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The Bookshelf

ABC
Bad Art Mother
Romance Fiction
Impossible Creatures
Crime Fiction
Thrillers
Edwina Preston
Historical Fiction
Tom Lake
Age Of Vice
Storytelling and Representation
My Friends
Anna O
Tremor
Hard By a Great Forest
Agatha Christie
True Crime
Societal Privilege
Women's Literature
Slavery and Historical Injustice
Mike Mccormack

What are you reading, loving or being challenged by? We review the latest in fiction for dedicated readers and for those who wish they read more.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes510Founded14 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArts

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Artwork for The Bookshelf

Latest Episodes

Kate and Cassie read award-winning Australian author Michael Mohammed Ahmad’s bold new novel Bugger, while reviewers Hannah Kent and Tom Wright take on Jennette McCurdy’s provocative new book Half His Age — from the former child actor whose memoir I'... more

Kate and Cassie are back for a big year of books, beginning with Booker-Prize winner Julian Barnes' Departures, a novel about looking back, facing the future, and coming to the end of life. Plus, regular reviewers Tony Birch and Beejay Silcox join us... more

Novelist and memoirist Maggie O'Farrell in conversation with Kate Evans at the 2025 Sydney Writers Festival. Her nine novels include After You'd Gone, the Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, This Must be the Place, Hamnet and the Marriage Portrait . . . an... more

Kate and Cassie on stage at the 2025 Brisbane Writers Festival with authors Eric Puchner, Toni Jordan, Patrick Holland, and Zeynab Gamieldien, discussing their most recent novels and the books and writers who inspire them. This discussion was recorde... more

Key Facts

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Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Alan Hollinghurst
English writer and Booker winner, known for his novels exploring gay history in England.
Episode: Summer Reading: with Alan Hollinghurst, Mariana Enriquez, Afra Atiq and Catherine Chidgey
Mariana Enriquez
Argentinian journalist and writer, noted for her horror-infused storytelling and explorations of dark themes.
Episode: Summer Reading: with Alan Hollinghurst, Mariana Enriquez, Afra Atiq and Catherine Chidgey
Catherine Chidgey
New Zealand writer and academic, recognized for her innovative and unsettling narrative style.
Episode: Summer Reading: with Alan Hollinghurst, Mariana Enriquez, Afra Atiq and Catherine Chidgey
Lainie Anderson
Journalist and novelist, creator of the Kate Cocks series of novels set in Adelaide
Episode: Summer Reading: Bloody Histories
Nilima Rao
Author, creator of the Akal Singh series set in Fiji
Episode: Summer Reading: Bloody Histories
Michael Burge
Journalist and novelist, known for books like Tank Water
Episode: Summer Reading: Bloody Histories
Robert Goodman
Reviewer and literary judge specializing in genre fiction
Newtown Review of Books
Episode: The Best Books of 2025
Hannah Kent
Novelist and memoirist, author of "Always Home, Always Homesick".
Author
Episode: Memoirs, Music, Mystery: new works from Sam Sussman, Sarah Hall, Margaret Atwood
Stuart Coupe
Music writer and promoter, author of "Saffron Incorporated".
Author
Episode: Memoirs, Music, Mystery: new works from Sam Sussman, Sarah Hall, Margaret Atwood

Hosts

Kate Evans
Co-host and contributor with rich insights into contemporary literature and a background in radio. Known for her engaging style and strong focus on diverse literary voices.
Cassie McCullagh
Co-host with a vibrant approach to discussing literature, known for deep engagement with authors and insightful reviews.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 365 ratings
  • Looking for your next reads? Listen to this.

    I work in a public library and this podcast keeps me well up to date on books and authors. I base most of my reading selections on this show because the reviews are thoughtful, intelligent and funny. I also love the inclusion of author discussion panels. If you need a good book show- this is my favorite.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Book Shelver
    United States6 months ago
  • Thumbs up from Reader Retreat independent bookshop

    Your insightful recommendations help me select books for my book shelves. I appreciate your honesty and find you all so entertaining. Keep up the great work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Readers Retreat PS
    Australia8 months ago
  • Platforming transphobes

    I was so deeply disappointed to hear you platforming Adichie, a known transphobe. I expect much better from ABC. Shame on you.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    M028O
    Australiaa year ago
  • …..

