The Brighton Book Club: Recent Episodes
RadioReverb
A podcast dedicated to all things literary and bookish in Brighton & beyond. Anna interviews authors, publishers, people working in literature programmes, gets recommendations from booksellers and bloggers, and shares the best upcoming events.
Follow @annamburtt on Twitter and @btnbookclub on Instagram for updates. Email btnbookclub@gmail.com for enquiries.
Find out more about this month's guests at the links below:
Sarah Crossan, Jill Johnson, Lesley Bungay and Louisa Bello
Find out more about this month's guests:
Joanna Glenn
Jackie Wills
Simon Maddrell
Victoria West
Affordable Writing Retreat in Italy!
Literary Producer at Brighton Festival Bea Colley joins us to talk about May's exciting programme. Tickets and more info here.
On the latest episode of the show, we're joined by Brighton-based Maria Cohut, whose debut poetry collection MULTIPLE EXPOSURES is out now with Flight of the Dragonfly Press; to Alice Wright, whose thrilling book LIE QUIETLY is out now with Vine Leaves Press; and to friend of the show Daren Kay about the final instalment of his Brightonians trilogy.
Althea Wolfe from Brighton Book Festival also joins us to talk about this year's Brighton Book Festival which runs from 17-21 June 2026.
We caught up with the brilliant Joelle Taylor to find out more about her performances at Brighton Festival in May. Get your tickets here!
On this month's show, we're joined by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees, talking about their new book You & Me and You & Me and You & Me; by Jess Robinson, to talk about her memoir Life is Rosi, to Suzy Quinn about her latest novel The Greatest Love Story Never Told and to friend of the show and all-round brilliant human Laura Mugridge about her audio series INSIDE THE LINES as well as her book reccomendations.
In this episode, we're joined by former Brighton resident Hattie Williams, author of BITTER SWEET, to Brighton-based Katherine Bradley about her new book THE INSTITUTE, and Kate Beales joins us to talk about a writing retreat she's co-hosting with Anna in March and reads from her debut novel BROKEN HORSES.
Our bumper Christmas Recommendation episode is here! Whether you're looking for inspiration for gifts to buy loved ones, or to put on your own wish-lists, Elizabeth Perry and I have got you covered! We also speak to Brighton-based writer Gabrielle Griffiths about her debut novel GREATER SINS.
Books we discussed on the show:
Fiction
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
The Lilac People by Milo Todd
All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Heartwood by Amity Gaige
The Artist by Lucy Steeds
The Two Roberts by Damian Barr
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor.
Moderation by Elaine Castillo
A Family Matter by Claire Lynch
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Non-fiction
Lone Wolf by Adam Weymouth
Deep House by Jeremy Atherton Lin
Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen
Bunker by Bradley Garrett / In Love with Love by Ella Risbridger
Challenger by Adam Higginbotham
Paradise by Lizzie Johnson
Supremacy by Parmy Olson
If Then by Jill Lepore
Question 7 by Richard Flanagan
That Dark Spring by Susannah Stapleton
On this month's show we talk to Chris Bridges about his new book SICK TO DEATH; to Hayley Dunlop about her Christmas novel IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS, to Anna Jefferson about New Writing South's DEMYSTIFYING PUBLISHING DAY and to Kelly from SOCIAL SAUNA BOOK CLUB.
Events we mention at the end of the show: Queer Gothic: Chloe Michelle Howarth & Leon Craig * How to Build a Writing Career with Real Writers Circle and Amanda Prowse * Interactive Murder Mystery Evening at Waterstones * Online Writing Retreat with Writers HQ * JOURNALISM BASICS: What is journalistic writing?*
This month's show is dedicated to The Coast is Queer Festival, Brighton's landmark festival of LGBTQ+ literature.
Info about all the events we speak to festival speakers Ayse Huseyin, Abi Fellows, Kit Heyam and DG Coutinho. We also chat to Sarah from Writers HQ about their Writing As Resistance Festival in September.
The Coast is Queer events mentioned on the show:The Queer Girls Book Club presents Christina FonthesNot That Innocent with with Jack Jordan, DG Coutinho, Piotr Cieplak and Lesley ThomsonDeveloping Your Non-Fiction with Abi Fellows and Paula AkpanIs a Shared History Possible? with Dr. Nat Arias, Kit Heyam, Jane Traies and Paula Akpan
On this month's episode, we speak to Jo Morey about her new book THE NIGHT LAGOON, to Sally Gardner about THE BRIDE STONE and to Piotr Cieplak about ZOFIA NOWAK'S BOOK OF SUPERIOR DETECTING. We also chat to Kelly at Chapter 34 Books in Shoreham about their event programme and summer reads.
If you're interested in coming to our day long writing retreat, you can find out more here.
On this month's show, we speak to Brighton-based writers Marisa Linton, Kerry Downes and Jill Johnson, plus Althea from Brighton Book Festival tells us about this year's offering. We break our own Brighton-based rules to have E.C. Nevin on the show... the book was just that good!
This month we speak to three Brighton-based writers; Emma Jane Unsworth (SLAGS), Lauren Bravo (PROBABLY NOTHING) and Andrew Flewitt (DO YOU BELIEVE IN LIFE AFTER LOSS?). We also talk to Phil Viner about BEYOND THE BOOK festival which takes place on May 10th.
In this bonus Footnote episode, Saba Sams joins us to talk about her debut novel, GUNK, which she's launching at the Brighton Festival in conversation with Fee Mac. Get tickets here.
Jules has been divorced from her ex-husband Leon for five years, but she still works alongside him at the nightclub. With the arrival of Nim, a new employee at the bar, Jules is jolted awake for the first time in years and with an unexpected pregnancy in the mix, this novel poses questions around who we choose to build our families with.
Selected for Granta’s Best of Young British Novelists in 2023 and author of the dazzling collection of short stories, Send Nudes, Saba Sams is a voice not to be missed.
Today's show includes Ditching based Annabel Thorpe talking about her historical fiction set in Italy and how her work as a travel journalist has informed her writing. Judy Upton discusses her Sussex based mystery Series. Tom Johnstone talks about how he uses Brighton's unseen history to write short fiction. Sam at Brighton Waterstones talks about their jam-packed event programme in April and May and Anna Jefferson from New Writing South is back to discuss their Publishing Industry Day which is a must go-to for all aspiring authors in Sussex.
In this month's jam-packed show, we talk to Brighton-based Fran Quinn about her new book THE LOST PASSENGER; to D.E. White about her crime-writing workshop in Horsham on March 27th; to Anna and Sam from Forthwrite Festival which takes place in Brighton and Crawley in March; to Brighton-based graphic novelists Myf and Corinne from the First Graphic Novel Award and to new-to-Brighton thriller writer, Brooke Robinson.
On this jam-packed episode, we talk to Brighton-based writer Laura Wilkinson about her new book That Night in New York; to Charlie Ross AKA The Roaming Reader about Chichester's new poetry Slam; to Simon Maddrell about his forthcoming pamphlet Jonathan Blake, L1, and the launch in Brighton on February 19th at 7om at Lunch Positive, and to Hannah Dolby, about her Victorian Hastings set books No Life for a Lady and How To Solve Murders Like A Lady.
We speak to Alan Edwards and Holly Bourne about their forthcoming events in Brighton and Sussex and the books they’ll be discussing.
