Is “delightful” enough to make a book worth the hype?

This week on One for the Books, we’re getting cosy with The Correspondent by Virginia Evans — the bestselling novel told entirely through letters. From its prickly, wonderfully human protagonist to its exploration of grief, regret, connection and redemption, we’re unpacking why this book feels so warm and comforting even when dealing with some decidedly un-cosy things.

Plus, Jane Fonda casting thoughts, whether the magic of letter writing can translate to screen, and the big question: what actually makes a book cosy? It might not be what you think!

Happy Reading!

We didn't always enjoy reading Flesh. We also couldn't stop thinking about it.

This week we're unpacking David Szalay's Booker Prize-winning novel, Flesh, discussing one of the most frustrating protagonists we've ever encountered, the novel's sparse and emotionally distant style, whether our frustration with István was actually the point, and why a book that withholds so much can leave such a lasting impression.

As always, we wrap up with our Hype Verdict, Urgency Rating and a few recommendations for what to read next.

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"Let them."

It's a phrase that has become a cultural phenomenon, but does the theory, let alone the book, behind it live up to the hype?

Unfortunately, we have thoughts. Lots of thoughts.

We discuss whether the book's central idea is genuinely transformative or simply emotional regulation with a catchy slogan, why the examples left us wanting more, and the growing self-help industry's obsession with optimisation, empowerment and personal responsibility.

Along the way we compare Mel Robbins to Goop, accidentally pitch a Netflix documentary, discuss why men don't read enough fiction, and recommend several books we think tackle similar ideas with a little more depth.

Plus: period drama obsession The Other Bennet Sister, Korean reality show gem Battle of Fates, and a teaser for our next Booker Prize-winning read.

Happy Reading!

We might be the only two people on the internet who hated this book…

This week on One for the Books, we’re diving into The Housemaid — the viral BookTok thriller everyone’s obsessed with — and asking: is it actually worth the hype?

From predictable twists and paper-thin characters to a plot that feels like a poor man’s Gone Girl, we’re breaking down everything that didn’t work for us (and why we’re so confused by the hype).

Plus, our thoughts on the movie adaptation, dream casting choices, and better books to read instead.

⚠️ Spoilers ahead… obviously. We hated it.

This week, we're diving into Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors — does it deserve all the buzz, or is it just another overhyped bestseller? We unpack its themes, characters, and emotional weight alongside two other thought-provoking reads: I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, a haunting dystopian novel, and Bite Back by Hannah Ferguson, a fiery feminist critique of modern media.

BOOK RECS:

Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacquelin Harpman

Bite Back by Hannah Ferguson

The Natural Way of Things by Charlotte Wood

OTHER RECS:

Book Journal from Kunitsa Co.

Embroidery Course from Collective Gen

Geneva Vanderzeil on Instagram

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Some books dominate the literary conversation — but do they actually deserve it? In this episode we take on some of the biggest books of the last year with Sally Rooney's millennial angst, Rachel Kushner's cinematic storytelling, plus rising star Lottie Hazell. Do these authors and their latest books live up to their reputations, or are they just riding the wave of hype?

BOOK RECS:

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner

Piglet by Lottie Hazell

OTHER RECS:

Cat Power Sings Dylan: the 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert by Cat Power

The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Bob Dylan Concert by Bob Dylan

Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii

NPR's Doechii Tiny Desk Concert

Selling Sunset on Netflix

Happy Reading!

We're back! ...and with some brand spanking new recommendations of the best, most memorable books we devoured all last year. What reads lived up to the hype? What let us down? Plus, what surprised us the most! Listen to us agree (and disagree!) in one of our fave eps each year.

BOOK RECS

Jacinta’s -

Book I expected to like and didn’t: The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novel by Nita Prose

Book I expected to like and loved: Funny Story by Emily Henry

Book I didn’t expect to like and loved: Orbital by Samantha Harvey

Jacinta’s top 10:

Emma’s -

Book I expected to like and didn’t: Orbital by Samantha Harvey

Book I expected to like and loved: Prima Facie by Suzie Miller

Book I didn’t expect to like and loved: Things Will Calm Down Soon by Zoe Foster-Blake

Emma’s top 10:

Get cozy with a warm drink and join us for a special Christmas-themed episode of our podcast, where we unwrap the magic of holiday books! This week, we’re diving into three heartwarming and festive reads perfect for the season to give you all the feels.

BOOK RECS:

One Day in December by Josie Silver: https://www.readings.com.au/product/9780525574682/one-day-in-december--josie-silver--2018--9780525574682

Everyone this Christmas has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:

Stuff the British Stole on ABC iVew

My Old Ass on Amazon

Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!

Is it worth the hype??? We are constantly bombarded with so many bestsellers and recommendations of the hot new book, but do they really live up to expectation? In this ep, we’re unpacking some recent popular books and spilling on whether they’re actually worth your time or not.

BOOK RECS:

OTHER RECS:

Happy Reading!

We have made no secret of the fact that we love a historical fiction story! Now we're dividing into some of our favourites, so cosy up and transport yourself into past worlds with our most loved and enjoyable historical fiction recommendations.

BOOK RECS:

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

OTHER RECS:

Guts (Spilled) Deluxe Edition by Olivia Rodrigo

Digital clean-up! Unsubscribe from emails, unfollow people on socials who make you unhappy.

Happy Reading!