Best Book Forward

Get ready for a heartwarming and hilarious send-off to Season 2! Today I’m delighted to be joined by the incredible Clare Pooley, author of the bestselling How to Age Disgracefully.Interview Highlights:Inspiration Behind the Novel: Discover what sparked Clare's idea for How to Age Disgracefully.Flawed Characters: Explore Clare's love for writing flawed characters.Real-Life Inspirations: Hear about Clare's connections to Bridget Jones and Thelma & Louise, and how these iconic characters influenced her.Five Books That Shaped Her Life: Discover the literary influences that have shaped Clare's writing journey, from classic Austen to contemporary favourites.Book List:Emma by Jane AustenBridget Jones's Diary by Helen FieldingRachel's Holiday by Marian KeyesOne Day by David NichollsTales of the City by Armistead MaupinThat's a wrap on Season 2 of Best Book Forward! We've had an incredible time exploring the literary world with our amazing guests. Thank you to Catherine Newman, Nikki May, Marianne Cronin, Susan Fletcher, Josie Fletcher, and Clare Pooley for sharing their insights and passion for books.Stay tuned for exciting news about Season 3! Follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses.See you soon, bookworms

Welcome back to Best Book Forward! The podcast where we delve into the books that have shaped our favourite authors' lives. Think of it as your literary Desert Island Discs.Today, I'm thrilled to have the incredible Josie Ferguson join us. Josie is the author of the highly acclaimed debut novel, The Silence in Between, shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Prize 2024.In this episode, we'll explore the world of Josie's poignant story, discussing themes of sexual violence, trauma, and the resilience of women in times of trouble.As always we’ll also look at the five books that have shaped Josie’s life which were.Pippi Longstocking by Astrid LindgrenSweet Valley High created by Francine PascalThe Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz ZsafonBetween Shades of Grey by Ruta SepetysThe Thirteenth Tale by Diane SetterfieldListeners are also treated to a short clip of one of the beautiful pieces of music that Josie’s brother Micke Bonde created for the characters of The Silence in Between. The clip is used is called Lisette. If you would like to hear more or find out more about Josie’s work please visit her website https://josieferguson.com/Caution: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including sexual violence and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.For my bookish chat follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward  or visit my website at www.bestbookforward.org

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 HeaneyJamaica Inn by Daphne du MaurierThe 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.

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:Mothers and Daughters: Discover the profound impact of mothers on their daughters. Explore how Nikki's characters navigate life without a mother and with a less than ideal one, shaping their identities and relationships.Cultural Identity: Dive into the complexities of belonging to multiple cultures. Hear Nikki's personal experiences growing up between England and Lagos.Book Recommendations: Discover the five books that have shaped Nikki's life. From dystopian futures to gripping mysteries, this diverse selection offers something for every reader.Book List:Station Eleven by Emily St. John MandelA is for Alibi by Sue GraftonHalf a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieBig Little Lies by Liane MoriartyWe Were Liars by E. Lockhart 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.

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 lifeThis Lullaby by Sarah Design (not currently available on bookshop.org)The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry by Rachel JoyceThe Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas JonassonHomegoing by GyasiExploring the Language of Poems, Plays and Prose by Mick ShortHeads 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!

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.Amos & Boris by William SteigFarmer Boy by Laura Ingalls-WIlder (not currently available on bookshop.org)Beloved by Toni MorrisonThe Namesake by Jumpa LahiriAll My Puny Sorrows by Miriam ToewsAnd because five just isn't enough, Catherine also shares some honourable mentions:As You Like It by William ShakespeareAnna Karenina by Leo TolstoyBel Canto by Ann PatchettDream of a Common Language by Adrienne RichFollow 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.

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?Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!Follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward for behind-the-scenes peeks and bookish fun: Check out the Best Book Forward website: www.bestbookforward.org Catch up on previous episodes Catch up now

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 Moby Dick by Herman MelvilleWar & Peace by Leo TolstoyI 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

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 FieldingCatch 22 by Joseph HellerMeditations by Marcus AureliusPassing by Nella LarsenAll Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque   Other books mentioned:The Secret History by Donna TarttThe Song of Achilles by Madeleine MillerGoodbye To All That by Robert GravesJourney’s End by R. C. SherriffSense and Sensibility by Jane AustenThe Blind Spot & Other Stories by Saki HH MonroeThe Lord of the Rings by JRRTolkein Authors mentioned: Vera BrittainRudyard KiplingF. Scott FitzgeraldIf 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

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 TowlesRules of Civility by Amor TowlesLincoln Highway by Amor TowlesFourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosGame of Thrones by George R R MartinAuthors mentionedTaylor Jenkins-ReidNiamh HarganLindsey KelkMhairi McFarlaneSarra ManningJanice HallettAmor TowelsI 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.orgThis episode was produced by Decibelle Creative

