Bookies' Favourite

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  Booker Prize 2026 Long List Reaction 29.07.2026 45мин

  We've share our thoughts on this year's long listed books. Aaron keeps his streaky having predicted a book which made it onto the list - everyone else has failed yet again to live up to his standard, but the group choice of John of John did make it onto the list.The bookies describe each of the novels to each other and end with a Covergirl segment in which they judge the book covers. We'll be covering the shortlist of 6 books, but we have some surprise special episodes on the way beforehand. Share your thoughts on the long list!💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comAaron @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes
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  Booker Prize 2026 Long List Predictions 27.07.2026 40мин

  Welcome back to our 5th series, we're jumping into the Booker Prize 2026. In this episode we predict the Bookers dozen ahead of the announcement.Aaron, Hannah, Lucy & Colin pick 3 books eligible for the award, and combine them with the most popular choice, John of John by Douglas Stewart. They also share what other eligible books they've read.The bookies catch up with each other following the International Booker Prize 2026 winner announcement & talk about what they've been reading & listening to since.Stay tuned this week for our reaction to the longlist when it's announced. We'll be diving into the entire shortlist on the podcast in a few weeks.Also, the podcast has an exciting announcement episode coming soon with some big news... what could it be?Which books do you hope make it to the long list?Will Aaron keep up his prediction streak?Which books have you read from the bookies' predictions?💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comAaron @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes
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  The International Booker Prize 2026 Winner Prediction 19.05.2026 20мин

  The book club looks back on all 6 books from the International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist, share their rankings, predict a winner & discuss the bookies' odds.💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comAaron @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes
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  The Director by Daniel Kehlmann, translated by Ross Benjamin | Review | International Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist 19.05.2026 1ч

  The book club dives into their final read from the International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist.The Director by Daniel Kehlmann, translated from the German by Ross Benjamin and published by Riverrun.💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comAaron @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes
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  The Nights are Quiet in Tehran by Shida Bazyar, translated by Ruth Martin | Review | International BookerPrize 2026 Shortlist 19.05.2026 1ч 4мин

  The book club dives into their fifth read from the International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist.The Nights are Quiet in Tehran by Shida Bazyar, translated from the German by Ruth Martin, published by Scribe.🍰Read it & Eat itAaron rustles up some Persian saffron & raisin cookies severed to the characters when they visit Iran.If you enjoyed this book you might also enjoy our many discussions on the novel Eden’s Shore by Oisin Fagan.⏭️Next UpThe final book on the shortlist that the book club is diving into is The Director by Daniel Kehlmann, translated from the German by Ross Benjamin, published by Riverrun.💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comAaron @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes
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  The Witch by Marie NDiaye, translated by Jordan Stump | Review | International Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist 07.05.2026 58мин

  The book club dives into their fourth read from the International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist.The Witch by Marie NDiaye, translated from the French by Jordan Stump, published by MacLehose Press.🍰Read it & Eat itCheck out the club’s socials to see journalist & home baker Aaron’s baked cookies from this book.If you’d like to see Aaron bake some of his recipes inspired by the books get in touch.📛The Name GameThe club discuss the blandness of this book's title and come up with variations which might be more representative of the story.📚Shelf-HelpLucy & Hannah lend their bookworm expertise in offering up some books similar to this one if you enjoyed the themes, characters, location or plot.While Aaron draws connections between this novel and the Marvel TV show WandaVision. Do you see the similaritiestoo?If you enjoyed this book you might also enjoy our episode on Audition by Katie Kitamura.⏭️Next UpThe fifth book in the shortlist that the book club is diving into is The Nights Are Quiet in Tehran by Shida Bazyar, translated from the German by Ruth Martin, published by Scribe UK.💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comAaron @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes
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  Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, translated by Lin King | International Booker Prize 2026 Winner 29.04.2026 55мин

  The book club dives into their third read from the International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist.Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, translated from the Mandarin Chinese by Lin King, published by And Other Stories.This novel was previously awarded:The National Book Award for Translated Literature (2024)The Golden Tripod Award (2021)Baifang Schell Book Prize (2025)ALTA First Translation Prize (2025)Best Translation Award (Japan, 2024)It was nominated for the Chommanard International Women's Literary Award (2026).If you enjoyed this book you might also enjoy our many discussions on the novel Eden’s Shore by Oisin Fagan.⏭️Next UpThe fourth book in the shortlist that the book club is diving into is The Witch by Marie NDiaye, translated from the French by Jordan Stump, published by MacLehose Press.💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comAaron @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes
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  Women's Prize for Fiction 2026 Shortlist Predictions | Gloria Don't Speak by Lucy Apps Review | Author Interview 22.04.2026 39мин

