Best Book Forward (Helen Gambarota)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Best Book Forward
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Oct 2023 | Bonus Episode: Helen Paris' life as a reader and writer | 00:21:21 | |
In this bonus episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined again by Helen Paris; author of Lost Property and The Invisible Women's Club. If you missed the main episode where Helen discusses her Desert Island Books with me do have a listen (you'll find it in the same place you found this one!) In this episode Helen read a passage from her new book The Invisible Women’s Club and we went on to talk more about her life as a reader and a writer. The books that are mentioned in this episode are: None of This is True by Lisa Jewell The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler The authors that Helen talked about are Kate Atkinson Rachel Joyce Tana French Agatha Christie Toni Morrison I hope you enjoyed this bonus episode. Please do take the time to like, subscribe, review and most importantly tell your friends about it. I’ll be back next month talking to another author and I hope you’ll join me for that conversation. In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com | |||
| 10 Oct 2024 | Mysteries and Life Lessons: Susan Fletcher on The Night in Question | 01:10:53 | |
Listeners are invited into a heartfelt conversation with Susan Fletcher as we discuss her brilliant new novel The Night in Question." Susan discusses the inspiration behind her protagonist Florrie, an 87-year-old woman who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind a mysterious incident in her care home. We also discuss Susan's creative process, particularly how her time during the lockdown influenced her writing and character development. Of course, we also discuss the five books that have shaped Susan’s life, she is so passionate about her choices that she inspired me to pick up one that I had always been intimidated by and I loved it as much as Susan did. Susan’s book choices are: Death of a Naturalist by Seamus Heaney Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes State of Wonder by Ann Patchett Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Best Book Forward and be sure to tell your bookish friends all about it. See you next week for more bookish chats with another author. | |||
| 18 Jan 2024 | Matt Cain on writing love stories that we can all fall in love with. | 01:04:53 | |
In today’s episode my guest is the wonderful Matt Cain., I have been chatting to Matt on Instagram for such a long time so to get to speak to him about his books and the books that he loves was such a treat. We talked about all of Matt’s books but especially about his latest novel One Love which comes out on 18 January and is an absolutely brilliant read. We talked about the five books that have shaped Matt’s life and three of them are also favourites of mine. Matt’s Desert Island Book choices are: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by CS Lewis Kiss of the Spiderwoman by Manuel Puig Thomas Hardy: The Time-Torn Man by Claire Tomalin The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller Throughout our discussion, we talked about lots of other books and these are all listed below. Other books mentioned in this episode The Madonna of Bolton by Matt Cain The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain Heartstopper by Alice Oseman The Neverending Story by Michael Ende A Stitch in Time by Kathryn Coltrin The Stranding by Kate Sawyer This Family by Kate Sawyer I hope you have enjoyed this episode as much as I did, I loved chatting to Matt. I would be so grateful if you would take the time to like, subscribe and most importantly tell your friends about it. Do keep an eye out as there is a bonus episode with Matt coming soon. In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org
This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative | |||
| 16 Nov 2023 | Writing joyful stories, with Beth O'Leary | 00:54:14 | |
Today’s episode of Best Book Forward was a dream come true for me. Beth O’Leary was the first author I meet when I started off as a bookstagrammer and I have loved all of her books from her debut The Flatshare to her latest novel The Wake Up Call In this episode Beth talks about her life as a writer, writing sexy swimming pool scenes as well as how books helped her as a child to find her love of storytelling and writing. Beth’s Desert Island Book choices are: The Autumn Story by Jill Barklem The Northern Lights by Philip Pullman Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen The Faerie Queen by Edmund Spenser Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes Other books mentioned in this episode: The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary The Switch by Beth O’Leary The No Show by Beth O’Leary The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah Paradise Lost by John Milton Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman Twilight by Stephanie Meyer Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes Authors mentioned: Kristin Hannah Charles Dickens Sophie Kinsella If you like to hear more from Beth O’Leary please do keep an eye out as there is a bonus episode coming soon where we’ll hear more about Beth’s life as a writer and a reader and she also shares a bookish secret with us. For me content please do follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com | |||
| 30 Nov 2023 | Bonus episode: Beth O'Leary shares her writing journey | 00:26:22 | |