See Holly on Jan 16th at Chapter 34 https://www.chapter34.co.uk/event/book-launch-of-so-thrilled-for-you-by-holly-bourne/
See Alan on Feb 7th at The Old Market https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/i-was-there-in-conversation-with-alan-edwards
On our Christmas special we speak to Cathy Hayward from Kemptown Books about her Holiday Recommendations, and Brighton based writer Fran Swaine reads her Christmas short story, The Lost Dog.
This month we're joined by Anna Lucia, Jacquie Bloese and Ciar Byrne to talk about their historical novels.
If you have an idea for the show, email us at btnbookclub@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram!
In the fifth of our five-part series in collaboration with The Coast is Queer Festival, we revisit the event Queer Ukraine from 2023's festival with DViJKA Collective, Yelena Moskovich and Tanya G, hosted by Maria Jastrzębska
GET TICKETS TO THE COAST IS QUEER 2024
Find out more about The Coast is Queer and sign up to their mailing. You can follow them on Instagram here. Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off tickets (available for individual event tickets, not for workshops or festival passes!)
With thanks to Brighton-based DJ Louis Stays On for the music.
Go and see AFLO. at Status Flo!
- Books discussed with Elizabeth:
- Hazadorous Spirits, Anbara Salam
- After She Wrote Him, Sulari Gentill
- Margo's Got Money Troubles, Rufi Thorpe
- My Good Bright Wolf: A Memoir, Sarah Moss
- The Hypocrite, Jo Hamya
- Rodham Curtis Sittenfeld
- You Can't Catch Death: A Daughter's Memoir, Ianthe Brautigan
- Total Recall: A V. I. Warshawski Novel, Sara Paretsky
- Neverland: The Pleasures and Perils of Fandom, Vanessa Kisuule
In the fourth of our five-part series in collaboration with The Coast is Queer Festival, we revisit the event Genre Bending and Queering Words from 2023's festival with three Brighton based authors and poets Janet Sutherland, Maria Jastrzębska and Robert Hamberger.
GET TICKETS TO THE COAST IS QUEER 2024GET TICKETS FOR MARIA'S MEMOIR WRITING WORKSHOP
Find out more about The Coast is Queer and sign up to their mailing list to hear first about the full lineup for this year's festival and get early access to workshops. You can follow them on Instagram here. Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off tickets (available for individual event tickets, not for workshops or festival passes!)
With thanks to Brighton-based DJ Louis Stays On for the music.
In the third of the five-part series in collaboration with The Coast is Queer Festival, we revisit Juno Dawson's Lovely Trans Literary Salon with Harry Nicholas from 2023's festival.
GET TICKETS TO JUNO'S LOVELY TRANS LITERARY SALON AT 2024'S FESTIVAL
Find out more about The Coast is Queer and sign up to their mailing list to hear first about the full lineup for this year's festival and get early access to workshops. You can follow them on Instagram here. Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off tickets (available for individual event tickets, not for workshops or festival passes!)
With thanks to Brighton-based DJ Louis Stays On for the music.
We speak to local writers Jane Crittenden and Jill Johnson and to AFLO. the Poet about this year's The Coast is Queer Festival
In the second of the five-part series in collaboration with The Coast is Queer Festival, we revisit an enlightening conversation from 2023's festival exploring the undercurrent of class on queer literature featuring Joelle Taylor and Abi Fellows
SUPER EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
Find out more about The Coast is Queer and sign up to their mailing list to hear first about the full lineup for this year's festival and get early access to workshops. You can follow them on Instagram here. Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off tickets (available for individual event tickets, not for workshops or festival passes!)
With thanks to Brighton-based DJ Louis Stays On for the music.
In the first of the five-part series in collaboration with The Coast is Queer Festival, we revisit an enlightening conversation from 2023's festival exploring queer representation in commercial fiction featuring Tanya Byrne, Tasha Suri and Laura Kay.
SUPER EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
Find out more about The Coast is Queer and sign up to their mailing list to hear first about the full lineup for this year's festival and get early access to workshops. You can follow them on Instagram here. Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off tickets (available for individual event tickets, not for workshops or festival passes!)
With thanks to Brighton-based DJ Louis Isaacs for the music.
On this episode of The Brighton Book Club, we talk to two Brighton-based writers – Kristin Burniston and Duncan Illing – who have teamed up to transform Kristin's wonderful short story, Anne, into a radio drama. We discuss everything from the publishing industry, to special effects, writing Brighton and Brighton's writing community.
On this month's show, we speak to two Brighton based writers Jo Furniss and Cassie Bruce about their new novels DEAD MILE and SIRENS BAY. We also speak to the excellent Sophie Flynn about her new novel WHAT STAYS UNSAID, a thriller set over a hen weekend Dartmoor.
Follow the show over on Instagram
On the show today, we speak to co-director of Brighton Book Festival Althea Woolf, Sheika Helawy, Taha Kehar, Helen Lederer and Roy McFarlane.
You can buy tickets from brightonbookfestival.co.uk and follow us on Instagram to find out more about the events spoken about in today’s show over at @btnbookclub.
It's the Reverbathon and we're back with a special show recorded in the Radio Reverb studio with a host of fab live guests and sponsors. Please consider making a donation to keep us ad-free and creating the show. You can do so here.
More about Jenni and her work at Brighton Fringe
Book tickets to Mrisi's show
More about Hove Creative Writing Group
More about The Real Writers Circle
Book tickets to the Real Writers Circle Festival Event
We're joined by three fantastic Brighton authors: Graham Bartlett, Katy Massey and Tanya Byrne
This month we speak to Brighton based debut novelists, Ania Card and Sarah Butler, both of whom have books out with indie presses.
Ania talks about writing not in her native tongue, about exploring queer identity and how the writing community has helped her reach success.
Sarah talks about the move from short fiction to a novel and how the Sussex landscape inspires her writing.
We also speak to Rhiannon Lingwood from Brighton Fringe who is giving us a preview of book, literature and spoken word events on at this year’s iconic Fringe.
Our Brighton Bestseller episode features the wonderful Elly Griffiths, Dorothy Koomson and Jack Jordan.
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This month’s show is hosted Victoria Robson and Cindy Etherton, co-founders of Real
Writers Circle, a Brighton-based a community of writers who meet monthly to share work, support, and friendship. Victoria and Cindy talk to Circle members Ciar Byrne, Jackie Mendoza and Kate Marsh about their favourite books and their influence on their writing. And they catch up with RWC member Samuel Burr and his editor Charlotte Mursell at Orion Publishing on Sam’s debut novel The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers.
Favourite Books Mentioned in the Show:
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie
In Memoriam by Alice Winn
La Terre by Emil Zola
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Fellowship of the Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr (available in May)
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
The Magician’s Assistant by Ann Patchett
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman
X/Twitter
Real Writers Circle: @Real_Writers_
Cindy Etherton: @CindyEtherton4
Victoria Robson: @victoriarobson
Ciar Byrne: @ciarbyrne
Jackie Mendoza: @writerandhounds
Kate Marsh: @k8marsh
Samuel Burr: @samuelburr
Charlotte Mursell: @Charlo_Murs
Instagram
@realwriterscircle
@cindy.etherton
@samuelburr
@writerandhounds
@ciarbyrnewriter
@aunticles
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More about TAKE WHAT YOU NEED
The books spoken about on the show:
Fiction
1a: Penance by Eliza Clark
1b: Pretty as a Picture by Elizabeth Little
2a: In Memoriam by Alice Winn
2b: Ghost Girl, Banana by Wiz Wharton
3a: Mrs S by K Patrick
3b: Dryland by Sara Jaffe
4a: Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Sutanto
4b: Murder & Mamon by Mia P Manansala
5a: The List by Yomi Adegoke
5b: More Than You’ll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez
Non-fiction
1a: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
1b: Pageboy by Elliot Page
2a: Went to London, Took the Dog by Nina Stibbe
2b: Small Fires by Rebecca May Johnson
3a: Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
3b: Furious Hours by Casey Cep
4a: The Golden Mole by Katherine Rundell
4b: Uprooting by Marchelle Farrell
5a: Stay True by Hua Hsu
5b: This Ragged Grace by Octavia Bright
Book of the year: Open Throat by Henry Hoke
On this month’s show, we hear from Lisa Fransson about her new novel THE SHAPE OF GUILT, to Deborah Jenkins about her debut collection of short stories, WINTER LIGHTS and to Emma Jackson’s new book WITCH YOU WEREN’T HERE.