  Aaron & Lucy dive into the Women's Prize for Fiction longlist ahead of the shortlist announcement later today.We were gifted a copy of Gloria Don't Speak by Lucy Apps, published by Weatherglass Books, for review. Lucy shares her thoughts on the book & speaks with the writer about the novel.We've covered 3 other books on the longlist, check out our previous episodes:- The Benefactors by Wendy Erskine, published by Sceptre- Audition by Katie Kitamura, published by Fern Press- Flashlight by Susan Choi, published by Jonathan CapeIf you'd like us to cover this shortlist once we've wrapped up the International Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist let us know!💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comAaron @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes
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  She Who Remains by Rene Karabash, translated by Izidora Angel | Review | International Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist 18.04.2026 50мин

  The book club dives into their second read from the International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist.She Who Remains by Rene Karabash, translated from the Bulgarian by Izidora Angel, published by Peirene Press.This novel was previously awarded the Bulgarian Elias Canetti Prize in 2019 and the English version won the Gulf Coast Translation Prize 2023. It was awarded the PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant in 2023 and won the PEN Club Français Prize for Translation 2025. The book was also nominated for the Prisma Literary Award. 📘Judging the Book by it’s coverThe crew discuss the Hannah's ebook cover.If you enjoyed this book you might also enjoy our discussion on another Peirene novel, On the Greenwich Line by Shady lewis, translated from the Arabic by Katharine Halls.⏭️Next UpThe third book in the shortlist that the book club is diving into is Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, translated from the Mandarin Chinese by Lin King, published by And Other Stories.💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comAaron @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes
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  On Earth as it is Beneath by Ana Paula Maia, translated by Padma Viswanathan | Review | International Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist 10.04.2026 1ч 2мин

  The book club dives into their first read from the International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist.On Earth as it is Beneath by Ana Paula Maia, translated from the Portuguese by Padma Viswanathan, published by Charco Press.This book was also longlisted for the Republic of Consciousness Prize US & Canada 2026.The original Brazilian Portuguese novel, titled Assim na Terra como embaixo da Terra, won Prêmio São Paulo de Literatura.Part of a shared universe, serving as a sequel to the award winning Of Cattle and Men, this is the third book in the series to be translated into English.🍰Read it & Eat itCheck out the club’s socials to see journalist & home baker Aaron’s baked cake from this book.He rustled up a Bolo de Fubá, which is a cornmeal cake often eaten with coffee early in the day.If you’d like to see Aaron bake some of his recipes inspired by the books get in touch.📘Judging the Book by it’s coverThe crew discuss the meaning behind the typical minimalist Charco-style cover design by Pablo Font.📛The Name GameOn discussing the alternative As Above, So Below publishing expert & writer Colin throws another suggested title for the book into the ring.📚Shelf-HelpLucy lends her bookworm expertise in offering up some books similar to this one if you enjoyed the themes, characters, location or plot.From John Steinbeck to Hemingway. Colin also suggest connections to the likes I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman.Due to the books’ cinematic writing we find similarities to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest & Breaking Bad, as well as some classic Western films.If you enjoyed this book you might also enjoy our many discussions on the novel Eden’s Shore by Oisin Fagan.⏭️Next UpThe second book in the shortlist that the book club is diving into is She Who Remains by Rene Karabash, translated from the Bulgarian by Izidora Angel, published by Peirene Press.💬 Share your thoughts with the book clubInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubGoodreads @The Bookies' Favourite BookclubEmail bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comAaron @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Hannah @certifiedbookyapperhannahColin @c_f_writes
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  International Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist Reaction 01.04.2026 18мин

  Lucy & Aaron star their thoughts n what did & didn't make it to the shortlist.We'll be reading one book a week until the winner is announced.Our current reading schedule:On Earth As It Is Beneath by Ana Paula Maia, translated from the Portuguese by Padma Viswanathan, published by Charco PressShe Who Remains by Rene Karabash, translated from the Bulgarian by Izidora Angel, published by Peirene PressTaiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, translated from Mandarin Chinese by Lin King, published by And Other StoriesThe Witch by Marie NDiaye, translated from the French by Jordan Stump, published by MacLehose PressThe Nights Are Quiet in Tehran by Shida Bazyar, translated from the German by Ruth Martin, published by Scribe UKThe Director by Daniel Kehlmann, translated from the German by Ross Benjamin, published by riverrunBookies' Favourite: @bookiesfavouritebookclubEmail: bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comAaron: @AaronRiceMediaLucy: @bookz2026Colin: @c_f_writesHannah: @certifiedbookyapperhannah
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  International Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist Predictions 30.03.2026 48мин

