The Book Club Review

From lightening and dragons in Iron Flame to trembling mountains in A Court of Thorns and Roses, from Sally Rooney’s Connell and Marianne to Ice Planet Barbarians - sex in books has gone mainstream. From serious high-brow literature to warm and cozy rom-coms, what do we want or need from writers when it comes to including sex in their books? To consider the matter Kate is joined by critic Elizabeth Morris (Crib Notes), and author Alex Allison’ (The Art of the Body and Greatest of All Time) We'll be bringing you our recommendations for books we think push all the right buttons,once we’ve figured out what those are.  Patreon Find out how to support the show, get ad-free episodes and extra content at patreon.com/thebookclubreview [https://www.patreon.com/c/thebookclubreview] Keep in touch Find the pod on Instagram @bookclubreviewpodcast Browse the archive Find full shownotes and a transcript plus our full episode archive at thebookclubreview.co.uk Booklist Greatest of All Time [https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/alex-allison-2/greatest-of-all-time/9780349704548/] by Alex Allison Ice Planet Barbarians [https://rubydixon.com/series/ice-planet-barbarians/] by Ruby Dixon Mrs Caliban [https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571368006-mrs-caliban-faber-editions/?srsltid=AfmBOooPXHqdDdhEv-4j25skJEGpfIfRpzaMaYjBL7tbL1Y955-dJU9D] by Rachel Ingals The Literary Review's Bad Sex Awards [https://literaryreview.co.uk/bad-sex-in-fiction-award] The Office of Gardens and Ponds [https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-office-of-gardens-and-ponds/didier-decoin/euan-cameron/9780857057563] by Didier Decoin Pax [https://www.john-harvey.co.uk/pax] by John Harvey The River Capture [https://www.psbooks.co.uk/river-capture] by Mary Costello City of Girls [https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/city-of-girls-9781408867068/] by Elizabeth Gilbert The Electric Hotel [https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/the-electric-hotel/] by Dominic Smith The Neapolitan Quartet [https://www.europaeditions.co.uk/book/9781787700536/the-neapolitan-novels-by-elena-ferrante-boxed-set] by Elena Ferrante I Love Dick [https://serpentstail.com/work/i-love-dick/] by Chris Kraus All Fours [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/639464/all-fours-by-miranda-july/] by Miranda July The Flatshare [https://www.betholearyauthor.com/the-flatshare] by Beth O'Leary The Vegetarian [https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-vegetarian/han-kang/deborah-smith/9781846276033] by Han Kang Hunchback [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/462615/hunchback-by-ichikawa-saou/9780241700785] by Saou Ichikawa Rodham [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/409136/rodham-by-sittenfeld-curtis/9780552776608] by Curtis Sittenfeld American Wife [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/405513/american-wife-by-curtis-sittenfeld/9780552775540] by Curtis Sittenfeld Eligible [https://curtissittenfeld.com/books/eligible/] by Curtis Sittenfeld Romantic Comedy [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/442585/romantic-comedy-by-sittenfeld-curtis/9781804991916] by Curtis Sittenfeld Elmet [https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/fiona-mozley/elmet/9781473660557/] and Hot Stew [https://www.artellusltd.co.uk/books/hot-stew] by Fiona Mosley Tampa [https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571303335-tampa/?srsltid=AfmBOopSKB6U4FxTdbfqJfkO6u9m5oWjonE9WrzHdWAgxMy-b2Pi6O8g] by Alyssa Nutting Isaac [https://www.vervebooks.co.uk/bookpage.php?isbn=9780857308658] by Curtis Garner Intermezzo [https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571365487-intermezzo/?srsltid=AfmBOooFpo7x4A_YlCJoLLNNtd3vLt0hqi9ppB4q0VX0rhOZ9QL7H6lS] by Sally Rooney Lullaby [https://www.waterstones.com/book/lullaby/le-la-slimani/9780571337545] by Leïla Slimani The Country of Others [https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-country-of-others/lhttps://www.waterstones.com/book/the-country-of-others/le-la-slimani/sam-taylor/9780571361632e-la-slimani/sam-taylor/9780571361632] and Watch Us Dance [https://www.waterstones.com/book/watch-us-dance/le-la-slimani/sam-taylor/9780571376087] by Leïla Slimani The Bear [https://dauntbookspublishing.co.uk/book/bear/] by Marianne Engel The Snow Ball [https://dauntbooks.co.uk/shop/books/the-snow-ball/] by Brigid Brophy Busy Being Free [https://www.weidenfeldandnicolson.co.uk/titles/emma-forrest/busy-being-free/9781474620642/] by Emma Forrest