    Fewer crime novels please

    Love your discussions and banter!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    keen listener!
    Australia2 years ago
  • Awesome wonderful brilliant

    Cassie & Kate- perfect balance of your own individual interests and deeply engaging interviews. Your book choices are so varied that I’m awed by your breadth! I also love your great personalities and the laughter and quick witted banter!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AkMSaM
    Australia2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

The dynamic between the hosts is highlighted as a strong point, creating a welcoming atmosphere for book lovers.
Some concern has been raised over certain guests and topics, reflecting a desire for a more balanced representation of literary voices.
Listeners appreciate the insightful book recommendations and engaging discussions, often crediting the podcast for influencing their reading choices.
Overall, the reviews reflect a community of dedicated readers who find joy in the literary insights shared, with many expressing gratitude for the diversity of content.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#8
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#25
Australia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#112
Saudi Arabia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#195
New Zealand/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#215
Saudi Arabia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#221
Poland/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Festival Special: Maggie O'Farrell on Hamnet and more
Q: So what were the qualities that you wanted to bring to your version of Agnes, this woman, who can deal with a falcon?
I wanted her to be a fully realized person and to ask readers to open themselves to the interpretation that they did love each other.
Festival Special: Maggie O'Farrell on Hamnet and more
Q: Maggie, how much did you also live inside your head?
I experienced both exterior activity and interior thoughts, balancing between the two as I grew up in a very different childhood compared to children today.
Summer Reading: with Alan Hollinghurst, Mariana Enriquez, Afra Atiq and Catherine Chidgey
Q: Why wouldn't I want to try something new each time?
Catherine explains that she embraces the chance to explore different narratives in each of her books, making literature diverse and exciting.
Summer Reading: with Alan Hollinghurst, Mariana Enriquez, Afra Atiq and Catherine Chidgey
Q: Mariana Enriquez, what's your take on lists like this where we try to rank books? Do you see a value in them?
Mariana appreciates lists for sparking conversation and admits they may seem silly but ultimately lead to engaging discussions about literature.
Summer Reading: with Alan Hollinghurst, Mariana Enriquez, Afra Atiq and Catherine Chidgey
Q: So why don't we meet our guests here on The Bookshelf?
The panel of writers includes Alan Hollinghurst, Mariana Enriquez, and Catherine Chidgey, as well as Afra Atiq who kicks things off with a poem.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Bookshelf

What is The Bookshelf about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A lively exploration of contemporary literature, focusing on a diverse range of fiction from multiple genres. The podcast features in-depth discussions on new releases, literary trends, and the intersections of storytelling with culture and identity. It often highlights notable authors, thematic explorations such as memoir, climate fiction, and social commentary, and dives into the emotional layers of narrative through interviews with both established and emerging literary voices.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Bookshelf?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for The Bookshelf. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to The Bookshelf and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does The Bookshelf get?

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What are the audience demographics for The Bookshelf?

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How many subscribers and views does The Bookshelf have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Bookshelf has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Bookshelf?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Bookshelf:

1. The Book Show
2. Chat 10 Looks 3
3. Conversations
4. Big Ideas
5. Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald

How many episodes of The Bookshelf are there?

The Bookshelf launched 14 years ago and published 510 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Bookshelf?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Bookshelf?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for The Bookshelf from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for The Bookshelf?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of The Bookshelf. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on The Bookshelf?

Recent guests on The Bookshelf include:

1. Alan Hollinghurst
2. Mariana Enriquez
3. Catherine Chidgey
4. Lainie Anderson
5. Nilima Rao
6. Michael Burge
7. Robert Goodman
8. Hannah Kent

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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