The Book Place

Today we hang up the microphone after a wonderful year of podcasting. We started this project in the middle of the COVID lockdown thinking maybe we'd get to 10 episodes. 34 episodes and over a year later, we were really flying by the seat of our pants most of the time, but what a ride! We have absolutely loved chatting books, reading and what's bringing us joy. But what we've loved most is hearing from and connecting with readers all over Australia, and a couple overseas (crazy!). So thankyou, thankyou, thankyou! We are still on Instagram @thebookplace.pod and you never know, we may pop back in your ears sometime in the future. But for now, happy listening :) Mercy's Current Reads  - The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth  - The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff  - Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand Salem's Current Reads  - Know My Name by Chanel Miller  - The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

We loved our first Unpopular Bookish Opinions back in episode 14 so much that we decided to make another one! And we're back with some spicy takes that you won't want to miss! We also have a very important announcement to share with you so make sure you tune in! Happy listening! Salem's Current Reads  - The Midnight Library by Matt Haig  - I Survived: A True Story by Victoria Cilliers Mercy's Current reads  - Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell  - Before the Fall by Noah Hawley What's Bringing Us Joy  - Iced Coffee  - Burt's Bees Vanilla Lip Balm  - Doterra Lavender Essential oil  - #206 'The Lazy Genius Guide to Giving Great Gifts' podcast episode

Hi there and welcome to episode 32 of The Book Place. This week we are talking about what books we keep, what ones we donate and what we might put in the bin. Bookshelf real estate is precious so what makes the cut? Is it cover vs content? Or something a little deeper? Listen to this week's episode to find out. Happy Listening! Salem's Current Reads  - A Year in the Life of the Yorkshire Shepherdess by Amanda Owen  - The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy Mercy's Current Reads  - The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes  - Wild by Kristin Hannah What's Bringing Us Joy  - The Undoing  - Flower 'Light Illusion Liquid Foundation'  - @ATFrenchies on Instagram  - Chocolate Covered Black Cats from Allen's

You've heard us touch on this topic before but in this episode we're doing a deep dive on the classic debate of fiction vs non-fiction: which we read more, what time of year we read one over the other and even what time of day you'll find us with our noses in each genre. Plus as usual we talk about our current reads and what's bringing us joy. Thanks so much for listening and happy reading! Mercy's Current Reads  - The Heart of the Crown by Hannah Currie  - Dream Big by Bob Goff Salem's Current Reads  - Home Economics by Kate Singh  - Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie What's Bringing Us Joy  - Howard Smith Wharves  - New Bookshelf from FB Marketplace  - Weekend away at Hervey Bay  - Firefly Lane on Netflix  - Wavertree & London 'Prosecco' Candle  - Kmart book shopping

There are literally millions of #bookstagram accounts out there, so how do you know which ones to follow and which to just look at? Well today's episode we go through some of our faves from those just talking about kids books, to friends bookstagrams; from light and simple to styled and prop-heavy, we talk about it all! This is a fun episode with lots of laughs and so much good bookish content. Happy listening! Salem's Current Reads  - Lovely War by Julie Berry  - Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh  - Your Creative Work Space by Desha Peacock Mercy's Current Reads  - That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs  - Fifty-Fifty by Steve Cavanagh Bookstgram accounts @childrensbooksdaily @littlebirdiebooks @kids.books.we.love @randomhouse @penguinbooksaus @dymocksbooks @whatshouldireadnext @thenester @hannah_currie_author @kayemreads @booksinsix @pieladybooks @theroamingreader @officialagathachristie @elleryadams @ladies.getting.lit @katieladyreads @everydayreading @tellmeastoryxx @meredith.reads @52weekswithbooks What's Bringing Us Joy  - Obela Hummus  - Steph Pase Signature Planner  - Instagram @arrows and bow  - Quiz website: www.sporcle.com 

After trying to record over Zoom for the last 2 episodes, today we're back in person because face-to-face is so much better! This episode we're talking about some of our favourite cookbooks and why Mercy owns over 20 of them! And like always we talk about some great current reads and of course, what's bringing us joy. Happy listening and happy reading! Salem’s Current Reads   - The Ickabog by JK Rowling  - Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz Mercy’s Current Reads   - When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole   - The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis  Cookbooks   - Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines   - Celebrations by Danielle Walker   - Eat What You Love by Danielle Walker   - Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat   - The Happy Cookbook by Lola Berry  - From Freezer to Table by Rachel Tiemeyer and Polly Conner  - Half Baked Harvest: Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard  - Simple Cake by Odette Williams  - Hanna Family Cookbook  What's Bringing Us Joy Anna Sui - Romantica Exotica  Perfume Go-To Clay Mask - The Removalist  Broadchurch Seasons 1 & 2 Slow Cooker Pulled Beef Family Wedding