From Murderbot to Sense and Sensiblity, what are our favourite adaptations from books that we love? Inspired by the recent Apple adaptation of Martha Wells sci-fi novels The Murderbot Diaries, this episode is a celebration of the world of books to film. From the joy of seeing a book that we love brought to the big screen, to the pitfalls when things don't match up to our expectations, we're considering the hits and misses, and passing on our recommendations. You'll be hearing from pod regulars Laura Potter and Phil Chaffee, plus we meet Philippa Donovan, a literary scout to the film and TV world. Philippa founded her consultancy Smart Quill [https://www.smartquilleditorial.co.uk/editor.php] to bridge the gap between agents, publishers and authors around the world. She’s giving us the inside track on the world of book to film. All that, plus a peek into the future and the upcoming projects we've earmarked as ones to watch. Interview Listen to the full interview with literary scout Philippa Donovan here [TO COME] Patreon Come and listen to the episodes ad-free over on Patreon, plus The Book Club Review Weekend, join our chat threads where you’ll be able to swap book recommendations with Kate and other Book Club Review listeners and if you want to come and talk books with Kate in person at the higher tier you can join the pod's monthly book club.  Head to Patreon.com/thebookclubreview [http://patreon.com/thebookclubreview] for all the benefits and how to sign up.  Booklist All Systems Red by Martha Wells (Book 1) Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (Book 2) Room by Emma Donoghue Normal People by Sally Rooney The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Sparks The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks Exhalations by Ted Chiang (the film Arrival is based on Story of Your Life) Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger Rivals by Jilly Cooper The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman Children of Men by P. D. James Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda Barn Burning by Haruki Murakami Barn Burning by William Falkner Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell by Susanna Clarke Fleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner Hot Milk by Deborah Levy The Friend by Sigrid Nunez People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry The Salt Path by Raynor Wynn Everything I Know About Love andGood Material by Dolly Alderton Universality by Natasha Brown Theory and Practice by Michelle de Kretser Transcript Head over to the episode page at thebookclubreview.co.uk for a full transcript

At a time in which digital information is increasingly uncertain it feels more essential than ever to engage with books that tell us about the world, diversify our perspectives and propose solutions for change. Yet these 'serious' books aren't always what we feel like reading. In this episode Kate is joined by regular contributor Phil Chaffee to talk about the books so good they powered through them like a good novel, and felt changed afterwards. The books they want to pass on to someone else. The books that make for great book club discussions. One such is Carmageddon: How Cars Make Life Worse and What To Do About It by Daniel Knowles, a persuasive book that advocates for a world in which we rely on cars far less than we do currently. Daniel joines Kate and Phil from Chicago to discuss it. Booklist Humanly Possible [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/435299/humanly-possible-by-bakewell-sarah/9781529924626] by Sarah Bakewall Putin’s People [https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/putins-people-how-the-kgb-took-back-russia-and-then-took-on-the-west-catherine-belton?variant=40027678441550] by Catherine Belton Papyrus [https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/irene-vallejo/papyrus/9781529343984/] by Irene Vallejo Invisible Child [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/241846/invisible-child-by-andrea-elliott/] by Andrea Elliot Not the End of the World [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453652/not-the-end-of-the-world-by-ritchie-hannah/9781529931242] by Hannah Ritchie Stranger in the Shogun’s City [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/437292/stranger-in-the-shoguns-city-by-amy-stanley/9781784708139] by Amy Stanley Carmageddon [https://www.waterstones.com/book/carmageddon/daniel-knowles/9798396745957] by Daniel Knowles Notes Serious Readers lamps: visit seriousreaders.com/bcr [http://seriousreaders.com/bcr] and use the offer code BCR at checkout for £150 off any HD light and free UK delivery. You also get a 30-day trial period. Support the show Come join us on Patreon for extra episodes [http://patreon.com/thebookclubreview/], our community chat group, and, at the book club level, come and talk books with Kate in person at the end of every month. We're currently reading Sparks of Bright Matter [https://www.waterstones.com/book/sparks-of-bright-matter/leeanne-odonnell/9781804185827] by Leeanne O'Donnell If you enjoyed the episode please take a moment to rate and review on your podcast app, which helps the pod's visiblity and helps other listeners find it. Your kindness is hugely appreciated.

