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.
3.21 Reading Like Marilyn Monroe for a Month
Turns out books, not diamonds, are a girl’s best friend. Marilyn Monroe: actress, singer, blonde bombshell, and … avid reader. In 1999, Marilyn Monroe’s personal library was auctioned, and in 2010 the list of books was published online.
3.20 Die Hard, aka The Best Christmas Movie with Kalliope
DIE HARD IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIE. YOU CANNOT CHANGE OUR MINDS. In this episode, I sit down with my sister, Kalliope, to discuss why Die Hard (1988), starring Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman, is our all-time favourite Christmas movie.
3.19 20 Books for 20 Years of My Life
After a quick break from social media and making podcast episodes, I am back with an extra-special birthday-themed episode! I turn 20 in just over a month, and so this week I am sharing with you 20 books that have made an impact on me.
3.18 The Trap: Review and Discussion
Happy Halloween! This week I am discussing our book club pick for the month of October: The Trap by Melanie Raabe. What did I think of this literary thriller? Did the twist surprise me? Did I get spooked?
3.17 Performance in a Pandemic: Interview with Kate Rice
How did theatre survive a pandemic 100 years ago? In this episode I interview my very own mother about her latest creative project: a podcast episode about the Australian performing arts industry in during the 1918 flu pandemic.
3.16 Read With Me: Agatha Christie
Why is Ms. Christie called the Queen of Crime? This week I did a Christie readathon to find out. Join me on a journey from 1932 to 1967, through isolated houses and benign dentist offices. I even overcome a childhood fear!
3.15 Read With Me: Australian Literature
What happened when I tried to read four books in two weeks while travelling across the world during a pandemic? Well, you lucky listeners get to find out. In this episode I read an Aussie classic, a Miles Franklin Award winner, an essay collection, and a YA contemporary.
3.13 What it's Like to Narrate an Audiobook
How do you prepare? Does your voice get tired? Do you get nervous? How long does it take? All these questions answered AND MORE in this episode about my experience narrating audiobooks.
3.12 Recommending Aussie Books
This week on The Community Library, I’m recommending some Australian literature! From a YA mystery to an adult family drama, there’s something for everyone in this list.
3.11 Interview with Lisa Harvey-Smith
This week on The Community Library, I’m chatting to author and astrophysicist, Lisa Harvey-Smith, about her new book, The Secret Life of Stars! We chat about stars, science, and STEM.
3.10 Forest of a Thousand Lanterns - Review and Discussion
This is the fifth and final episode in a series on fairy tales and Disney Princesses. This week I’m talking about this month’s book club pick: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao. I also discuss my final thoughts on the whole fairy-tale-Disney-Princess project: what I discovered, what I learnt, and what conclusion I came to.
3.9 The Snow Queen: The Frozen One with Kalliope
This week I brought in my sister, Kalliope, to talk about our favourite frosty and feisty sister duo: Elsa and Anna from Frozen. We also talk about The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, which was the inspiration behind the iconic Disney movie.
3.8 The Little Mermaid: Fish Out of Water with Kali
This is the third episode in a series on fairy tales and Disney Princesses. This week, my friend Kali and I are talking all about that fiery red-headed fish, The Little Mermaid! We discuss the tragedy of the original fairy tale, talk about the portrayal of disability, and gush over our icon: Ursula the sea witch.
3.7 Cinderella: Glass Ceilings and Slippers
This is the second episode in a series on fairy tales and Disney Princesses. This week I’m talking all about that day-dreaming, dainty-footed Cinderella! I discuss the ancient history of the Cinderella story, why dreams are more powerful than hopes, and if Cinderella is actually our unsung feminist heroine.
3.6 Snow White: Grimm Beginnings
This is the first episode in a series on fairy tales and Disney Princesses. This week I’m talking about everyone’s favourite unpaid housekeeper, Snow White. I discuss the history of the Walt Disney Company, Snow White’s positive attitude, and why the Evil Queen might not be as evil as you think. This whole episode is basically a feminist rant, so buckle up, kids!
3.5 Good Vibes Only: July Favourites
Welcome back to The Community Library! Another month spent in lockdown … how’s everyone feeling? My mood’s been a bit all over the place, but this week I’m talking about all the things that have made me happy this past month.
3.4 Clap When You Land with Bonnie
Welcome back to The Community Library! This week, feminist extraordinaire Bonnie and I are discussing Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo. We chat about midwifery, toxic masculinity, and why teenage girls are the most poetic beings on earth.
3.3 I Read 22 Sonnets in 22 Days
Welcome back to The Community Library! Since Melbourne is still in lockdown, and I have nothing better to do, I decided to read one Shakespearean sonnet every day for twenty-two days. And then … I wrote my own.
3.2 Good Vibes Only: 3 Positive Book Reviews
Welcome back to The Community Library! It’s been a rough week for Melbourne (where I live), so this week, I’ve been thinking a lot about things that make me happy. I’ve been baking, knitting, and watching lots of Masterchef.