In this bonus episode, Beth O'Leary joins Helen to discuss her meteoric rise to fame after publishing her debut novel The Flatshare. Beth talks candidly about her journey to publication, the pressures of writing a second novel after a hugely successful debut, her writing process and daily rituals (or lack thereof!), her reading habits and favourite authors. Beth also reveals her "bookish secret"... This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative | |||
| 01 Feb 2024 | Bonus episode: Matt Cain on how to come back fighting after rejection and a bookish secret that will leave you wanting more! | 00:40:52 | |
For this episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined again by Matt Cain; author of One Love . If you missed the main episode where Matt discusses her Desert Island Book. In this episode we talk about how Matt came back fighting after his first novel, The Madonna of Bolton was rejected; using his rage to crowdfund his way to get his book published in just a week! Matt also shares a bookish secret with us that left me feeling really excited ! Books and authors mentioned in this episode David Nicholls Lisa Jewell David Walliams Adele Parks Jane Austen Kate Atkinson The Song of Achilles of Madeleine Miller The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain One Day by David Nicholls The Unfinished Business fo Eadie Browne by Freya North The Excitements by CJ Wray That Bonesetter Woman by Frances Quinn Shot Through the Heart by Matt Cain Nothing But Trouble by Matt Cain Step Sisters by Matt Cain I hope you enjoyed this bonus episode. Please do take the time to like, subscribe, review and most importantly tell your friends about it. I’ll be back next month talking to another author and I hope you’ll join me for that conversation. In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative | |||
| 19 Sep 2024 | Midlife Mayhem & Motherhood: Catherine Newman on Sandwich | 00:45:48 | |
Season 2 Starts Here and what a better way to kick it off than being joined by New York Times Best Selling Author, Catherine Newman! Let's face it, motherhood isn't always sunshine and rainbows. In this episode, Catherine discusses her latest novel, "Sandwich", exploring the messy realities of midlife, the unexpected joys (and challenges!) of parenting teenagers, and navigating the hormonal rollercoaster of menopause. We also delve into the five books that have shaped Catherine's life. From the whimsical world of Amos & Boris to the poignant realities of Beloved by Toni Morrison, these are stories that have truly left their mark.
And because five just isn't enough, Catherine also shares some honourable mentions:
Follow Catherine on Instagram - Catherine Newman Instagram or visit her website at https://www.catherinenewmanwriter.com/ Ready to dive in? Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Best Book Forward! CONTENT WARNING: This conversation explores some sensitive topics that may be triggering for some listeners. We discuss issues related to fertility, miscarriage, and blood. Please be advised. | |||
| 15 Feb 2024 | Sophie Irwin on the Art of Regency Romance and the Joy of Literary Escapism | 00:50:54 | |
In this episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined by Sophie Irwin author of A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin and A Lady's Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin Sophie talked about her love of the Regency period and why she feels we are so drawn to it, as well as sharing memories of reading her first chapter book that set her on her journey to be a reader for life. The book that was pivotal in changing her life. The five books that Sophie picked as the books that have shaped her life are: Sophie's Snail by Dick King Smith The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenger Midnight Chicken by Ella Risberger The Break Up Clause by Niamh Hargan Other books mentioned: Frederica by Georgette Heyer Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner Dinner with Edward by Isabel Vincent I Want to Die but I Want To Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee Heartburn by Nora Ephron Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Authors mentioned: Frances Burney Barbara Cartland Georgette Heyer Lex Croucher Amita Murray Felicity George Julia Quinn Beth Morrey (in the interview I said Morley, it is Morrey, sorry Beth) Kate Sawyer Roald Dahl Lindsey Kelk Sarra Manning If you would like to hear more from Sophie Irwin, please do keep an eye out as there a bonus episode coming where we discuss more about Sophie’s life as a reader and a writer and she shares a bookish secret with us! For more content from me you follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org. You can you also find my favourite books here Shop my favourite books This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Decibelle Creative | |||
| 12 Sep 2024 | Best Book Forward - Season Two | 00:01:50 | |
Get ready to dive deeper into the literary worlds of your favourite authors! Best Book Forward is back for a brand new season, and we're serving up six weeks of bookish bliss with incredible authors. Haven't met us yet? Hi, I'm Helen (@bestbookforward), your friendly book pusher! Think of this podcast as a bookish version of Desert Island Discs where I chat with amazing authors about the five books that have shaped their lives. Season One was a literary adventure, featuring authors like Beth O'Leary, Matt Cain, and Alice Winn. We explored their inspirations, the stories that made them who they are, and of course, their must-read recommendations (missed any episodes? We've got you covered simply hit the link below). But wait, there's more! Season Two is weekly this time around, so get ready for six weeks of author interviews filled with bookish insights and captivating stories. Who are we talking to? That's a secret for now, but trust us, you won't want to miss it! Ready to join the bookish adventure?