Our next show is our bumper Christmas recommendation special with bookseller, Elizabeth Perry. We’ll go through the top 5 bestsellers in fiction and nonfiction and she’ll offer her best alternative recommendations. We’ll also be joined by Idra Novey, author of next month’s book club book, TAKE WHAT YOU NEED which is out now with Daunt Books.
Click here for events with Kemptown Books.
Music in today’s show from Mrisi Music.
If you have a suggestion for the show or want to get in contact, you can follow us on instagram at @btnbookclub and email us at btnbookclub@gmail.com
On the show, we hear from Lesley Wood, CEO of New Writing South and director of the festival; from David Sheppeard from festival partner, Marlborough Productions; from Alexa Rusakoff, one of the student curators behind Friday’s event; from Okechukwu Nzelu who joins us to talk about his in-conversation event with Max Lobe and the workshop on character he’s running. We also speak to author of this month’s book Nadezhda in the Dark, Yelena Moskovich, who is coming all the way from Paris to appear on the QUEER UKRAINE panel.
It’s a jam-packed lineup and a jam-packed show full of great book recommendations and inspiring conversations about queer literature. You can see the full lineup and get your hands on tickets at coastisqueer.com.
This month, we speak to Elizabeth Delo, author of BECOMING LIZ TAYLOR, about why she decided to set part of her debut novel in Brighton and how overhearing a conversation in a queue sparked the idea for the book. We also talk to Brighton based Deborah Price about her memoir THE PEANUT FACTORY about living in London squats in the 80s. We talk to Brighton-based Joseph Zigmond about his novel CONSTANCE – a book that came from two very different ideas; one about teenage relationships and the mistakes we make, and another about when climate breakdown starts coming home. We take a deep dive into this month’s book club book, Eliza Clark’s wonderful PENANCE. Discussing all things from falling asleep to true crime podcasts, to seeing your work adapted to the stage and to the horrors of teenage female relationships.
If you enjoy the Brighton Book Club, and want to help keep us on air, please make a donation at https://www.radioreverb.com/donate/. Just one click and a couple of quid makes all the difference. Make sure you pop Brighton Book Club in the reference!
Our next show is dedicated to the UK’s biggest and brightest LGBTQ+ festival of Literature THE COAST IS QUEER which runs from 12-15 October. Our book club book is Yelena Moskovich’s Nadezhda in the Dark. Yelena will be appearing on a panel on Sunday 15th titled Queer Ukraine which is going to be excellent.Â
We're back from our short summer hiatus with a jam-packed episode for you. We speak to Brighton based Chloe Michelle Howard about her debut novel SUNBURN – a beautiful sapphic comic of age story set in rural Ireland in the 1990s, to former Brighton resident Emma Claire Wilson about her debut novel THIS CHILD OF MINE and what it was like to grow up in Brighton’s Old Shop Hotel. We talk to Corinne Pearlman about this year’s First Graphic Novel Competition which is now open to entries, and we catch up with award-winning author and writer of this month’s book club book, Claire Fuller about her latest book THE MEMORY OF ANIMALS.Â
Our next book club book is Eliza Clark’s PENANCE.
Music on the Reverb show from Nigel Stweart.
This month we talk to Lily Lindon about her new queer rom com MY OWN WORST ENEMY, to Talia Hibbert about her new YA rom com HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS AND UNFAIRLY CUTE as well as her appearance at Brighton Book Festival on June 24. We also speak to two Brighton writers, Amy Lavelle and Joe Bedford about their new books, HOME SWEET HOME and A BAD DECADE FOR GOOD PEOPLE. We also speak to the author of this month’s book club book – Amita Murray – about her new novel UNLADYLIKE LESSONS IN LOVE.
Our next book club book is Claire Fuller's THE MEMORY OF ANIMALS.
We're taking a short break and will be back with a new show on July 22nd.
On this month’s show, we talk to poet Amy Key about her new book ARRANGEMENTS IN BLUE and her appearance as part of Brighton Festival’s books and debate programme on April 20th; to local writer Kate Bradley about her new novel THE SISTERHOOD – a feminist retelling of Orwell's 1984; to Cathy Haywood and Mark Slater about the Creative Writing Programme, and author of this month’s book club book, WORLDS APART, Jane Crittenden.
A list of the books spoken about on this month's show!
Windmill Hill - Lucy Atkins - 25th May
Transitional - Munroe Bergdorf - out now
All the Beauty in the World - Patrick Bringley - out nowÂ
Fire Rush - Jacqueline Crooks - out nowÂ
Scorched Grace - Margot Douaihy - 6th AprilÂ
Books & Islands in Ojibwe Country - Louise Erdrich - 20th April
Voyager - Nona Fernandez - out now
The Housekeepers - Alex Hay - 6th JulyÂ
Yellowface - RF Kuang - 25th May
Small Worlds - Caleb Azumah Nelson - 11th May
Mrs S - K Patrick - 8th JuneÂ
Ordinary Notes - Christina Sharpe - 4th April
Death of a Bookseller - Alice Slater - 27th April
Ghost, Girl Banana - Wiz Wharton - 18th May
In Memoriam - Alice Winn - out now
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This month, we go sea swimming with Brighton based writers Josie Lloyd and Mark Radcliffe, and we speak to the author of this month’s book club book IF THEY KNEW, Sophie Flynn.
We also give you a curated preview of literary events in this year’s Brighton Fringe Festival which runs through May.
Our next book club book is DAZZLING by Sussex-based Chikodili Emelum.
Please rate, review and subscribe! You can contact us via email at btnbookclub@gmail.com and on Instagram at @btnbookclub.
This month we’re talking all things romance in books. Anna speaks to Joseph Murray about his new novel, FLING, a laugh out loud Irish romantic comedy which follows a couple who both turn to a dating app when they face problems in their relationship. She talks to Julia Boggio about SHOOTERS, her romantic comedy set in the world of wedding photography, to Charlotte Rixon about the lost love that consumes her new novel THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY, and to Sara Jafari about getting a second chance at love in her new novel PEOPLE CHANGE.
Our book club book this month is Jessica George’s MAAME. Jess will join Anna to shine a light on her highly-anticipated book.
Click here to donate to Afrori books.
You can follow us on Instagram at @btnbookclub and If you have an idea for the show, email it to us at btnbookclub@gmail.com.
Christmas is over for another year, and on this episode, we’re bringing you three exciting interviews with Brighton writers to help inspire your reading for 2023. I talk to PD Viner about his crime thrillers and his community-based writing routine. I speak to author of Ridley Road, Jo Bloom, about her new book permission which explores non-monogamy in a marriage, and I speak to writer, podcaster and all around Brighton man-about-down, David Bramwell about his exciting projects.