  Lucy & Aaron discuss this year's International Booker Prize long-list and share their picks for the shortlist.After tomorrow's announcement we'll be sharing our reactions to the books that have made it onto the shortlist and we'll be setting out our reading schedule for the next 6 weeks before the winner is announced.The book club has covered this award in 2025, the Booker Prize 2025 & the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026.Bookies' Favourite: @bookiesfavouritebookclubEmail: bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comAaron Rice : @AaronRiceMediaLucy: @Bookz2026Colin: c_f_writesHannah: certifiedbookyapperhannah
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  Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 | Director Neil Griffiths & Judge Susanna Crossman 25.03.2026 52мин

  Ahead of the winner announcement Aaron & Lucy spoke with the director of the award and one of this year's judges.The insight helps us understand the prize and what is considered when deciding between the books.We'll be jumping into another shortlist next week; the International Booker Prize 2026.Before then we've got our interviews with the team who brought you Eden's Shore.Check out our previous episodes on some of the shortlisted & longlisted books from this year's Queen Mary Prize, our chapter-by-chapter read along of Eden's Shore & last year's International Booker Prize shortlist.
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  Ghost Driver by Nell Osborne, published by Moist Books | Review | Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 24.03.2026 57мин

  In this episode, Aaron & Lucy discuss Ghost Driver by Nell Osborne, published by Moist Books.This is the final book we’re covering from the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 shortlist before the winner is announced — and we break down its themes, style, and where it sits among this year’s contenders.🏆 The Winner Is Next📅 The winner is announced tomorrow (Wednesday)🎧 We’ll be back with a reaction episode as soon as the result dropsWe’ll also be releasing a special episode featuring:Neil Griffiths — Director of the PrizeSusanna Crossman — one of this year’s judges🌊 Eden’s Shore Specials IncomingWe’ve got a packed week of episodes coming your way:An episode with Tom Alexander, Anna Bu Kliewer, and Sofia HericsonA second interview episode with Oisín Ó Fágáin himself📚 Eden’s Shore is also featured on the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2026 list.🌍 What’s NextNext week, we jump into the International Booker Prize:📅 Shortlist announced Tuesday🎧 We’ll kick things off with a longlist reaction & shortlist prediction episode📚 Stay tuned — it’s a huge week on the podcast as we wrap one prize and dive straight into another!
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  Figures Crossing the Field Towards the Group by Rebecca Gransden, published by Tangerine Press | Review | Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 Shortlist 16.03.2026 49мин

  In this episode, Colin, Lucy & Aaron discuss Figures Crossing the Field Towards the Group by Rebecca Gransden, published by Tangerine Press.This is the first book we’re covering from the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 shortlist, and we unpack the novel’s structure, atmosphere, themes, and how it stands out within this year’s field.📖 What’s Coming NextWe’ll be continuing our shortlist coverage with two more books before the winner is announced:Spit by David Brennan — published by époque pressGhost Driver by Nell Osborne — published by Moist Books📚 Read along with us as we work through the shortlist and discuss what might take home the prize.Email bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.comInstagram @bookiesfavouritebookclubAaron @AaronRiceMediaLucy @bookz2026Colin @c_f_writesHannah @certifiedbookyapperhannah
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  On the Greenwich Line by Shady Lewis, Translated by Katharine Halls, Published by Peirene Press | Review | Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 Longlist 02.03.2026 59мин

  All four of us are back together for this episode as we discuss On the Greenwich Line by Shady Lewis, translated by Katharine Halls, and published by Peirene Press.This is our third longlist pick from the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026, and we talk through its structure, themes, translation, and how it’s stacking up against the other contenders we’ve read so far.📖 What’s NextNext read: Spit by David Brennan (époque press)After that: Figures Crossing the Field Towards the Group by Rebecca Gransden (Tangerine Press)📅 The Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 shortlist is announced this Wednesday (4th). Once revealed, we’ll be selecting our sixth and final read from the shortlist to complete our series — all before the winner is announced.📚 Read along with us, share your thoughts, and join the book club as the prize race heats up.
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  The Weasel and The Whore by Martha Luisa Hernández Cadenas, Translated by Jennifer Shyue & Julia Sanches, Published by Heloise Press | Review | Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 Longlist 28.02.2026 38мин