Glorious Exploits [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/454295/glorious-exploits-by-lennon-ferdia/9780241998007] by Ferdia Lennon is a novel that takes us back to ancient Syracuse, where war, art, and humanity collide. This gripping tale follows two down-on-their-luck potters who hatch an audacious plan to produce a performance of the works of Euripedes despite the fact that their actors are prisoners of war and their stage set a death camp in a marble pit. It’s a story of resilience, friendship, and the power of art in the face of destruction, but did it make for a good book club book?  Regular book-club reporter Phil Chaffee dials in from New York to join Kate alongside keen readers and returning pod guests Emily Bohill and Sarah Oliver in London.  And find out Laura's thoughts at the end as we consider what makes Glorious Exploits such a standout debut, whether or not you need to know about Classical history to enjoy it, and why the audio version is such a particular joy. All this plus our recommendations for follow on reads inspired by Glorious Exploits. Booklist The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unselected-Journals-Emma-M-Lion-ebook/dp/B07ZXJHPBK] by Beth Brower The Years [https://fitzcarraldoeditions.com/books/the-years/] by Annie Ernaux Rejection [https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/rejection-tony-tulathimutte?variant=53514779623803] by Tony Tulathimutte  You Dreamed of Empires [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453347/you-dreamed-of-empires-by-enrigue-alvaro/9781529920659] by Ávaro Enrigue  Metamorphoses [https://shop.penguin.co.uk/products/metamorphoses-by-ovid?srsltid=AfmBOooXESX6xYlSTJ8V0tXCvRFJB87DjBVHW2LX2MLPUTGrdB38R8Cy] by Ovid Piranesi [https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/piranesi-9781526622433/] by Susanna Clarke  Enter Ghost [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/451608/enter-ghost-by-hammad-isabella/9781529919998] by Isabella Hammad  The Netanyahus [https://fitzcarraldoeditions.com/books/the-netanyahus/] by Joshua Cohen Circe [https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/circe-9781408890080/] by Madeleine Miller Patreon Signing up for membership [https://www.patreon.com/c/thebookclubreview] is a great way to support the show, and in return you'll have access to weeklyish bonus episodes, plus the archive of back episodes to enjoy. At the higher tier you can join the podcast book club, currently reading Hateship, Friendship, Loveship, Courtship, Marriage [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/356759/hateship-friendship-courtship-loveship-marriage-by-alice-munro/9780099422747] by Alice Munroe. I'd love to have you join us. Instagram & Threads @bookclubreviewpodcast Web Our full archive of episdoes with shownotes [http://thebookclubreview.co.uk/episodes]

Author, podcaster and reader Daisy Buchanan joins Kate to discuss Read Yourself Happy, her latest book that explores ‘shelf-help’ and the healing power of books and reading to inspire, comfort and fortify. You might not think that someone who regularly interviews literary stars like Anne Patchett and Lauren Groff on her podcast 'You're Booked' might also be someone who has struggled throughout her life with anxiety. Find out how books helped Daisy overcome her fears and inspired her to be adventurous in the manner of her favourite literary heroines. We also discuss the practicalities of the reading life, how to manage a mountainous TBR, and insider stories from the Jilly Cooper book club. With Valentine's Day in mind, find out how to 'Read Yourself Romantic' with Daisy's favourite romance novels. Oh, and you'll get about a million other brilliant book recommendations along the way! Notes If you're interested to try a Serious Readers [https://try.seriousreaders.com/pages/bcr/] lamp use our special offer code BCR at checkout for £150 off any HD light. Looking for your perfect bookish match? Use our offer code BookClubReview for 10% off a