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Artwork for Tea or Books?

Tea or Books?

Simon and Rachel
Agatha Christie
Reading
Morality In Literature
Gwen Bristow
The Sundial
Plays
Murder Mysteries
Emma
And Then There Were None
The Invisible Host
Jane Austen
Tea Or Books
Weather In Literature
Literature
Mary Lawson
Japanese Language
Harriet Said
Sheep's Clothing
Reading Rules
Literary Criticism

Simon (Stuck in a Book) and Rachel (Book Snob) debate the difficult decisions of books and reading.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes153Founded11 years ago
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Artwork for Tea or Books?

Latest Episodes

Elizabeth Strout, Willa Cather, and women’s lives – welcome to episode 152!

www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/tea-or-books-152-1.mp3

In the first half, Rachel and Simon discuss whether we prefer reading novels about women’s pro... more

www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/tea-or-books-151.mp3

Thanks again for all your questions for our special Q&A episode of Tea or Books?

It took longer than planned, but here is part 2…

Do get in touch at teaorbooks[at]gmail.co... more

Thank you so much for all your questions for episode 150 of ‘Tea or Books?’!

www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/tea-or-books-150.mp3

Because we had so many questions, we’re doing it over two episodes – so today’s is the first ha... more

Muriel Spark and campus novels – welcome to episode 149!

www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/tea-or-books-149.mp3

In the first half of this episode, we answer Lisa’s question: do we like campus novels? In the second half, we com... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Edward Carey
Novelist and playwright
Episode: #132: Interview: Edward Carey on Edith Holler
Mary Lawson
Canadian novelist known for her books exploring familial relationships and community life
N/A
Episode: Tea or Books? #122: Mary Lawson novels w/ Mary Lawson!

Hosts

Simon
Co-host with a background in book blogging and literary commentary; consistently contributes sharpened critical takes and warm banter.
Rachel
Co-host known for thoughtful, accessible discussions and a strong preference for classic and forgotten literature; adds personal reading anecdotes.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 285 ratings
  • loyal listener

    have been listening for years and this podcast a mainstay of mine. Hosts passionate and knowledgeable about their subject and such a comforting and informative listen. Keep going!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lozzzamw
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Tea or Books ❤️

    I don’t know how I came across this podcast and I grieve for the alternative version of myself that never did. As a person who so rarely reads contemporary literature, this podcast has to be my favourite. Rachel & Simon are such lovely hosts—thoughtful, considerate and passionate about books; I also really appreciate that they voice their differences of opinion. They’ve introduced me to so many wonderful authors I hadn’t heard of before. I hope they keep making this podcast until I’m very old an... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Books & Coffee
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Always look forward to this

    Love the book recommendations and love when it’s a book I’ve read and I can hear your thoughts. I often but don’t always agree with your takes, but I love hearing them. This podcast is a unique and cosy gem, thank you for making it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    brixbb
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Love this show but sound quality poor.

    Please Rachel, sort the mic/sound out your end! Several reviews mention it. Simon is clear as a bell!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Effi&5
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Such a joy

    A great podcast, which feels so cosy. I’ve listened to every episode for years, and wouldn’t miss one!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SarahAngers
    France2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Sound quality is a frequent point of feedback and patchy production quality has been noted.
Listeners praise the hosts' knowledge and warm chemistry.
Episodes spark strong engagement and re-read-worthy recommendations.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#147
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#213
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#236
Germany/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#183
Belgium/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#223
Austria/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

#151: A Q&A special! (part 2)
Q: What is your view on fan fiction?
They view fan fiction as a valid form that can satisfy a desire for more of a story, though it isn't a personal publishing preference for them; they acknowledge concerns about popular works driving commercial trends.
#151: A Q&A special! (part 2)
Q: What is your desert island book?
Emma is the desert island pick for at least one of the hosts, with strong ties to other Emma-related favorites and editions.
#150: A Q&A special! (part 1)
Q: Amber asks about your PhD/masters balance for reading, any tips for maintaining healthy reading during studies?
We discuss prioritizing fun reading alongside coursework, setting specific days where reading for uni is paused to enjoy personal reading, and keeping a non-uni book on the go to maintain balance.
#150: A Q&A special! (part 1)
Q: Michaela asks, do you have recommendations for interwar novels featuring adultery similar to Appendice of the Peep Show?
We discuss titles like The Echoing Grave by Rosamund Neyman as a partial set piece, noting its strong portrayal of a love triangle and the way the narrative unfolds across the pre-war and wartime periods, highlighting how these works balance romance with social and historical context.
#136: Does Reading Make Us Better People? and And Then There Were None vs The Invisible Host
Q: What sparks in your brain at the topic?
Rachel discusses the character Emma from Jane Austen's novel and the moral lessons one can learn from her journey.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tea or Books?

What is Tea or Books? about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two book-loving hosts engage in thoughtful, often witty debates about reading habits, book choices, and author quirks. Episodes frequently explore themes like aging, gender, literary history, and the craft of writing, with deep dives into mid-20th century fiction and forgotten classics alongside modern discoveries. The format blends personal reading stories with close-text analysis, making it appealing for listeners who relish literature, literary archaeology, and friendly banter with strong opinions. A standout aspect is the warm, conversational chemistry between the hosts, paired with careful recommendations and thoughtful critiques that feel both cozy and intellectually rigorous.

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Which podcasts are similar to Tea or Books??

These podcasts share a similar audience with Tea or Books?:

1. Slightly Foxed
2. Backlisted
3. A Good Read
4. Take Four Books
5. The Book Club Review

How many episodes of Tea or Books? are there?

Tea or Books? launched 11 years ago and published 153 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Tea or Books??

Recent guests on Tea or Books? include:

1. Edward Carey
2. Mary Lawson

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