On today's episode we did a bit of research to find out which of our favourite authors (and some totally new and random authors) are bringing out new books this year and which ones we'll be waiting for with bated breath! From Kate Quinn to Brigid Kemmerer, we skim the surface of what are sure to be some of this year's favourites! Happy listening! Mercy's Current Reads  - Notes From a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenreider  - The Betrothed by Keira Cass Salem's Current Reads  - Sam Bloom: Heartache & Birdsong by Bradley Trevor Greive, Cameron Bloom, Samantha Bloom  - We Are Wolves by Katrina Nannestad 2021 New Releases  - The Rose Code by Kate Quinn  - Win the Day by Mark Batterson  - The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah  - A Vow so Bold and Deadly by Brigid Kemmerer  - Lazy Genius Way book by Kendra Adachi  - Danielle Walker memoir  - Sunflower Sisters by Martha Hall Kelly  - The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth  - The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner  - Girl A by Abigail Dean What's Bringing Us Joy  - Maple Mustard Salmon Glaze  - Sandisk MP3 players & Headphones  - Ultra Violette 'Supreme Screen' sunscreen  - Among Us

Well, 2020 is over (finally) and after a summer break Salem and Mercy are back with our first episode of the year talking all about our summer reads, some reading goals for the year and of course, what's bringing us joy right now! Happy listening! Salem's Current Reads:  - The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman  - Agatha Christie: Inspiring Lives by Cathy Cook Mercy's Current Reads:  - The Defence by Steve Cavanagh   - The Survivors by Jane Harper What's Bringing Us Joy: 'The Dry' in cinemas right now Park workouts with friends Gingerbread House making, thanks Costco Let me Try Before You Buy - Instagram 'Minty' Slides - Famous Footwear 'Bridgerton' - Netflix

Salem shares a 5 star read for her from December. Rich language and great character development. Sale may have even shed a happy tear or two at the end a rarity for her! A fantastic read. Highly recommend.

It's the Final Countdown! For our last big episode of the year we're talking about our favourite fiction and non-fiction of the year (which was a real struggle)! Plus we get real nerdy and talk about our reading stats from Goodreads. Make sure you subscribe to Apple Podcasts for some sneaky bonus episodes over the summer and we'll be back in January! And please excuse some interruptions to this episode, Salem's son Judah was keen to get involved with the recording. Follow us on Instagram @thebookplace.pod Mercy's Top Fiction (in no particular order) Lovely War - Julie Berry American Royals - Katharine McGee The Silent Patient - Alex Michaelides Daisy Jones & the Six - Taylor Jenkins Reid Thirteen - Steve Kavanaugh Salem's Top Fiction (in no particular order) The Way That Saved My Life - Kimberley Brubaker Bradley A Curse So Dark and Lonely - Brigid Kimmerer The Beekeeper of Aleppo - Christy Lefteri The Defense - Steve Kavanaugh The Survivors - Jane Harper Fiction Honourable Mentions The Wife, the Maid & the Mistress - Ariel Lawhon Cilka's Journey - Heather Morris Mercy's Top Non-Fiction Fall & Rise: The Story of 9/11 - Mitchell Zuckoff Skincare - Caroline Hirons Columbine - David Cullen Unnatural Causes - Richard Shepherd The Lazy Genius Way - Kendra Adachi Salem's Top Non-Fiction Fall & Rise: The Story of 9/11 - Mitchell Zuckoff Skincare - Caroline Hirons Welcome Home - Myquillyn Smith The Crossroad - Mark Donaldson The Happiest Man on Earth - Eddie Jaku What's Bringing Us Joy Target Ayra Candle - Coconut and Elderflower Christmas Tree decoration & watching Christmas Movies Foxy Coffee T2 Giant Mug The Spanish Princess on Stan

This episode we're chatting about being in a reading slump and what are the comfort reads we reach for when we have some book burnout. And Mercy gushes about a book that she wants to give to everyone she knows. As usual we share our current reads and have lots of things that are bringing us joy this week! Also announing the dates for our summer breaks. Happy Listening! Mercy's Current Reads The Gown - Jennifer Robson The Lazy Genius Way - Kendra Adachi Kitchens of the Great Midwest - J. Ryan Stradal (DNF) Salem's Current Reads The Home Edit Life - Clea Shearer & Joanna Teplin American Royals - Katherine McGee Louise Penny (DNF) What's Bringing Us Joy The Birth of a King - Tommee Profitt First-time Irish Dancing Competitions Victoria Park Golf Club - Christmas Themed Putt Putt Aldi Chocolate Licorice Logs Bam Bam Bakehouse 

So in our show’s new format (which it turns out feels very similar to the old format) this week we are talking about our current reads, a doorstop of a book, and a brief sidebar into the publicity surrounding JK Rowling’s tweeting and her latest book. And of course we talk about lots of our favourite things... plus the giveaway winner is announced!! Happy listening! Mercy’s Current Reads The Home Edit Life by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin Troubles Blood by Robert Galbraith Salem’s Current Reads Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier ‘Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay

This week we chat about some little changes we're making to The Bookplace Podcast! Most importantly, this will now be a fortnightly podcast, dropping new episodes each Thursday. You'll still be hearing all about our current reads as well as some bookish discussion and we'll be expanding our What's Bringing Us Joy section, bringing more of our favourite things! Let us know what you think! Salem's Current Reads  - The Hidden Power of F***ing Up by The Try Guys  - The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi Mercy's Current Reads  - The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn  - Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin What's Bringing Us Joy  - Finishing reading goals for the year!  - New puppy, Lucy Buchanan  - Derry Girls on Netflix  - New Sheets from Amazon

Have you ever forced yourself to finish a book or gotten reader’s guilt over putting a book down and moving on to something else? This week, Salem and Mercy discuss the multiple reasons for not finishing books, how long they try before giving up and what is worth the push! Because life’s too short to read bad books! Happy listening!

Sadly, no new episode today folks. Thanks for sticking with us as we sort out a few scheduling issues. We’ll be back next week with a brand new episode in your earphones!

Reunited and it feels so good! Mercy’s back from holidays and we have so much holiday reading chats to catch up on! Lots of 5 star reads on this week’s episode so check it out! We also discuss Salem’s recent bookshelf change and all the many ways we arrange and display our own shelves. This one’s jam packed and lots of fun! Mercy’s Current Reads - The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides - American Royals by Katharine McGee - Majesty by Katharine McGee Salem’s Current Reads - Welcome Home: A Cozy Minimalist Guide to Decorating and Hosting All Year Round by Myquillyn Smith - The Plea by Steve Cavanagh What’s Bringing Us Joy ‘Get Organised With the Home Edit’ on Netflix and Instagram. The beautiful warm spring weather Thanks for listening!

This week we have a special co-host while Mercy is away and who better to replace a sister, than another sister! So Salem is joined this week by our older sister, Jordan Bariesheff! Jords is a recent convert to fiction and we talk about which book was the gamechanger for her transition from non-fiction to fiction lover! Jordan Bariesheff - Honey & Gold Jordan's Fave Books  The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens See You In September - Charity Norman Current Reads Code Name Helene - Ariel Lawhon Giver of Stars - Jojo Moyes Rules for Perfect Murders - Peter Swanson / Eight Perfect Murders (US version) The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids - Jessica Joelle Alexander & Iben Dissing Sandahl

The weather's warming up, the ocean's calling and Mercy's going on holiday so we're talking all about beach reading!! We both want slightly different things in our holiday reading and we talk about all of it and give some recommendations for some of our favourite beach reading authors! Salem's Current Reads The Flatshare - Beth O'Leary How Do You Find The Time - Pat King Mercy's Current Reads The Vanishing Half - Brit Bennett Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup - John Carreyrou Beach Reads The Alice Network - Kate Quinn Kate Morton Lianne Moriarty Jane Harper Mary Kay Andrews Elin Hildebrand Jenny Colgan Taylor Jenkins Reid What's Bringing Us Joy The Strike Series - Google Play Instagram Account @thenester

Even though we can't travel overseas right now, who says we can't read about it? We talk about what makes the difference between a great travel memoir and just an average one and then we recommend some that we love. Warning: get your passport ready because these books will make you want to jump on a plane as soon as borders open! Happy listening! Mercy's Current Reads Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh Any Ordinary Day by Leigh Sales Salem's Current Reads The Defence by Steve Cavanagh The Happiest Man On Earth by Eddie Jaku The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel A. van der Kolk Travel Memoirs Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World by Anthony Doerr Confessions of a Qantas Flight Attendant: True Tales and Gossip from the Galley by Owen Beddall Wild Life: Travel Adventures of a Worldly Woman by Lisa Alpine Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman by Alice Steinbach The Year of Living Danishly: My Twelve Months of Unearthing the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country by Helen Russell Down Under by Bill Bryson At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe by Tsh Oxenreider

Straying from our usual formula this week with our first author interview with Hannah Currie! We talk about what moved Hannah from dreaming of writing to being a published author, how her characters take on a life of their own, and some behind the scenes on her Daughters of Peverell series. We had such a great time talking to Hannah and we could've talked for another hour at least! (Also enjoy the funny noise contributions by Hannah's son...you know we always keep it real!) Enjoy listening to this special episode and happy reading! FInd out more about Hannah and her work at www.hannahcurrie.com Heart of a Royal (Daughters of Peverell #1) Heart of a Princess (Daughters of Peverell #2) Some of Hannah's fave books A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter Shadows Over England series by Rosanna White The Codebreakers series by Rosanna White P.S. I Like You by Kasie West What's Bringing Us Joy Growing a Herb garden Deleting Netflix and Amazon Prime apps