Our book club book this month is Women’s Prize long listed THE FINAL REVIVAL OF OPAL AND NEV by Dawnie Walton.
We’ve got a jam-packed Christmas special for you this month. We speak to five writers of Christmas books: Hayley Webster, Alexandra Benedict, Andy Leach, Lotte James and Lizzie Huxley-Jones.
I’m joined by Elizabeth Perry who runs through the top 5 fiction and non fiction bestsellers this year and suggest her alternative recommendations that you may not have heard of but need to know about. Subscribe to her newsletter here.
I also speak to Yasmin Floyer about our Book Club Book, Claire Keegan’s short but powerful SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE.Â
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On this episode of the Brighton Book Club, we speak to Brighton icon and crime writer extraordinaire Peter James about everything from bringing the internet to Sussex, to shadowing the police, to the real life Roy Grace. We discuss the kindle Storyteller Award with Ann Girdharry, and we discuss this month’s book club book TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin with two readers and book lovers, Laura Price and Lucy Hooft.Â
Stay in touch with us on Instagram and email us at btnbookclub@gmail.com
We love books and we love Brighton and we love books set in Brighton! Anna is joined by Jamie West, Daren Kay, Sue Teddern and Alison Belsham who talk all about their books set in our fine city. Anna is also joined by Rachelle Atalla to discuss this month's book club book, THE PHARMACIST.
Our next book club book is Gabrielle Zevin's Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow.Â
This episode is packed full of great upcoming book events in Brighton and Sussex as well as some great local authors and publishers. We also discuss this summer’s hottest rom com, HONEY & SPICE by Bolu Babalola.
We speak to William Shaw about Fatal Shore as part of Shoreham Festval next month; Lesley Wood about The Coast is Queer Festival, Susannah Stevenson about Charleston’s Small Wonder Festival. Mark Thompson joins Caitlin to talk about his new book ETERNAL CITY out with Sussex based RedDoor press; and I talk to Brighton writer Helen Trevorrow about her book NEW BRIGHTON followed by a discussion about this month’s book HONEY AND SPICE with the book’s editor, Katie Packer.Â
We are back from our summer break with a jam-packed show. We speak to the new owner of Kemptown Bookshop, Cathy Haywood, about her plans for the shop as well as YA specialist, Remony Hart about her plans for the new YA and kids’ section. Caitlin Gleeson speaks to Lily Lindon about her new book DOUBLE BOOKED, and I interviewed Cate Quinn about one of this summer’s hottest thriller, BLOOD SISTERS.
We are also joined by the author of this month’s book club Chloe Timms’ to talk about her wonderful novel, THE SEAWOMEN. The Book Club is also available as a podcast which you can download from wherever you get yours.Â
Our next book club book is HONEY AND SPICE by Bolu Babalola. The Book Club is also available as a podcast, where you can download from wherever you get your podcasts. You can get in touch with us on Instagram at @btnbookclub and email us at btnbookclub@gmail.com. If you’re interested in sponsoring an episode, get in touch!Â
It’s our Summer Reads Special and we have a jam-packed episode for you this month, full of fabulous book recommendations from Caitlin Gleeson at City Books, a great interview with Laura Kay about her Brighton-based new book TELL ME EVERYTHING, a chat with Carolynn Bain about Brighton’s very own Book Festival at the end of June. We also have the pleasure of speaking to the author of this month’s book club book, Dolen Perkins Valdez about her spellbinding novel TAKE MY HAND. And to top it off, we speak to J.E. Seuk about her role in creating Brighton and Beyond, an exciting new anthology! We’ll be taking a short break over the summer but will be back at the end of July with a new show. If you’re missing great book and author content, you’ll be able to find Anna over at global writing club, Jericho Writers, where she heads up their online and offline events programme. Their Summer Festival of Writing is free to members at just under £11 a month. For this, you can catch over 30 events with some wonderful writers such as Louise O’Neill, Paula Hawkins, Manjeet Mann, Cathy Rentzenbrink, and the author of our next book club book, Chloe Timms, who's debut novel THE SEAWOMEN is out very soon!
On this episode, we take a deep dive into one of this year’s most highly anticipated thrillers DO NO HARM with Brighton-based writer Jack Jordan, who also sticks around to talk about our book club book FINGERSMITH by Sarah Waters. We talk to our wonderful sponsor Brighton Fringe and Hammer and Tongue tell us about their poetry slams and we also talk poetry with bookseller and writer Erica Gillingham, who's new collection THE HUMAN BODY IS A HIVE is out now.
Our next episode is a Summer Reads special and we’ll be talking to Laura Kay amongst some other fab writers with books out this summer as well as hearing about the very exciting Brighton and Beyond anthology which I’m honoured to have worked on. Our next book club book is Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s TAKE MY HAND.
On this episode, we talk to three Brighton-based writers of Historical fiction: Fran Quinn, author of THE SMALLEST MAN, Jacquie Bloese, author of THE FRENCH HOUSE and Caraline Brown, author of THE CANDLELIT MENAGERIE. Caitlin Gleeson speaks to art historian and curator Alexandra Loske, curator at Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museums, and Anna discusses this month’s book club book – Toni Morrison's only short story – RECITATIF with fellow book podcaster, Sarah Ozo-Irabor from Books & Rhymes.
Our next episode is a Brighton Fringe special We’ll be joined by some amazing guests who are performing at the landmark festival. Their programme is out now, so get booking your tickets! We’ll also be joined by Brighton-based thriller writer, Jack Jordan, introducing his forthcoming book, DO NO HARM. Our next book club book – inspired by Jack – is Sarah Walters’ Fingersmith.
This month, we talk to authors who take three very different periods in history and use them to form their fiction. Brighton-based Alice O’Keeffe’s new book SKYLARK explores the controversial SpyCops scandal of the 90s; local writer Nofel Nawras' book BRIGHTON FUNK is a coming-of-age story of a mixed-race teenager, dealing with the turbulent period of adolescence in Brighton in the 1970s and Melissa Fu, whose novel PEACH BLOSSOM SPRING is inspired by her own families’ history in China from the 1930s to the present day. We also talk to Creative Future about their Writers Awards for underrepresented writers which are open now for entries. As ever you can get in touch with us on Instagram at @btnbookclub and email us at btnbookclub@gmail.com.
Mentioned in the show: * Jess Philips Launch * Gig Buddies signup * How To Make Your Company Famous * My Asian Summer * Cordybead
Buy our next book club book, RECITATIF.
On the first Brighton Book Club episode of of 2022, we’re talking new beginnings. Lisa Edwards, Sussex author of CHEAT PLAY LIVE, joins us to talk about the book that follows the author as she starts again in her forties and redefines what it traditionally to be a woman. We walk to Beth Miller about her new book THE WOMAN WHO CAME BACK TO LIFE, about losing yourself and finding yourself, and having the courage to start again. Caitlin Gleeson talks to local author Jo Furniss about the Hove Creative Writing Club, a group that meets weekly in Hove to learn from experts and write without distraction. Our Book Club Book is UNSETTLED GROUND, by Claire Fuller – a writer who ‘started again’ as an author in her forties – and joins us to talk about her multi prize-shortlisted novel. Our next book club book is Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu. A bold and moving look at the history of modern China, it is told through the story of one family and spans 1938-2005 in China, Taiwan and the USA. It’s an epic, powerful and intensely personal debut about war, migration, family, and the search for a place to belong. After a short break, we’ll be back with a new show on February 27th. Do get in touch with your ideas for the show at btnbookclub@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @btnbookclub. If you’re a business in Brighton who’d like a boost, email us to find out about affordable sponsorship opportunities.