subscription to Book Lovers Dating [https://www.booklovers.dating]. Reading list The Flatshare [https://www.betholearyauthor.com/the-flatshare] by Beth O’Leary Strange Beach [https://fitzcarraldoeditions.com/books/strange-beach/] by Oliwaseun Olawiola The Pirahna Club: Power and Influence in Formula 1 [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/399731/the-piranha-club-power-and-influence-in-formula-one-by-timothy-collings/9780753509654] by Timothy Collings (my husband's book, by the way, in case you were wondering. He's been dipping in for something he's working on.) Rachel’s Holiday [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/24157/rachels-holiday-by-keyes-marian/9780241958438] by Marian Keyes Love, Nina [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/192265/love-nina-by-stibbe-nina/9780241965092] by Nina Stibbe Happy All the Time [https://www.weidenfeldandnicolson.co.uk/titles/laurie-colwin/happy-all-the-time/9781399627511/] by Laurie Colwin The Girl with the Louding Voice [https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/abi-dar%C3%A9/the-girl-with-the-louding-voice/9781529359251/] by Abi Daré A Little Life [https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/hanya-yanagihara/a-little-life/9781529077216] by Hanya Yanigahara Everything I Know About Love [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/306824/everything-i-know-about-love-by-alderton-dolly/9780241735206] by Dolly Alderton Rivals [https://www.jillycooper.co.uk/books/rivals/] by Jilly Cooper The Come Up [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/605156/the-come-up-by-jonathan-abrams/] by Jonathan Abrams I Want my MYV [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/308409/i-want-my-mtv-by-rob-tannenbaum/] by Rob Tannenbaum Uncommon People [https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/miranda-sawyer-7/uncommon-people/9781399816939/] by Miranda Sawyer Early Morning Riser [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/639576/early-morning-riser-by-katherine-heiny/] by Katherine Heiny Us [https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/david-nicholls/us/9780340897010/] by David Nicholls Good Material [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/444230/good-material-by-alderton-dolly/9780241993163] by Dolly Alderton Fleishman is in Trouble [https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/taffy-brodesser-akner/fleishman-is-in-trouble/9781472267085/] by Taffy Brodesser Akner Peter Hujar’s Day [https://magichour.press/books/peter-hujars-day] by Linda Rosenkrantz Deano: Life After Football [https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/deano-life-after-football-with-dean-windass-dean-windass/7626320] by Dean Windass By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/168636/by-grand-central-station-i-sat-down-and-wept-by-elizabeth-smart/] by Elizabeth Smart Camp [https://footnotepress.com/books/camp/] by Paul Baker Notes from the Henhouse [https://www.weidenfeldandnicolson.co.uk/titles/elspeth-barker-4/notes-from-the-henhouse/9781399612494/] by Elspeth Barker O Caledonia [https://www.weidenfeldandnicolson.co.uk/titles/elspeth-barker-4/o-caledonia/9781474620512/] by Elspeth Barker The Gemma Books [https://www.goodreads.com/series/68954-gemma] by Noel Streatfield Love Junkie [https://www.ndbooks.com/book/love-junkie/] by Robert Plunket Again, Rachel [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/315566/again-rachel-by-keyes-marian/9781405945394] by Marian Keyes Expiation [https://persephonebooks.co.uk/products/expiation] by Elizabeth Von Arnim They Were Sisters [https://persephonebooks.co.uk/products/they-were-sisters] and Greenbanks by Dorothy Whipple The Pursuit of Love [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/444272/the-pursuit-of-love-by-mitford-nancy/9780241514993] by Nancy Mitford Mhairi McFarlane - various titles, try If I Never Met You [https://www.harpercollins.com/products/if-i-never-met-you-mhairi-mcfarlane?variant=32128330956834]