The Bookshelf
ABC AustraliaWhat 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.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 583 | Founded | 14 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ArtsBooks | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
This week on The Bookshelf, Kate Evans and Cassie McCullagh discuss new novels including Laura McPhee-Browne's Worry Doll, a story of desire, obsession and uncertainty; Leïla Slimani's I'll Take the Fire, the acclaimed French-Moroccan writer's rich, ... more
A live recording from the 2025 Melbourne Writers Festival, with guests Hannah Kent and Beejay Silcox.
* Hannah Kent, Always Home, Always Homesick (Picador)
* Eimear McBride, The City Changes Its Face (Faber)
* Susan Choi, Flashlight (Jonathan C... more
We review the latest in fiction for dedicated readers and for those who wish they read more.
Cassie McCullagh is joined by Jonathan Green this time, for a wide-ranging hour of new fiction, from Australia and beyond. First, Fiona Mozley’s unsettling Awake Awake, where a young woman begins to suspect her grandfather may have killed Adolf Hitle... more
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Reviews
- The Bookshelf
Always informative, interesting and fun. Guests add to the show, but Kate and Cassie hold it all together.
Apple Podcasts5Itsallhistory
Australia4 months ago - 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 Podcasts5Book Shelver
United Statesa year 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 Podcasts5Readers Retreat PSAustraliaa year 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 Podcasts1M028OAustraliaa year ago - …..
Fewer crime novels please
Love your discussions and banter!
Apple Podcasts5keen listener!Australia2 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #119 |  United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #4 | Australia/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #17 | Australia/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #62 |  New Zealand/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #111 |  South Korea/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #143 | New Zealand/Arts |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Bookshelf
What is The Bookshelf about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A warm, book-focused discussion show that centers contemporary and classic fiction through in-depth author interviews, reviews, and cross-disciplinary conversations. Across episodes, hosts explore narrative craft, translation, and the cultural context of literary works, often pairing Australian perspectives with international titles. notable moments include analyses of controversy around adaptations, debates about memory and history in fiction, and a knack for connecting literature to cinema, theatre, and broader cultural conversations. The format blends thoughtful critique with accessible banter, making it appealing to dedicated readers and book-curious listeners alike.
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. Secret Life of Books
4. Conversations
5. A Podcast of One's Own with Julia Gillard
How many episodes of The Bookshelf are there?
The Bookshelf launched 14 years ago and published 583 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?
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What guests have appeared on The Bookshelf?
Recent guests on The Bookshelf include:
1. Madeleine Gray
2. Andrew Sean Greer
3. Ilka Tampke
4. Michael Pedersen
5. Lily King
6. Tony Birch
7. Robert Forster
8. Asako Yuzuki
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.