On this episode of the Brighton Book Club, We have a BUMPER recommendation special. Caitlin Gleeson from City Books runs us through their top 10 bestsellers; Elizabeth Perry gives us her alternative suggestions and Carolynn Bain, founder of Brighton's Afrori Books runs us through her top six book-buying suggestions.
We also talk to Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta, co-writers of this month's book club book, THE VIEW WAS EXHAUSTING.Â
On this episode of the Brighton Book Club, we take a deep dive into the Man Booker longlist with KD Books, talk to founder of the Brighton Book Shop, Lois, about their LGBTQIA+ charity bookselling venture and Evie Wyld joins us to discuss this month's book club book, THE BASS ROCK.Â
On this episode of the Brighton Book Club, we hear from local author of LOVE IS THE ANSWER, Ben Craib, talk to avid reader Laura Mugridge about the Women's Prize shortlist (plus bonus material on Sally Rooney and Jessie Cave's SUNSET), to artist and creator of COMA, a graphic novel depicting the author's 15-day medically induced coma, Zara Slattery, and to Heidi James, author of WOUNDING, this month's book club book.
Local bookseller and journalist, Caitlin Gleeson talks to local artist and writer, Lulu Allison, about her new book SALT LICK which has just been released with Unbound after a crowdfunding campaign.
Find out more: https://luluallison.net/
On this month's episode of the Brighton Book Club, Anna talks to founder of The Bookmakers, William Shaw, about this new bookshop run by writers for writers. She also talks to Cathy Hayward about her new book, THE GIRL IN THE MAZE, out soon. Local journalist and bookseller Caitlin Gleeson interviews Sussex-based bestselling crime writer Sheila Bugler and we end the show with an extended interview with the author of our book club book, AFTERLOVE, Tanya Byrne.
We’re really excited to have two sponsors on board for this month's episode of the Brighton Book Club: Pre-Loved Clothing and UnBarred brewery. Anna talks to PreLoved’s founder, Vanessa, about the shop and about her most loved books. Local journalist and bookseller Caitlin Gleeson interviews two collectors of pre-loved books; Jeremy Carson from The Antiquarian Book Company and Nash from Much Ado Books in Alfreston. She also interviews local romance author Emma Jackson and hear her read from her new book SLEEPLESS IN SICILY. She also has a beer with the team at UnBarred Taproom to discuss their plans for pride this year. Our book club book is Joanna Troloppe’s CITY OF FRIENDS. Find out why she didn’t finish it later in the show.
We're delighted to have a sponsor for this month's episode of the Brighton Book Club in the shape of Brighton's Amnesty Bookshop. Anna spent the morning learning about the shop and speaks to long-standing volunteer, Tony. She also speaks to Amnesty’s Nicky Parker who is head of literature programming for children and Rowena Seabrook who is heads of human rights education. Local author Meldy Razak discusses her new book MOTH about a families' experience of Partition in India, while Iranian poet Fatemah Shams discusses poetry and displacement.
We also discuss Lisa Allen Agostini's book THE BREAD THE DEVIL KNEAD, out now with Brighton-based Myriad Editions.
Our next book club book is Joanna Trollope's CITY OF FRIENDS.
You can get in touch with us on Instagram at @btnbookclub and email us at btnbookclub@gmail.com. If you’re interested in sponsoring an episode, get in touch!Â
This jam-packed episode features three Brighton authors:
Ericka Waller, Beth Miller and Anna Jefferson discussing their new and forthcoming books; an interview with Phoebe from Off The Shelf Podcast and a discussion of Anna Bailey's debut novel, Tall Bones with KD Books.
Get in contact via Instagram @btnbookclub and via email at btnbookclub@gmail.com. More info about our next book club book, THE BREAD THE DEVIL KNEAD.
Music by Kane Aris at Atom Collection
On this episode of the Brighton Book Club, Anna asks four wonderful authors about their new books and what their favourites are.
Holly Seddon discusses THE HIT LIST and waxes lyrical about IN THE END IT WAS ALL ABOUT LOVE
Emma Jane Unsworth introduces us to hew new book AFTER THE STORM and tells us about her favourite book, THE PANOPTICON
Sophie Flynn talks about her debut thriller ALL MY LIES and her favourite recent read TALL BONES
Alice Ash reads from her first collection of short stories, PARADISE LOST, and tells us why she loves Shirley Jackson’s WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE
Get in contact via Instagram @btnbookclub and via email at btnbookclub@gmail.com More info about our next book club book, TALL BONES
Music by Kane Aris at Atom Collection
If you’ve heard the Reverb show and are wondering what the rest song is, it’s EAT YOUR GREENZ by Eliza Legzdina
Anna speaks to Susannah Stevenson about the Charleston Festival Edit.
From 9–11 April, Charleston Festival Editpresents three digital events with leading thinkers, writers and artists, interdisciplinary conversations, readings and performances that are the hallmark of Charleston Festival. One event will premiere on Charleston’s website each evening at 7pm (BST) and will be available for audiences to enjoy on demand until 16 May.
Exploring art, economics, film, literature, music and society, the Charleston Festival Edit will give audiences a digital bite-sized snapshot of what the ten-day Charleston Festival normally looks like and which is usually held annually at Charleston in East Sussex in May.
Tickets are available to buy now, and can be purchased at www.charleston.org.uk
On this episode, Anna talks to four wonderful authors based in or around the Brighton area.
Lisa Heathfield introduces her book SUCH PRETTY THINGS
Joanna Rees/Josie Lloyd talks about her forthcoming CANCER LADIES RUNNING CLUB
Sarah Ann Juckes discusses her new YA book THE WORLD BETWEEN US
and comedian and podcaster Rosie Wilby talks all things THE BREAKUP MONOLOGUES
Anna also talks to Matt at Brighton-based Creative Future about their literary awards which are open for submissions now, as well as talking about Caleb Azumah-Nelson's OPEN WATER
Get in contact via Instagram @btnbookclub and via email at btnbookclub@gmail.com
More info about our next book club book, BLACK BUCK
Music by Kane Aris at Atom Collection
In this episode of the Brighton Book Club, Anna explores books in translation. She talks to translator and author of 50 SOUNDS (out soon with Fitzcarraldo Editions, Polly Barton, Literary Scout Soraya Bouazzaoui and local book blogger Kit Winks about the International Man Booker Prize. She speaks to Rufus Purdy who has recently started a literary agency in Brighton and to the team at the Page Turner Awards which are open for submissions now. This month’s book club book was Danish author and poet Tove Ditlevsen’s novel, THE FACES. Local writer and theatre maker Laura Mugridge joins the conversation. Stay in contact with the show by following us on Instagram @btnbookclub and emailing btnbookclub@gmail.com. If you'd like to read ahead for next month's Local Author Special, get your hands on a copy of Caleb Azumah Nelson’s debut novel OPEN WATER (Penguin) More info about this month's guests: Polly Barton and 50 SOUNDS: https://www.waterstones.com/book/fifty-sounds/polly-barton/9781913097509
Soraya Bouazzaoui: https://twitter.com/halalltakeaway
Kitty Winks: https://www.instagram.com/kit_reads/
Rufus/Two Piers Agency: https://twopiersagency.com/
The Page Turner Awards: https://pageturnerawards.com/
Laura Mugridge: https://twitter.com/MugridgeMagic
In this episode of The Brighton Book Club, Anna is back from a short break over Christmas and New Year to talk about books and mental health.