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 IrwinSophie 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 Arabella by Georgette HeyerThe Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey NiffengerMidnight Chicken by Ella RisbergerThe Break Up Clause by Niamh HarganOther books mentioned:Frederica by Georgette HeyerMemoirs of a Geisha by Arthur GoldenCrying in H Mart by Michelle ZaunerDinner with Edward by Isabel VincentI Want to Die but I Want To Eat Tteokbokki by Baek SeheeHeartburn by Nora EphronRed, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonAuthors mentioned: Frances Burney Barbara Cartland Georgette HeyerLex CroucherAmita MurrayFelicity GeorgeJulia QuinnBeth Morrey (in the interview I said Morley, it is Morrey, sorry Beth)Kate SawyerRoald DahlLindsey KelkSarra ManningIf 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 booksThis episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Decibelle Creative

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 episodeDavid NichollsLisa JewellDavid WalliamsAdele ParksJane AustenKate AtkinsonThe Song of Achilles of Madeleine MillerThe Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt CainOne Day by David NichollsThe Unfinished Business fo Eadie Browne by Freya NorthThe Excitements by CJ WrayThat Bonesetter Woman by Frances QuinnShot Through the Heart by Matt CainNothing But Trouble by Matt CainStep Sisters by Matt CainI 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.orgThis episode was produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

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 LewisKiss of the Spiderwoman by Manuel PuigThomas Hardy: The Time-Torn Man by Claire TomalinThe Song of Achilles by Madeline MillerOne Day by David NichollsThroughout our discussion, we talked about lots of other books and these are all listed below.Other books mentioned in this episodeThe Madonna of Bolton by Matt CainThe Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain The Becoming Ted by Matt CainHeartstopper by Alice OsemanThe Neverending Story by Michael Ende A Stitch in Time by Kathryn ColtrinThe Stranding by Kate SawyerThis Family by Kate SawyerI 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

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 AtkinsonShrines of Gaiety by Kate AtkinsonThe Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah MoggachThe Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ by Sue TownsendDucks Newbury Port by Lucy EllmannThe Fortnight in September by R.C. SHerriff Remains of the Day by Kazuo IshiguroVera by Elizabeth Von ArnimRebecca by Daphne Du MaurierAuthors mentionedCathy RentzenbrinkLionel ShriverNick HornbyAlan BennettJonathan MillerHeather MorrisThomas HardyGeoffrey ChaucerElizabeth StroutAnne TylerDavid SedarisLydia DavisHilary MantelMargaret AtwoodI 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

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:Black Beauty by Anna SewellMy Side of the Mountain by Jean George (currently out of print)Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue TownsendDiary of a Nobody by G&W GrossmithThroughout the discussion, various other books and authors were mentioned and these are all listed below.Other Books MentionedOne Day I Shall Astonish the World by Nina StibbeLove, Nina by Nina StibbeWar Horse by Michael MorpurgoJill’s Gymkhana by Ruby FergusonThe Snow & Works on the Northern Line by Ruth ThomasThe Adventures of Miss Barbara Pym by Paula BurnA Very Private Eye by Julie CooperAuthors mentionedDavid SedarisDeborah McGogachAlan BennettClaire TomlynMichael FrayneJonathan 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

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

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 BarklemThe Northern Lights by Philip PullmanPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenThe Faerie Queen by Edmund SpenserRachel's Holiday by Marian KeyesOther books mentioned in this episode:The Road Trip by Beth O’LearyThe Switch by Beth O’LearyThe No Show by Beth O’LearyThe Four Winds by Kristin HannahParadise Lost by John MiltonSherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan DoyleThe Book of Dust by Philip PullmanTwilight by Stephanie MeyerAgain, Rachel by Marian KeyesAuthors mentioned:Kristin HannahCharles DickensSophie KinsellaIf 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.orgThis episode was produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

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 JewellThe Gruffalo by Julia DonaldsonDemon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverGo As A River by Shelley ReadWolf Hall by Hilary MantelBreathing Lessons by Anne TylerThe authors that Helen talked about areKate AtkinsonRachel JoyceTana French Agatha ChristieToni MorrisonI 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.orgThis episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

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 WilderThe Great Gatsby by F Scott FitzgeraldMiss Benson's Beetle by Rachel JoyceTo Kill A Mockingbird by Harper LeeBreathing Lessons by Anne TylerOf 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 CodringtonAnother Life by Jodie ChapmanAnne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud MontgomeryThe Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. LewisDemon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverThe Handmaid's Tale by Margaret AtwoodLadder of Years by Anne TylerThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel JoyceIf 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.orgThis episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

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 @bestbookforwardThis episode of Best Book Forward was produced Decibelle Creative