & other mentions in this episode: The Quick and The Dead by Emma HindsThe Knowing by Emma HindsPre-order Witchlore by Emma Hinds (UK)Pre-order Witchlore by Emma Hinds (US)Kink: Stories edited by Garth Greenwell & R.O KwonWhat Belongs To You by Garth GreenwellExhibit by R.O KwonDr Faustus by Christopher Marlowehttps://mapoflondon.uvic.ca/map.htmhttps://folgerpedia.folger.edu/The_Elizabethan_Court_Day_by_Dayhttps://library.chethams.com/https://www.independentlibraries.co.uk/gladstones-libraryPhilip PullmanChaucerThe Tempest by ShakespeareWolf Hall by Hilary MantelDissolution by C.J SansomDark Fire by C.J SansomMercurius by Patrick HarpurStage Beauty (2004)Thomas Tallis (composer)Biffy ClyroLet 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 multi-talented Indyana Schneider to discuss her latest novel Since The World is Ending which you can buy here. They also chat about what the differences are between Indyana's writing experience of this book and her debut 28 Questions, we also chat about the great books she's read recently, how she navigates moving between her work as an opera singer and her work as a writer & loads more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe to help more people find us. For extra content you can find us over on Patreon & SubstackYou can follow Indyana via Instagram & https://www.indyanaschneider.com/You can follow us via Instagram & Tik TokBooks & other mentions in this episode:28 Questions by Indyana SchneiderFundamentally by Nussaibah YounisConsider Yourself Kissed by Jessica StanleyThe Last Five Years (musical)Ben Lerner, "Since the world is ending..."Mother Tongue by Naima BrownAll fours by Miranda JulyLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

Kicking off season 6 in our Debut Spotlight series is the wonderful Emily Buchanan to chat about her debut novel Send Flowers (spoiler free as always!). We discuss Emily's experience working for Greenpeace, how Emily was involved in the UK fracking ban, the cynicism surrounding creating change, what comfort shows she's enjoying & lots more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe to help more people find us. For extra content you can find us over on Patreon & Substack. You can buy Emily's book here (UK) & here (US)You can follow Emily via Instagram & Tik TokYou can follow us via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokBooks & other mentions in this episode:The Great Orchid Heist by Eleanor VendrellThe Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah ArendtWriting The Other by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia WardGilmore GirlsBuffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

Rounding off Season 5 in our Debut Spotlight series with the wonderful Loretta Rothschild to discuss her debut novel Finding Grace which is one of Hannah's fave reads of the year!We discuss the importance of reading widely, what makes a great opening, support systems & lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps to boost us in the charts! You can follow Loretta via https://www.lorettarothschild.com/ & InstagramYou can follow us via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokYou can buy Finding Grace here (US) & here (UK)Books & other mentions in this episode:Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghyThe Sirens by Emilia HartHow to End a Story: Collected Diaries by Helen GarnerPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenCharlotte BrontëGrief Is the Thing with Feathers by Max PorterThe Intouchables (2011)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 Juhea Kim, author of Beasts of a Little Land to discuss her latest novel City of Night Birds. They discuss how Juhea has navigated the success of her books, what it was like to win the Yasnaya Polyana Literary Award, her passion for ballet, the importance of combining her work as an author with humanitarian work and so much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps more of you to find us! For extra content you can find us over on Patreon and Substack. You can buy Juhea's new book from here (UK) and here (US)You can find Juhea via https://juheakim.com/ & InstagramYou can follow us via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokBooks, authors & other mentions in this episode:  Oxford Soju Club by Jinwoo Park The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh NguyenSinners (2025)Out of Africa (1985)The Karamazov Brothers by Fyodor Dostoevsky Anna Karenina by Leo TolstoyNikolay GogolAlexander PushkinGuy de MaupassantFranz KafkaTOJI: Park Kyung-Ri Epic Novel 21Volume SetPark Wan-SuhLet 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 chats to debut author Jennifer Trevelyan about her novel A Beautiful Family. They discuss how Jennifer finally carved out writing time for herself & the guilt that came with that, the extensive list of writers that have influenced her and what the pros and cons were of having a child as narrator in this book. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps more of you to find us! For extra content you can find us over on Patreon and Substack. You can buy Jennifer's book here (UK),here (Australia) & here (U.S)You can find Jennifer via instagram or Twitter/XYou can find us over on Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokBooks, authors & other mentions in this ep:Bel Canto by Ann PatchettPicnic at Hanging Rock by Joan LindsayBeautiful World, Where Are You by Sally RooneyYou Are Here by David NichollsWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëRebecca by Daphne Du MaurierStephen KingAnne TylerElizabeth StroutCarol ShieldsJoyce Carol OatesDonna TarttShirley Jackson Short StoriesClaire KeeganLet 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 debut novelist Silvia Park to discuss their sci-fi novel Luminous. They discussed how they went from working on a different novel for seven years to working on a children's book which became this novel for adults. They also chat about adaptations, fascinating research on robots, whether they could invite a robot into their own home and lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us via Patreon or Substack. You can find Silvia via InstagramYou can buy Luminous in the UK here or the US hereYou can find us via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokBooks & other mentions in this episode:Trust Exercise by Susan ChoiFlashlight by Susan ChoiMy Education by Susan ChoiNever Let Me Go: Twentieth Anniversary Edition by Kazuo IshiguroNever Let Me Go (2010)Professor Minoru AsadaAstro BoyFoundation (2021)MurderbotSeverance (2022)Burning (2018)The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami (includes mentioned story Barn Burning)Snowy Day and Other Stories by Lee Chang-DongPoetry (2010)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 our June Book Club episode we are discussing Somewhere Else with author of the novel Jenni Daiches who was longlisted for this year's Women's Prize for Fiction. We discuss how we can and should be learning from history, how she writes tragedy effectively, why Edinburgh is such a special place for her and her love for Elizabeth Strout. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe as it's a wonderful way to support the pod and means so much! You can buy Somewhere Else here.You can follow us via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokFor more content you can find us on Patreon & Substack. Books & other mentions in this episode: https://womensprize.com/prizes/womens-prize-for-fiction/Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth StroutMy Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth StroutJoyce Carol OatesDemon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverLet 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 writer Hazel Barkworth to discuss her latest novel The Drownings. (spoiler free) Aswell as writing and book chat, they discuss competitive swimming, body image, influencers & loads more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe- it's a free way to support the pod & means the world! For exclusive content you can find us via Patreon & Substack. You can follow Hazel via Instagram & you can buy her previous book Heatstroke here.You can follow us via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokBooks & other mentions in this episode:Kingfisher by Rozie Kellyhttps://serenitybooksellers.com/ / instagram.com/serenitybooksellers/The Secret History by Donna TarttUncomfortable Oxford ToursThe End of Everything by Megan AbbottHigh Season by Katie BishopLet 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 debut author Daria Lavelle to discuss her novel Aftertaste.Aswell as discussing the book (spoiler free), Daria tells us her most romantic food memory, why we should all be going on food tours, her love of speculative fiction and lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe and for further content you can find us via Patreon and Substack.You can follow Daria via Instagram, her website & TwitterYou can buy Aftertaste in the UK here & in the US here.You can follow us via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokBooks & other mentions in this episode: Deep Cuts by Holly BrickleyThe Antidote by Karen RussellVampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen RussellLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!