She speaks to local author Kate Bradley about how her career in mental health and social services inspired her new book, WHAT I DID. Thando Mgqolozana tells Anna about his book A MAN WHO IS NOT A MAN which explores gender, masculinity and mental health in South Africa. Sussex based Jasper Gibson talks about his book THE OCTOPUS MAN, a first person narrative exploring voice-hearing, drug trials and stigma based on a true story, and journalist and broadcaster Claudia Hammond discusses the fascinating research behind her book THE ART OF REST.
Stay in contact with the show by following us on Instagram @btnbookclub and emailing btnbookclub@gmail.com.
If you'd like to read ahead for next month's show on Books in Translation, get your hands on a copy of Danish author Tove Ditlevsen's THE FACES (Penguin Modern Classics)
More info about this month's guests:
- Kate Bradley: https://www.katebradley.co.uk/
- Thando Mgqolozana: https://twitter.com/thando_mgqo
- Jasper Gibson: https://www.weidenfeldandnicolson.co.uk/titles/jasper-gibson/the-octopus-man/9781474616102/
- Claudia Hammond: https://claudiahammond.com/
Cipher Press's open submissions window: https://www.cipherpress.co.uk/submissions
On this episode of the Brighton Book Club, Anna speaks to local graphic novelist and author of SHAME PUDDING, Danny Noble; Local publisher and editor of graphic novels Corinne Pearlman; Jenny Robins, author of BISCUITS (ASSORTED), Doctor of graphic novels and comics, Nicola Streeten and comics review site Broken Frontier's director, Andy Oliver. We have our annual Christmas gift guide from former City Books bookseller Elizabeth Perry, a discussion of Elizabeth Okoh’s THE RETURNEES and Reverb host Chris Gardener interviews Kizzy Gardener who runs Shelter Book Club. Get in contact with the show by emailing btnbookclub@gmail.com, follow us on instagram at @btnbookclub or tweet Anna at @annamburtt. Links from the show: Danny Noble: https://www.instagram.com/mundy_morn/?hl=en
Corinne Pearlman: https://myriadeditions.com/about/
Jenny Robins: https://jennyrobins.com/
Nicola Streeten: https://nicolastreeten.wordpress.com/
Andy Oliver: https://twitter.com/AndyWPOliver
Broken Frontier: https://www.brokenfrontier.com/
Elizabeth Perry: https://www.instagram.com/ec.reads/?hl=en
Elizabeth Okoh: https://elizabethokoh.com/
Lucy Kent: https://twitter.com/LucyCharlotteK
Shelter Book Club: https://www.shelterbox.org/book-club/
On this episode of the Brighton Book Club, Anna is joined by book blogger Jules Swain. Connected by their mutual frustration at the publishing industry, Jules and Anna choose four authors who they feel you should know about. They also discuss Mary Loudon’s steamy novel MY HOUSE IS FALLING DOWN. Anna also talks to Brighton-based writer Katy Massey, whose new book ARE WE HOME YET is out soon with Jacaranda. Stay in contact with the show by following us on Instagram @btnbookclub and emailing btnbookclub@gmail.com. Read our next book club book ahead of the next episode: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/elizabeth-okoh/the-returnees/9781529380552/
Links to all authors and books mentioned on the episode: Nigel Stewart https://nigelstewart2017.wixsite.com/website
Karen Powell https://twitter.com/karenlpowell1
Clare Chambers https://twitter.com/claredchambers
Charlotte Levin https://www.charlottelevin.com/
Stuart Evers https://twitter.com/StuartEvers
Liz Okoh https://elizabethokoh.com/
Serena Kaur https://www.serenakaur.com/
Phil Bowne https://linktr.ee/Philbowne
Katy Massey https://www.katymassey.com/
Anna talks all things book to screen with film fanatic and ex-Brightonian Laura Lockington, comedian and writer Emily Benita and author of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh. She discusses our latest book club book, SUPPER CLUB by Lara Williams with local poet and theatre-maker, Laura Mugridge.
Stay up-to-date with the Brighton Book Club on Instagram at @btnbookclub and email your thoughts to btnbookclub@gmail.com.
Music from Eliza Legzdina
In this extra special slice of the show, Anna talks to Brighton-based comics laureate Hannah Berry and local graphic novelist Hannah Eaton about Eaton's excellent new book, BLACKWOOD; a tour de force of folk horror in graphic novel form.
More info about BLACKWOOD.
Hannah Berry's website
Hannah Eaton's Instagram
On this episode of the Brighton Book Club, Anna speaks to five local authors: Gill Thompson, Heidi James, Nick Raistrick, Sharon Duggal and Mark Radcliffe. She discusses Paul Mendez' RAINBOW MILK and announces a LIVE event in October with comedian and author of THE OTHER MOTHER, Jen Brister.
Gill Thompson: https://www.wordkindling.co.uk/welcome
Heidi James: https://heidijames.me/about/
Nick Raistrick: https://nickraistrick.com/
Sharon Duggal: http://sharonduggal.com/about/
Mark Radcliffe: https://www.valleypressuk.com/author/111/mark_a_radcliffe
Rainbow Milk: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/paul-mendez-2/rainbow-milk/9780349700571/
Music from Atom Collection: https://soundcloud.com/atomcollection2
and
Sarah Vian: www.saravianmusic.com
Anna speaks to Eliza Clark about her fantastically dark, slightly disturbing novel but utterly brilliant novel, Boy Parts. They talk everything from photography, to psychology, to objectification, to class and the publishing industry.
Buy Boy Parts here
Follow Eliza on Twitter and Instagram at @FancyEliza
Anna speaks to Erica Gillingham who works at Gay's The Word in London, to Jenn Thompson - the co-founder of new queer publisher Cipher Press, writer and activist Juno Roche discusses their new book GENDER EXPLORERS, and Anna talks everything from trans representation in literature to what queer books are coming up with book blogger Jay.
The episode is jam-packed with recommendations, musings on representation, insights into diversity and more.
Erica's website: https://www.ericagillingham.com/
Gays The Word: https://twitter.com/gaystheword
Cipher Press: https://www.cipherpress.co.uk/
Juno Roche: https://twitter.com/JustJuno1
Jay: https://www.instagram.com/and.yet.the.books/
In this episode of the Brighton Book Club, Anna talks to London poet and co-founder of Say It Back, Affly Johnson, about how her poems about love have changed over time; to local writer Jennifer Drewett about her screenplay-in-progress which depicts non-conventional love stories; to local author Joanna Rees – who has a new book out now called THE HIDDEN WIFE – about how to write believable love stories and the VERY ROMANTIC story of how she met her husband; and she discusses André Aciman's CALL ME BY YOUR NAME with local book bloggers @theroamingreader and @letztalkaboutbooksbaby.
Links from the episode:
On Instagram:
@sayitbacklondon
@msjenniferdrewett / @coronationsoap
@josielloydwriter
@theroamingreader
@letztalkaboutbooksbaby
Buy The Hidden Wife:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hidden-Wife-Stitch-Time-ebook/dp/B083K9RH7P
Buy New Daughters of Africa: https://myriadeditions.com/books/new-daughters-of-africa-paperback/#buynowmodal
Time For A Story: http://www.storygoblins.com/
New Writing South: https://newwritingsouth.com/
Music from:
Mrisi Music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTNKiGhn5Xxc6LMHJP1X_Pw
Mink: https://soundcloud.com/minkband
On this episode of The Brighton Book Club, Anna discusses the joys of re-reading, lockdown reading, coming-of-age novels - and asks her guests what we should all have on our TBR piles.