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| 26 Sep 2024 | The Power of Friendship: Marianne Cronin on Eddie Winston is Looking for Love | 00:59:12 | |
Get ready for a heartwarming hug of an episode with the brilliant Marianne Cronin, author of the novels that'll make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of human connection: "The One Hundred Years of Lennie & Margot" and "Eddie Winston is Looking for Love". In this episode we talk about friendship that defies expectations, love that blossoms in the most unexpected places and times, loss that leaves its mark, and the unwavering spirit of self-discovery. You'll also hear Marianne's inspiring story of writing a bestselling novel whilst tackling a PhD – talk about multitasking like a boss! And of course, we'll chat about these five books and discover how they have shaped Marianne's life This Lullaby by Sarah Design (not currently available on bookshop.org) The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson Exploring the Language of Poems, Plays and Prose by Mick Short Heads up, squeaky chair alert! There might be some background noise during the episode, but we promise it won't distract from the heartwarming conversation. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of literary love! We put a lot of heart into these conversations, and we'd love for you to be a part of our bookish community. Rate the episode and share it with your friends who love a good story – the more the merrier! | |||
| 29 Feb 2024 | Bonus episode: From vulnerability to vegetable hats, with Sophie Irwin | 00:27:03 | |
In this bonus episode I am joined again by Sophie Irwin; author of A Lady's Guide to Scandal In this episode Sophie, reads a passage from her new book and we went on to talk more about her life as a writer and a reader and shares a bookish secret with us. Other books mentioned in this episode are: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles Rules of Civility by Amor Towles Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Game of Thrones by George R R Martin Authors mentioned Taylor Jenkins-Reid Niamh Hargan Lindsey Kelk Mhairi McFarlane Sarra Manning Janice Hallett Amor Towels I hope you have enjoyed this episode. I would be so grateful if you would take the time to like, subscribe and most importantly tell your friends about it. I’ll be back next month talking to another author and I really hope you’ll join me for that conversation. In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative | |||
| 27 Sep 2023 | Best Book Forward - Trailer | 00:02:09 | |
Join Helen Gambarota, better known online as 'Best Book Forward' for friendly conversations with authors. After discussing her guest's five favourite books, Helen will ask them the impossible question: if you could only pick one to read again, which book would you choose?! Listen out for bonus episodes treating you to readings from the authors' own books. Find out about how to join Helen's book club, and more about her book-ish journey online at https://www.bestbookforward.org/ and on Instagram @bestbookforward This episode of Best Book Forward was produced Decibelle Creative | |||
| 05 Oct 2023 | Embracing womanhood at every age, with Helen Paris | 00:57:22 | |
In this first episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined by Helen Paris; author of Lost Property and The Invisible Women's Club. Helen shared wonderful memories of buying her childhood favourites with her dad at WHSmiths at weekends, a wonderful teacher who introduced her to a book she loves and the books that inspired her love of reading and writing. Helen’s Desert Island Books choices are: Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler Of course, when you’re talking to somebody who is as passionate about books as Helen is, lots of other books get mentioned so here are the other books we talked about in this episode. Second Spring by Kate Codrington Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce If you would like to hear more from Helen Paris, please do keep an eye out as there is a bonus episode coming where we discuss more about Helen’s life as a reader and a writer and she shares a bookish secret with us! For more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com | |||
| 28 Mar 2024 | Bonus episode: crafting literary magic, with Alice Winn | 00:30:12 | |
In this bonus episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined again by Alice Winn author of In Memoriam. Alice talks about her journey to writing her bestselling debut and shares her experiences as dyslexic child learning to read as well as sharing a fabulous bookish secret with us. Other books mentioned: Barrington Stokes I hope you’ve enjoyed this episode as much as I have. I would be so grateful if you could take the time to like, subscribe and share with your friends. For more content from me you follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org. This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative | |||
