Naomi may be the daughter of Nobel Prize winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro, but for her own writing, she is carving a very different and distinctly unique path - particularly in her new book The Rainshadow Orphans. It's one that balances high stakes adventure with writing that feels like a warm coat, that makes our inner children smile, and that tastes like bubble tea.

In this chat, Naomi talks about what it was like growing up in a very literary household, her time in a 'book spa' working to find people their perfect book, the power of found families, her love of the fantasy community, and the reasons she chooses to follow joy 

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Luke is putting his spice tolerance to the test by ranking nine of the most romantic books he's read by how hot the action really gets. From the safe and tender pages of mainstream rom-coms to the completely unhinged world of monster smut, Luke lets you know which books keep their socks on and which ones bring serious ghost pepper heat. Turn up the AC - and maybe close the door - because things are about to get spicy on In The Good Books.

Thanks to our sponsor Wild Secrets. Visit wildsecrets.com.au and use the code GOODBOOKS for a 20% discount. Wild Secrets, Pleasure Delivered.

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If you wanted proof of the life-changing power of writing, you need look no further than Matt Haig.
It hasn't just helped his countless readers, but first and foremost, it helped him too. 
In this chat, you'll hear how about his turbulent early life, the similarities his story share with Luke's and how his first book was born of a total breakdown.
Matt talks about why simple stories and writing can often be the most powerful, the crucial choices behind his best seller 'The Midnight Library' and how its new companion, 'The Midnight Train' is almost in an argument with it.

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We've got mail - and opinions. Luke pens his reply to Virginia Evans modern epistolary masterpiece and smash lit-hit of 2026 'The Correspondent', including why a book composed entirely of correspondence can be more compelling than prose, what it teaches us about making meaning of our lives, the beauty of connecting to others (and ourselves) and why we should all start writing letters again! And if you like The Correspondent, Luke share's an expertly curated list of similar titles thanks to our friends at Hachette.

Thanks to Hachette - for the list of their expert readalikes for The Correspondent, go to https://www.hachette.com.au/news/in-the-good-books 

and for more, visit www.hachette.com.au

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It's hilarious, it's heart-wrenching, it's hectic. It's one of the most addictive series in modern fiction. And it's one awesome audiobook experience.

It's Dungeon Crawler Carl - and in this episode, Luke chats to the masterminds behind it: author Matt Dinniman and audiobook producer, narrator and voice actor Jeff Hays.

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Here's why books ARE good!

Luke pages through multiple studies showing the (often mind-blowing) ways that reading has been proven to be beneficial for us.

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It's time to hear some of the beautiful messages about books and reading that have been generously shared from the Good Books community, as Luke reacts and gives his thoughts. And it just might get emotional. 

Got something to send of your own to be featured in a future episode? Send your voice notes to [email protected]

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Luke reflects on the life-affirming messages within Matthew Haig's best-seller the Midnight Library; delving into its themes of alternate lives, regret and possibility and how he saw himself within it.
Plus, find out which book the Good Books Club will be looking at next!

Warning: this episode contains brief mentions of self harm

Join in the Book Club discussion! We'd love to hear your thoughts on this book.
Send your voice memos to [email protected]

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Luke brings his fresh friendship with comedian Nath Valvo out of the jungle and into Good Books studio! Nath reveals the books that help him in his comedy and screenwriting, his childhood reading loves (that might just trigger some nostalgia) and the queer romance novel that he thinks 'walked so things like Heated Rivalry could run.' 

They also discuss how personal growth can challenge others, how it's sometimes difficult to say you're good at what you do and Nathan's somewhat controversial take on audiobooks...

Have someone you'd LOVE for Luke to talk to next? Or anything else you want him to hear?
Send your voice memos to [email protected]

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The characters we find in novels may not exist outside of our imaginations - but the values, lessons and examples they provide are real. 

From someone that mirrored Luke's own experience, to the kind of parent he hopes he can be in the future, here are some of his favourite literary role models.

Who are the characters that have inspired, challenged or changed you? Let Luke know by sending your voice notes to [email protected].  

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TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inthegoodbooks_podcast 

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