Anna is joined (virtually) this month by Laura Lockington, who discusses her lockdown reading experiences (and letdowns.) Michelle Donkin and Andrew Allen from Cast Iron speak about the pleasure and comfort to be found in re-reading and their ever-growing ‘to-read’ pile. The joyful Sarah Ozo-Irabor from Books and Rhymes, rounds off the podcast with the transformative power of re-reading and how coming-of-age novels still shape her favourite books today.Â
The Book Club book this month is JULET TAKES A BREATH by Gabby Rivera: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/621079/juliet-takes-a-breath-by-gabby-rivera/
Follow us on Instagram at @bntbookclub or drop us an email at btnbookclub@gmail.com
Music: https://soundcloud.com/atomcollection2
We hear from Brighton-born poet and writer, Cecilia Knapp. Cecilia talks about Brighton, the city that inspired much of her writing including her most recent play, Losing The Night (currently rescheduled for September at Brighton's Old Market). Cecilia is running weekly poetry groups online and you can find out more about her work here http://ceciliaknapp.com/bio, and support her at https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32154295
Previous Brighton Book Club guest, and author of ESCAPE ROUTES, Naomi Ishiguro, has given us a short story prompt for any writers struggling to stay focused and motivated.Â
In this bonus episode of The Brighton Book Club, Anna talks to local writer and journalist Jo Furniss, whose work features in a brand new anthology of crime fiction, AFRAID OF THE LIGHT alongside some huge names in the genre. All proceeds from the book go to supporting the amazing work the Samaritans do.
Find out more about Jo and her work here: http://www.jofurniss.com/
eBook: https://amzn.to/3aHGtNl
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2KCQHUv
On this episode of the Brighton Book Club, Anna features a host of local poets who talk (remotely) about what it means to be a poet in Brighton, read from their work and shine a light on poems that reflect the strange times we're living in.
The book club this month is PONTI by Sharlene Teo, who joins Anna via Zoom to talk about the book.
Get in contact on Twitter @annamburtt; on Instagram at @btnbookclub or email us at btnbookclub@gmail.com.
Laura Mugridge: http://www.thefoodlife.info/blog
Jackie Wills: http://jackiewillspoetry.blogspot.com/
Rachel Shorer: https://rachelshorer.com/
John McCullough: https://www.johnmccullough.co.uk/
Lucy Cage: https://twitter.com/lucycage
Sharlene Teo:Â https://www.instagram.com/strangelikeness/?hl=en
Anna speaks to bestselling novelist Elizabeth Haynes about her police career, her writing of crime and psychological thrillers and the research behind her latest book, THE MURDER OF HARRIET OF MONCKTON. Out now in paperback and available via Audible!Â
On this episode of the Brighton Book Club, Anna talks to loads of local crime writers, including Dorothy Koomson, Elly Griffiths, Julia Crouch and William Shaw. She discusses the Domestic Noir book club at the Brighton Library, and hears from a local emerging author.
The book club this month is MY SISTER THE SERIAL KILLER by Oyin Braithwaite.
Get in contact on Twitter @annamburtt; on Instagram at @btnbookclub or email us at btnbookclub@gmail.com.
It’s double publication day for two wonderful local authors, Eleanor Wood and Cat Walker. Anna had the pleasure of talking to them both about their books before the virus hit (thank goodness). The kind people at HarperCollins and RedDoor have given us some books to give away. I can not stress enough how much Cat and Eleanor’s books will cheer you up during these strange times. Please note that both launches will not be taking place in bookshops and venues as planned. This is a huge blow to authors, and they need your support now more than ever. A review goes a long way!
I’m going to send 4 sets out to 4 people (not 5 as mentioned in podcast, sorry!) Follow Cat and Eleanor on Instagram, subscribe to the podcast and comment below the post, tagging a friend. UK only. Mailing subject to restrictions. Ends 20/3/2020 9am.
This month we're looking at how literature and music collide. Our guests are Sarah Ozo-Irabor, whose podcast BOOKS AND RHYMES pairs authors with songs; Paul Simmonds, a local musician making the transition to author with his draft of THE HAUNTED SEA; and Bethan Roberts, whose latest novel GRACELAND delves into Elvis Presley (the paperback is out this month!)
Our book club this month is AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE by Tayari Jones. Next month we're reading MY SISTER THE SERIAL KILLER by Oyikan Braithwaite - read along with us and send us your thoughts.
As always get in touch via btnbookclub@gmail.com, on twitter (@annamburtt) or instagram (@btnbookclub).
Links:
Books and Rhymes Podcast
Twitter: @bethanroberts8, @Booksandrhymes & @tayari
Anna talks to local artist and writer, Lulu Allison, about her new book SALT LICK which is currently being crowdfunded on Unbound.
Support the project here:Â https://unbound.com/books/salt-lick/
Anna talks to three local book bloggers: @theroamingreader, @always_need_more_books and @readbyaaron about what it means to be a book blogger, the issues they face, their favourite books of all time and the ones they're looking forward to.
Special thanks to Amanda at @bookishchat for giving us some great talking points.
Let us know what you think via Instagram @btnbookclub, Twitter @annamburtt or via email at btnbookclub@gmail.com
Local bookseller Elizabeth Perry takes us through her favourite Short Stories.
Remember to catch up on Chapter 4, it's all about the Short Story, and we're joined in the studio by: Naomi Ishiguro, whose debut collection ESCAPE ROUTES comes out in February with Headline; Emerging Short Story writer and blogger Victoria Adeniji West; Brighton resident, author of several novels & a forthcoming Short Story collection, SHE CLOWN, Hannah Vincent; Brighton Book Club regular, Elizabeth Perry, discussing her favourite short story collections; plus we chat about of this month's book club pick, THE HEARTSICK DIASPORA, by Elaine Chiew.
Next month's book club book is AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE by Tayari
Jones. If you’d like to read along, Oneworld have given us a couple of copies. Drop us a message on Instagram or an email and we'll get one to you.
Chapter 5 is a music special with local author Bethan Roberts, whose new book GRACELAND maps the relationship between Elvis Presley and his mother. We'll be talking to local musician turned writer Paul Simmonds and we're VERY excited to have a co-host in the shape of Sarah Ozo-Irabor who hosts the excellent Books and Rhymes podcast, which puts a musical twist on your favourite books.
In events news, Anna's hosting a panel event at Unbarred Brewery and Taproom on February 11th. We’ll be talking to three women who are ‘doing love differently’ and will feature Lucy Fry – a writer and journalist whose new book EWTSILY is out with Myriad Editions in February. It’s a memoir about polyamory, parenting, sex and love. Writer, comedian and former sex worker Miranda Kane and a-sexual, a-romantic activist Yasmin Benoir will also be on the panel. Get your tickets here.
Send us your thoughts on the show via btnbookclub@gmail.com or tweet Anna at @annamburtt.
