From the Lighthouse

We love true crime. We consume lots of true crime. This week, Jimmy and Steph discuss some recent true crime books, podcasts, and documentaries, and ponder exactly what was happening in the 1970s. #FreeAdnan.

Lee Kofman's Imperfect explores the way our bodies shape the people we are. This week, Stephanie talks to Lee about imperfect bodies, gender, the cultural history of scars, and why we never talk about our bodies.

Visit Lee's website at https://leekofman.com.au/

Mary Queen of Scots seems to be having a moment, with new films and plays about the Scottish queen's relationship with her cousin, Elizabeth I, recently released. This week, Michelle and Jimmy chat to Steph about one of her favourite subjects: the enduring appeal of Tudor queens. 

Jenna Guillaume's debut novel, What I Like About Me, is a YA romantic comedy set at that most Australian of settings: the daggy caravan park. This week, Stephanie is joined by Jenna to discuss romance, body positivity, beauty pageants, Twitter, Dirty Dancing, and why all dresses should have pockets.

Jenna's Twitter account is @JennaGuillaume and her novel What I Like About Me is available at all good bookshops now. 

The Quarry Journal, the online journal of Macquarie University's English Department, is currently seeking submissions for Issue 13: Borderlines. This week, Stephanie and Michelle discuss the issue with the student editor, Laura Neill.

For more information on The Quarry, or to submit please visit the journal website: http://thequarryjournal.com/submit-2/

This week, Stephanie, Michelle and Jimmy finally gather to talk about their favourite books (and film!) of 2018. Jimmy talks crime movies, Michelle talks about her love of deep, depressing books, and Stephanie cheats wildly.

Enid Blyton was a part of many childhoods, as the author of such classics as The Enchanted Forest, the Famous Five and the Naughtiest Girl in the School series. However, in recent years she's come under increasing scrutiny for the racism and sexism apparent in many of her stories. This week, Stephanie and Lee discuss school stories, food, women, and all things Blyton. 

Hang on, A.A. Milne wrote a crime novel? Is Winnie the Pooh the murderer or the detective? This week, Stephanie and Lee discuss a crime novel that does not feature Winnie the Pooh, but does feature all the best features of a cozy crime novel, complete with some digs at Australia.

Lois Austen-Leigh was a descendant of Jane Austen but did you know she was also a crime novelist? This week, Stephanie is joined by Lee to discuss The Incredible Crime, Northanger Abbey, and the grossness of hunting.

Bah humbug! This week, Jimmy and Stephanie revisit Charles Dickens's classic A Christmas Carol, on the 175th anniversary of its publication. Join them as they discuss Scrooge, ghosts, Mickey Mouse, and Stephanie’s favourite Christmas song.