4.20 Quarterly Reading Stats #2
After a brief hiatus, I am back with a very late quarterly reading stats episode! In this episode I talk you through my reading stats from the past three months, plus I highlight three favourite reads!
4.19 Green Light: Gatsby and Lorde
Lorde’s song Green Light is not about the infamous green light featured in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel The Great Gatsby … So then why do so many people think it is? In this week’s audio essay, I analyse and compare the green lights in both Green Light and The Great Gatsby. I try to understand why, like Gatsby, artists and audiences keep coming back to the green light.
4.18 Video Essayists You Should Watch
What do I use as reference and inspiration? This week I’m giving you a look behind the scenes and sharing with you some of my favourite YouTube video essayists. These creators inspire me both in my personal life and for the podcast, so I hope you find something for you, too.
4.17 The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Our May book club discussion is here! This month our pick was the 1961 novella The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark.
4.16 Why I Stopped Rating Books
At the start of 2021, I stopped giving books a star rating. Why? Listen to find out!
4.15 Jane Austen - Author Spotlight #2
Don’t know where to start with Jane Austen? You’ve come to the right place! Welcome to the second instalment of a new series on The Community Library: Author Spotlight! This week I’m talking about one of the most influential authors in the English language: Jane Austen.
4.14 What Book You Should Read Next
Don’t know what to read next? In this episode, I recommend YOU, the listeners, your next read. I asked you on Instagram for very specific criteria, so I could have the best chance of getting it right!
4.13 Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability and Making Space by Amanda Leduc
April’s book club pick was the nonfiction book Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability and Making Space by Amanda Leduc. In this episode I discuss my thoughts on the book, and summarise some of its key ideas and concepts.
4.12 Siobhan Sheehan's Bookshelf
As well as being a podcast host and a bookworm, I am also an actor! And this past week has seen the release of TV show I’m in called Mare of Easttown. To celebrate this show’s release, I wanted to do a podcast episode themed to the show, so today I’m going to be talking about some of the books I think you’d find on my character’s bookshelf.
4.11 Elizabeth Acevedo - Author Spotlight #1
Don’t know where to start with an acclaimed author? Welcome to the first of a new series on The Community Library: Author Spotlight! This first episode is about YA contemporary author Elizabeth Acevedo. I talk about her career as an author, give you a rundown of all three of her novels, plus I recommend where to start with her works.
4.10 Quarterly Reading Stats #1
How has the first quarter of the year gone for you? Mine has definitely had its ups and downs, but I’m glad to be spending some time with my family for the Easter long weekend. In this episode I chat you through some of my reading statistics, and three of my favourite books I read in the last three months.
4.9 Persepolis with Maija
Our book club discussion is finally here! My friend Maija and I discuss the YA graphic novel Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi – the art style, the coming-of-age storyline, and our different experiences with graphic novels.
4.7 "But That's the Point"
Why do I hate the phrase “But that’s the point?” In this short essay-style episode, I unpack the anatomy of this phrase, its use, and why it should forever be banned. Not to be dramatic.
4.6 A Very Casual Chat with my Sister, Kalliope
“How’s year twelve going? What movies have you loved recently? What’s your Instagram?” And many more questions answered by everyone’s favourite Community Library guest, my sister Kalliope. She was kind enough to take time out of her busy study schedule to once again grace your ears with her witty jokes and controversial opinions.
4.5 Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson: Review and Discussion
What did you all think of February’s book club pick, Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson? I loved it – such a powerful story about music, fame and power. I also talk about some of the discussion topics you suggested on Instagram!
4.4 What do Shakespeare and Taylor Swift Have in Common?
What’s a 400-year-old poem got to do with a 2012 breakup song? Well, more than you might think … This week I critically analyse and compare Shakespeare’s Sonnet 35 and Taylor Swift’s I Knew You Were Trouble. I discuss iambic pentameter, double standards, and the importance of analysing our pop culture.
4.3 Interview with Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell
This week I interviewed Australian authors (and sisters!) Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell about their latest book, Searching for Charlotte. Searching for Charlotte is a biblio-memoir that chronicles Kate and Belinda’s journey of writing about their ancestor, Charlotte Waring Atkinson, the author of Australia’s first children’s book.
4.2 Matching Books with Albums
Have you ever listened to an album that you wish had been written as a book, as well? Have you ever read a book and wished you could experience the story as a song? Well, look no further, my friends! This week I’m recommending books based on some of your favourite albums. From Dua Lipa to Harry Styles to Arctic Monkeys, there’s a book (and an album) for everyone.
4.1 What I Read on Holiday
To the new listeners, welcome! To the old friends who’ve listened before, welcome back! It’s a new year and a new season of the podcast. To kick things off, I’m talking about all the books I read while I was on holiday: the good, the not so good, and the Christmassy.
3.22 The Community Library Reading Awards 2020
It’s the season finale! And in this episode, this year’s winners of The Community Library Reading Awards are announced! From most surprising book, to favourite translated fiction, to best pandemic read, I highlight seventeen of my favourite books this year.