Bigger's not always better, right?! This month's episode is all about the Short Story, and we're joined in the studio by: Naomi Ishiguro, whose debut collection ESCAPE ROUTES comes out in February with Headline; Emerging Short Story writer and blogger Victoria Adeniji West; Brighton resident, author of several novels & a forthcoming Short Story collection, SHE CLOWN, Hannah Vincent; Brighton Book Club regular, Elizabeth Perry, discussing her favourite short story collections; plus we chat about of this month's book club pick, THE HEARTSICK DIASPORA, by Elaine Chiew.
Don’t forget, you can order SHE CLOWN and THE HEARTSICK DIASPORA with 25% off and free UK P&P via the Myriad website using the code BTNBOOKCLUB.
Next month's book club book is AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE by Tayari Jones. If you’d like to read along, Oneworld have given us a couple of copies. Drop us a message on Instagram or an email and we'll get one to you.
Chapter 5 is a music special with local author Bethan Roberts, whose new book GRACELAND maps the relationship between Elvis Presley and his mother. We'll be talking to local musician turned writer Paul Simmonds and we're VERY excited to have a co-host in the shape of Sarah Ozo-Irabor who hosts the excellent Books and Rhymes podcast, which puts a musical twist on your favourite books.
In events news, Anna's hosting a panel event at Unbarred Brewery and Taproom on February 11th. We’ll be talking to three women who are ‘doing love differently’ and will feature Lucy Fry – a writer and journalist whose new book EASIER WAYS TO SAY I LOVE YOU is out with Myriad Editions in February. It’s a memoir about polyamory, parenting, sex and love. Writer, comedian and former sex worker Miranda Kane and a-sexual, a-romantic activist Yasmin Benoir will also be on the panel. Get your tickets here.
Send us your thoughts on the show via btnbookclub@gmail.com, tweet Anna at @annamburtt and follow us on Instagram at @btnbookclub.
A look at what's on in the next chapter, a special on Short Stories!Â
We're joined in the studio by: Naomi Ishiguro, whose debut collection ESCAPE ROUTES comes out in February with Headline; Emerging Short Story writer and blogger Victoria Adeniji West; Brighton resident, author of several novels & a forthcoming Short Story collection, SHE CLOWN, Hannah Vincent; Brighton Book Club regular, Elizabeth Perry, discussing her favourite short story collections; plus we chat about of this month's book club pick, THE HEARTSICK DIASPORA, by Elaine Chiew.
Next month's book club book is AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE by Tayari
Jones. If you’d like to read along, Oneworld have given us a couple of copies. Drop us a message on Instagram or an email and we'll get one to you.
Send us your thoughts on the show via btnbookclub@gmail.com or tweet Anna at @annamburtt.
Sarah Hutchings, who runs Young City Reads as the director of Collected Works CIC, explains the origins and intentions of the Big Read that begins across Brighton and Hove in March 2020. This year's book is MALAMANDER by Thomas Taylor.
Don't forget to listen to the full Young Adult Literature special, where Anna interviews Chris Riddell, local artist, author, and previous child laureate about his career; Sarah Ann Juckes on her new novel OUTSIDE; and a discussion of this month's book group pick, Dean Atta's THE BLACK FLAMINGO.
Send us your thoughts via btnbookclub@gmail.com or tweet Anna at @annamburtt.
In the Young Adult Literature special, Anna interviews Chris Riddell, local artist, author, and previous child laureate about his career; Sarah Ann Juckes on her new novel OUTSIDE; and a discussion of this month's book group pick, Dean Atta's THE BLACK FLAMINGO.
Send us your thoughts via btnbookclub@gmail.com or tweet Anna at @annamburtt.
For more information about, or to book a ticket to for Anna's next writing retreat on January 12th, follow this link: https://west-hill-day-retreat.eventbrite.co.uk
Introducing Chapter 3: a Young Adult special!
Remember to catch up on Chapter 2 where Anna speaks to the emerging authors behind BEAUTIFUL PLACE and A MORE PERFECT UNION; local bookseller Elizabeth from City Books gives us a guide to literary Christmas gifts; and Anna and Elizabeth discuss this month's Book Group pick, LEONARD AND HUNGRY PAUL by Ronan Hession.Â
Next month's book of the month is THE BLACK FLAMINGO by Dean Atta. Send us your thoughts via btnbookclub@gmail.com or tweet Anna at @annamburtt.
Local bookseller Elizabeth gives her Christmas Gift recommendations, for readers who like Sally Rooney, Bill Bryson, Paula Hawkins, Gail Honeyman and Lee Child - plus some books to get you in the festive mood.
Check out the full episode to hear from emerging authors Tammye Huf and Amanthi Harris, plus a discussion of the book group choice LEONARD AND HUNGRY PAUL by Ronan Hession.
Next month's Book Group pick is THE BLACK FLAMINGO by Dean Atta. Send your thoughts to Anna via btnbookclub@gmail.com or tweet her on @annamburtt.
Anna interviews Ruth Wainwright from the Feminist Bookshop, a new addition to Brighton's literary scene.
Check out the full episode to hear from emerging authors Tammye Huf and Amanthi Harris, plus a christmas gift guide from Elizabeth, a bookseller at City Books in Hove.
Next month's Book Group pick is THE BLACK FLAMINGO by Dean Atta. Send your thoughts to Anna via btnbookclub@gmail.com or tweet her on @annamburtt.
Anna speaks to the emerging authors behind A BEAUTIFUL PLACE and A MORE PERFECT UNION; local bookseller Elizabeth from City Books gives us a guide to literary Christmas gifts; and Anna and Elizabeth discuss this month's Book Group pick, LEONARD AND HUNGRY PAUL by Ronan Hession.Â
Next month's book of the month is THE BLACK FLAMINGO by Dean Atta. Send us your thoughts via btnbookclub@gmail.com or tweet Anna at @annamburtt.
What to look forward to in November's episode of the Brighton Book Club: emerging author Tammye Huff on her debut novel; a Christmas Gift guide from Elizabeth at City Books in Hove; Ronan Hessian's LEONARD AND HUNGRY PAUL from Bluemoose Books; and Amanthi Harris, author of BEAUTIFUL PLACE from Salt Publishing.
Emma Jane Unsworth discusses her second novel (and film) ANIMALS, a "rude and fierce riot about friendship, love - and the animals in all of us", in this bonus interview from Episode 1.
Hear more from Emma about her forthcoming novel ADULTS in the full episode, plus an interview with Lizzy Ridout on her debut poetry collection SUMMON, and a conversation about Lisa Taddeo's THREE WOMEN.
Next month’s book club book is LEONARD AND HUNGRY PAUL by Ronan Hessian. Anna has three copies to give to people in Brighton and Hove who’d like to get involved! Tweet her at @annamburtt to get one.
On the first episode of the Brighton Book Club, Anna talks to local author, screenwriter and journalist Emma Jane Unsworth about her forthcoming book, ADULTS. She interviews one of the winners of SPOTLIGHT BOOKS – a collaboration between Brighton organisations Myriad Editions, New Writing South and Creative Future – Lizzie Ridout, who reads from her forthcoming collection of poems, SUMMON. Lizzie and Anna discuss Lisa Taddeo’s book, THREE WOMEN, and talk about what’s going on in the city this month.
Next month’s book club book is LEONARD AND HUNGRY PAUL by Ronan Hessian. Anna has three copies to give to people in Brighton and Hove who’d like to get involved! Tweet her at @annamburtt to get one.
For more info about Anna’s next writing retreat in Brighton: https://westhilldayretreat.eventbrite.co.uk/
Anna Burtt introduces the Brighton Book Club and how you can get involved with the show!