| 21 Dec 2023 | Bonus episode: Nina Stibbe on Writing, Reading, and London Living | 00:30:07 | |
In this bonus episode I am joined again by Nina Stibbe; author of Went to London, Took the Dog. In this episode Nina, reads a passage from her new book and we went on to talk more about her life as a writer and a reader. Other books mentioned in this episode are: Started Early Took the Dog by Kate Atkinson Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ by Sue Townsend Ducks Newbury Port by Lucy Ellmann The Fortnight in September by R.C. SHerriff Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro Vera by Elizabeth Von ArnimRebecca by Daphne Du Maurier Authors mentioned Cathy Rentzenbrink Lionel Shriver Nick Hornby Alan Bennett Jonathan Miller Heather Morris Thomas Hardy Geoffrey Chaucer Elizabeth Strout Anne Tyler David Sedaris Lydia Davis Hilary Mantel Margaret Atwood I hope you have enjoyed this episode. I would be so grateful if you would take the time to like, subscribe and most importantly tell your friends about it. I’ll be back next month talking to another author and I really hope you’ll join me for that conversation. In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org
This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Decibelle Creative | |||
| 07 Dec 2023 | The joy of keeping a diary with Nina Stibbe | 01:14:46 | |
In this episode I was delighted to be joined by Nina Stibbe; who’s latest book Went to London, Took the Dog is out 2 November and is such a brilliant read. I loved talking to Nina, and hearing her talk so patiently about her love of diaries has inspired me to try and keep my own diary. Nina’s Desert Island Book choices are: My Side of the Mountain by Jean George (currently out of print) Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend Diary of a Nobody by G&W Grossmith Throughout the discussion, various other books and authors were mentioned and these are all listed below. Other Books Mentioned One Day I Shall Astonish the World by Nina Stibbe War Horse by Michael Morpurgo Jill’s Gymkhana by Ruby Ferguson The Snow & Works on the Northern Line by Ruth Thomas The Adventures of Miss Barbara Pym by Paula Burn A Very Private Eye by Julie Cooper Authors mentioned David Sedaris Deborah McGogach Alan Bennett Claire Tomlyn Michael Frayne Jonathan Miller Germaine Greer If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more from Nina, do keep an eye out as we have recorded a bonus episode which will be coming soon. For more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org
Best Book Forward is produced by Decibelle Creative | |||
| 14 Mar 2024 | Between the Lines of Love and War: Alice Winn on Her Bestseller 'In Memoriam' | 01:15:32 | |
In this episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined by Alice Winn author of In Memoriam. If you know me you will know how much I love this book, I’ve probably tried to force a copy on you, so having the opportunity to chat to Alice was incredible. The five books that Sophie picked as the books that have shaped her life are: Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding Meditations by Marcus Aurelius All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque Other books mentioned: The Secret History by Donna Tartt The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller Goodbye To All That by Robert Graves Journey’s End by R. C. Sherriff Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen The Blind Spot & Other Stories by Saki HH Monroe The Lord of the Rings by JRRTolkein Authors mentioned: Vera Brittain Rudyard Kipling F. Scott Fitzgerald If you would like to hear more from Alice Winn, please do keep an eye out as there a bonus episode coming where we discuss more about Alice’s life as a reader and a writer and she shares a bookish secret with us! For more content from me you follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org. This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative | |||
| 03 Oct 2024 | Reimagining Austen: Nikki May's This Motherless Land | 00:51:27 | |
Join us for a captivating conversation with Nikki May, author of Wahala which is currently being adapted into a major BBC series! Her latest literary masterpiece, This was inspired by Jane Austen's Mansfield Park and explores themes of motherhood, legacy, identity, and culture. Interview Highlights:
Book List:
Prepare to be captivated by Nikki May's insightful perspective and her ability to bring a classic story to life in a fresh and modern way. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode! PS: Once you’ve listened to this episode you may be wondering if I did pick up one of the books that we discussed and the answer is YES and it is as brilliant as Nikki said it is. | |||