A five-strong line-up of guests began with avid reader Courtney Johnston who discussed her passion for reading and the books she loves most; writers Carl Shuker and Duncan Sarkies joined to chat about their latest novels and how they came to be; to round off the group Unity Books manager Susanna Andrew and Unity's Aotearoa book buyer Melissa Oliver (Ngāti Porou) joined the stage to give insights on the health of our publishing sector, current trends, and some sparky views on the "Shockams".

Books by the authors in the episode:

Duncan Sarkies' latest novel: Star Gazers

Carl Shuker's latest novel: The Royal Free

Book recommendations from our guests:

Courtney Johnston:

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

A Touch of Mistletoe by Barbara Comyns

Irma Voth by Miriam Toews

Carl Shuker:

Vanishing Point by David Markson

Duncan Sarkies:

Black Cat, White Dog by Kelly Link

The Dark Dark by Samantha Hunt

Doppelganger: A trip into the mirror world by Naomi Klein

Susanna Andrew: 

Makeshift Seasons by Kate Camp

Melissa Oliver:

This Ragged Grace by Octavia Bright

Ash by Louise Wallace

The Chthonic Cycle by Una Cruickshank

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