  In this episode, Lucy, Hannah & Colin discuss The Weasel and the Whore by Martha Luisa Hernández Cadenas, translated by Julia Sanches and Jennifer Shyue, published by Héloïse Press.This is the second book we’ve selected from the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 longlist, and we dig into its themes, structure, voice, and why it feels like such a bold and challenging contender in this year’s field.📖 What’s Coming NextOur longlist journey continues in the following order:On the Greenwich LineSpitFigures Crossing the Field Towards the GroupOnce the shortlist is announced, we’ll choose a sixth and final book to complete our reading — all before the winner is revealed.📚 Read along with us, share your thoughts, and join the book club as we work our way through the longlist and beyond.
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  There's a Monster Behind the Door by Gaëlle Bélem, Translated by Karen Fleetwood & Laëtitia Saint-Loubert, Published by Bullaun Press | Republic of Consciousness Prize for Small Press 2025 Winner 21.02.2026 29мин

  In this bonus episode, Aaron, Colin & Hannah revisit There’s a Monster Behind the Door by Gaëlle Bélem, translated by Karen Fleetwood and Laëtitia Saint-Loubert, published by Bullaun Press.The novel was the 2025 winner of the Republic of Consciousness Prize for Small Press (now the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize), and we take this opportunity to examine why it won.We discuss the book’s style and use it as a lens to think about what the judges may be responding to as we continue our journey through the current Queen Mary longlist.This episode is all about context, criteria, and clues — what makes a small press novel stand out at prize level?📖 Next EpisodeUp next in our longlist reading series:The Weasel and the Whore by Martha Luisa Hernández Cadenas. Translated from the Spanish by Julia Sanches & Jennifer Shyue. Published by Héloïse PressRead along with us and share your thoughts as we continue unpacking the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize longlist
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  Small Boat by Vincent Delecroix, Translated by Helen Stevenson, Published by Small Axes / HopeRoad | Review | Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 Longlist 16.02.2026 31мин

  We begin our Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 longlist series with Small Boat by Vincent Delecroix, translated by Helen Stevenson. Published by Small Axes / HopeRoad.Our bookie this week is Jean-François Bodart @nathanael_archerThis is our second time discussing Small Boat, having previously covered it during our International Booker Prize 2025 episodes. Returning to the novel a year on, we reflect on how it holds up, which themes have stayed with us, and why this slim but devastating book continues to resonate.We all loved it then — and many of its questions, images, and moral tensions are still very much with us now.📖 Next UpOur next read is The Weasel and the Whore by Martha Luisa Hernández Cadenas, translated by Julia Sanches and Jennifer Shyue, published by Héloïse Press.📚 Read along with us, share your thoughts, and join the book club as we work our way through the longlist ahead of the prize announcement.More Queen Mary longlist episodes coming soon.🎙️ HostsAaron: @AaronRiceMediaHannah: @certifiedbookyapperhannahLucy: @bookz2026Colin: @c_f_writesBookies' Favourite: @bookiesfavouritebookclubEmail us bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.com
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  Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 Longlist 15.02.2026 17мин

  We’re kicking off a brand new reading series focused on selected titles from the Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 Longlist — formerly known as the Republic of Consciousness Prize.We’ll be reading five longlisted books, before choosing a final sixth title from the shortlist once it’s announced. From there, we’ll follow the prize all the way to the winner.📅 New episodes every Monday🏆 Prize winner announced: 25th March🎁 Bonus episodes every FridayCheck our social media for the full reading schedule, read along with us, and share your thoughts — everyone’s welcome to join the book club.📖 Our Longlist PicksGroup pick:• Small Boat by Vincent DelecroixTranslated by Helen StevensonWe’ll also be revisiting Small Axes / HopeRoad, which we previously discussed during our International Booker Prize 2025 shortlist coverage — with a brand new episode on it coming this Monday.Hannah’s pick:• The Weasel and the Whore by Martha Luisa Hernández CadenasTranslated by Julia Sanches & Jennifer Shyue (Héloïse Press)Colin’s pick:• Spit by David Brennan (époque press)Lucy’s pick:• On the Greenwich Line by Shady LewisTranslated by Katharine Halls (Peirene Press)Aaron’s pick:• Figures Crossing the Field Towards the Group by Rebecca Gransden (Tangerine Press)🎙️ HostsAaron: @AaronRiceMediaHannah: @certifiedbookyapperhannahLucy: @bookz2026Colin: @c_f_writesFollow us @bookiesfavouritebookclubEmail us bookiesfavouritebookclub@gmail.com📣 Read along with us, share your reactions on social media, and help us decide which shortlisted book becomes our final sixth read.Welcome to the next chapter of Bookies’ Favourite!