
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.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 597 | Founded | 15 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksArts | |||

Rewriting Daphne Du Maurier's arch-villain Mrs Danvers from her classic novel Rebecca, Karl Ove Knausgård on 'lonely men in empty towns at night', and a magical Japanese bookshop that just might save you. New fiction discussed, assessed, and recommen... more
On this week’s edition of The Bookshelf: dogs in literature, writing about Alzheimer’s and fragmenting language, big books versus novellas, and why there’s so much time travel in books right now. Reviewers Tony Birch and Beejay Silcox tackle these bi... more
Kate and Cassie discuss Chinese-born American writer Yiyun Li's Music Against the Night, an exquisite exploration of music and time. Plus, with regular guests crime writer Michael Robotham and novelist and university lecturer Roanna Gonsalves, they u... more
More than 280,000 votes were cast. Now Kate and Cassie reveal the books that just missed Radio National's Top 100 Australian Books countdown.
With special guests literary curator and Top 100 producer Michaela Kalowski, and critic and publisher Geord... more
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Always informative, interesting and fun. Guests add to the show, but Kate and Cassie hold it all together.
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.
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.
I was so deeply disappointed to hear you platforming Adichie, a known transphobe. I expect much better from ABC. Shame on you.
Fewer crime novels please
Love your discussions and banter!
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #89 | |
Apple Podcasts | #133 | |
Apple Podcasts | #233 | |
Apple Podcasts | #4 | |
Apple Podcasts | #13 | |
Apple Podcasts | #22 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Weekly roundtable conversations review new fiction from Australia and around the world, with close attention to voice, structure, character and the social or historical ideas behind each book. Kate Evans and Cassie McCullough guide the discussion, joined by guest reviewers, writers, critics and academics. Alongside reviews, authors sometimes discuss their own work, while recurring segments and specials explore Australian literary history, reader favorites and books that shape the national canon. The tone combines informed literary criticism with candid opinions, personal recommendations and lively banter. The range spans literary and historical fiction, crime, speculative writing and translated works, making it useful for readers looking be... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Bookshelf:
1. The Book Show
2. Sydney Writers' Festival
3. Chat 10 Looks 3
4. A Podcast of One's Own with Julia Gillard
5. Conversations
The Bookshelf launched 15 years ago and published 597 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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Recent guests on The Bookshelf include:
1. Michael Robotham
2. Roanna Gonsalves
3. Geordie Williamson
4. Michaela Kalowski
5. Jem Calder
6. Pip Williams
7. Zoe Terakes
8. Hannah Kent
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