Stories Behind The Story With Better Reading

Food and lifestyle writer Tori Haschka talks to Cheryl Akle about her first novel, Grace Under Pressure, their shared love of food, and how it has influenced her career. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Meredith Jaffé talks to Cheryl Akle about why she decided to set her latest novel in a men's prison. The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison explores male friendships, and breaks down stereotypes about life on the inside. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Robert Isaacs talks to Cheryl Akle about his religious upbringing, and discovering his indigenous heritage. His memoir, Two Cultures, One Story, is out now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Better Reading's Cheryl Akle and Jane Tara discuss their favourite new releases, what audiobooks they're listening to... and a surprise from author A.J. Gnuse. Books mentioned:Toxic by Richard FlanaganEmotional Female by Yumiko KadotaWhere the Crawdads Sing by Delia OwensLegacy by Nora RobertsGood Indian Daughter by Ruhi LeeFalling by T.J. NewmanUnsheltered by Clare Moleta See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sunday Times bestselling author Cathy Kelly talks to Cheryl Akle about her early career as a journalist, and how her writing has changed over the years. Her latest book, Other Women, is out now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Madeleine Ryan talks to Cheryl Akle about how she was diagnosed with autism while writing her debut novel, A Room Called Earth. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Better Reading's Cheryl Akle and Jane Tara discuss their favourite new releases, Cheryl's recent trip to Gundagai, and her new column in The Australian.Books mentioned:Debesa by Cindy SolonecThe Beautiful Fall by Hugh BreakeyThe Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly RinglandBila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray by Anita HeissThe Girl Remains by Katherine FirkinSticks and Stones by Katherine Firkin See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Booker Prize-winning author Richard Flanagan talks to Cheryl Akle about his latest non-fiction book, Toxic, which uncovers the rotting underbelly of the Tasmanian salmon industry. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Reverend Bill Crews AM talks to Cheryl Akle about his straight-talking and inspiring manifesto on what it takes to be a better human and how to pay it forward, at a time when the world desperately needs it. 12 Rules for Living a Better Life is out now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Better Reading's Cheryl Akle and Jane Tara discuss their favourite new releases, forensics, art, and their love of dogs.Books mentioned:Toxic by Richard FlanaganThe End of Men by Christina Sweeney-BairdBefore You Knew My Name by Jacqueline BublitzThe Road Trip by Beth O'LearyHow to Train Your Dog by Jen & Ryan TateHow To Mend a Broken Heart by Rachael JohnsThe Bone Code by Kathy ReichsStill Life by Amber Creswell Bell See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Christina Sweeney-Baird talks to Cheryl Akle about the research that went into writing about a man-killing virus in her debut novel The End of Men, and how the film rights have already sold.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Cheryl Akle and Jane Tara discuss the 2021 Better Reading Top 100. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Aboriginal (pakana) writer, Adam Thompson talks to Cheryl Akle about the importance of maintaining Aboriginal heritage sites, muttonbirding and his journey from storytelling to writing. His debut, Born Into This, is out now.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bestselling author Nikki Gemmell talks to Cheryl Akle about colonisation, Australia's dark history, and how this inspired her thrilling new historical novel, The Ripping Tree. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kate Foster talks to Cheryl Akle about her debut children's book Paws, and how her own experience with a neurodiverse child inspired her to write it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Better Reading's Cheryl Akle and Jane Tara discuss what they're both reading… and the winning books at the Australian Book Industry Awards.Books mentioned:The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip WilliamsPhosphorescence by Julia BairdBorn Into This by Adam ThompsonSuch a Fun Age by Kiley ReidThe Animals in that Country by Laura Jean McKayA Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing by Jessie TuSweet Sweet Revenge LTD by Jonas JonassonThe Bone Code by Kathy Reichs See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bestselling author Nicola Moriarty talks to Cheryl Akle about how she grew up in a family of storytellers, and how she's passing on her love of writing to her daughters. Her latest novel, You Need to Know, is a family drama about the secrets we keep, the lies we tell and the truths that won't stay hidden. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Actress, playwright and author Lisa Harding talks to Cheryl Akle about the power of escapism, addiction, her childhood, and her acting career. Her latest novel, Bright Burning Things is out now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Better Reading's Cheryl Akle and Jane Tara discuss their favourite new releases... and audiobooks.Books mentioned:The Hill We Climb by Amanda GormanThe Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip WilliamsWith The Falling of the Dusk by Stan GrantSisters of Freedom by Marry-Anne O'ConnorThose Hamilton Sisters by Averil KennyA Home Like Ours by Fiona LoweMy Year of Living Vulnerably by Rick Morton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Man Booker Prize-winning author George Saunders returns to talk to Cheryl Akle about the fundamental way writing can change someone. His latest book, A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, is a deep exploration of writing, and how the mind works while reading. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.