Show Notes
Many avid readers and authors both here and abroad are familiar with Australia’s largest online reading community - Better Reading. Launched by Cheryl Akle back in 2014, Better Reading has become a staple feature of the Australian literary landscape - reaching over 1 million readers each month. A testament to Cheryl’s passion and dedication to reading and her standing in the Australian book industry. This year, Cheryl has capitalised on that passion and dedication by launching an Australian reading app. Described as ‘if Goodreads and Storygraph had a baby, but the baby was raised in Australia’ . An app that is focussed on Australian titles for Australian readers with a whole lot of brilliant features to help readers find their next book, connect with other readers and learn more about the authors they’re interested in. And it’s called ‘What Are You Reading’ the App. I was amongst some of the first in Australia to get a look at the app at an exclusive launch party earlier this year and in this episode I welcome Cheryl to the podcast to talk about the app and how this fantastic development all came about. Happy listening!
More from Talking Aussie Books
Kit Haley is a queer author who describes himself as an obsessive tennis fan and an obsessive romance fan. Which in the case of their new book ‘In Your Court’ published by Hachette Australia and released in paperback on the 1st of September 2026 makes a successful and highly readable combination. ‘In Your Court’ follows tennis players Matteo Russo - an underdog from Australia whose once bright future was derailed by a car accident and superstar Miles Callahan from America- currently ranked world number three. When their paths cross in a preliminary round at Roland Garros in Paris, sparks fly. But falling in love with a superstar is not going to help Mat get his career back on track - even if Miles seems to bring out the best in him. Playing each other again in another match means difficult decisions must be made. A thoroughly enjoyable read. This is was a fascinating discussion and one not to be missed.
Monica McInerney is the international bestselling author of 14 novels. Titles that include ‘The Alphabet Sisters', 'Lola’s Secret', 'Hello from the Gillespies' and 'Those Faraday Girls'. All published internationally and have been translated in more than 12 languages. Last month, Monica's new book 'When Sullivan Met Lola' was released by Penguin Books Australia. It's the fourth book featuring eponymous character Lola Quinlan and the second featuring delightful 12 year old , Sullivan Farrington. A beautiful book filled with warmth and humour I just know you’ll all love. I had a wonderful time chatting with Monica about her new book for the podcast recently. Happy listening!
Bridie Jabour is the Head of Multimedia at Guardian Australia who previously worked as a journalist reporting on social affairs, politics and regional issues. Bridie is the author of a book of essays - Trivial Grievances: On the contradictions, myths and misery of your 30s as well as the 2018 novel The Way Things Should Be. And this year Bridie has a new novel out. Called ‘Ordinary Funny Tragic’ (published by HarperCollins Australia) it’s an exploration of family and grief - but specifically about what it means to be a good mother. Something that resonated with me on a deep level. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with Bridie for the podcast recently.
Award-winning journalist, former television presenter and author Whitney Fitzsimmons who is best known for her work at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has just released her debut novel.
I was thrilled to welcome the uber talented Karen Brooks back to the podcast recently to discuss her brand new novel. Called ‘The Extraordinary Florence Stoker’ this book is both fascinating and enthralling in equal measures. A book that follows the life of Dubliner Florence Balcombe, a witty and beautiful woman, who marries Bram Stoker - the man who would become best-known for his gothic horror novel ‘Dracula’. With impressive attention to detail and underpinned by extensive research, what Karen has done with this novel is to give us an intimate glimpse into the life of this woman who it becomes clear was indeed extraordinary for so many reasons. Not the least of which was her marriage to a man who was to all intents and purposes an enigma as well as her fight to ensure copyright in her husband’s work was protected against unauthorised adaptations. From the moment I began reading this book, I knew I was in skilled hands. I simply couldn’t put it down. Out in Australia from the 1st of September, if you are a fan of historical fiction, you will not be able to resist this book. Happy listening!