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Better Words

A podcast for readers who want to know the stories behind the pages 📖 Join Caitlin and Michelle, two book nerds who bring you in-depth conversations about writing and publishing from those on the inside. Grab a cuppa and get ready to chat books.

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My Brilliant Career pt 1: Miles Franklin's trailblazing literary life

Welcome to the first of our three-part series celebrating the iconic Australian feminist novel My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin. In this first part, Michelle is taking inspiration from Just the Gist (our favourite podcast) to tell Caitlin the incredible life of Stella Miles Franklin. We promise you’ll also be obsessed with her by the end of this episode. Sources: ‘My Brilliant Career’ by the…

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Book & film club: Heartstopper Vol. 6 & Heartstopper Forever

The Heartstopper series reaches its conclusion, with Volume 6 in Alice Oseman's beautiful YA graphic novel series and a Netflix movie. We're discussing both the graphic novel and our reactions to the Heartstopper Forever film. Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with a bookish friend to help spread the word. Make sure you're following the podcast so new episodes appear in your feed as soon as…

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Book recommendation bonanza: crime books for people who don't usually read crime

This episode Michelle is giving a round-up of crime book recommendations, especially for people who don’t think they’re fans of crime as a genre. Before we get into that, she shares a fun fact about a connection between The Book Thief and Heated Rivalry . For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: Caitlin’s amazing knitted vest! Garden Yourself Happy by Jonny Hincks…

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Reviews: The Long Haul, Soft Serve, and Logging Off

This episode we’re sharing reviews of recent reads. Michelle discusses The Long Haul by Hannah Doyle and Logging Off by Adele Zeynep Walton. Caitlin talks about George Kemp’s debut novel Soft Serve. For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: Mhairi McFarlane Groundhog Day (film) Palm Springs (film) A Smart Girl’s Guide to Second Chances by Steph Vizard Prima Facie…

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The book adaptation phenomenon: why it's great news for readers and publishing

In this episode, we’re discussing why book to screen adaptations are so vital for the publishing industry and the incredible stats that show just how many people are starting to read because of what they see on screen. Our main source is the Publisher’s Association report on screen adaptations, released earlier this year. For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode:…

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Reviews: Fruit Fly and Anne of Green Gables graphic novel adaptations

This episode we’re sharing some reviews of recent reads. Caitlin discusses two graphic novel retellings of Anne of Green Gables: Dan in Green Gables by Rex Ogle and Anne by Kathleen Gros. While Michelle chats about one of her most-anticipated books of 2026, Fruit Fly, by friend of the podcast Josh Silver. For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: Clueless (film) 10…

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Pansy Books: How Matt Cain is rewriting publishing norms for LGBTQ+ authors

This episode is an extra special one as we welcome Matt Cain back to the podcast to talk about his new venture: he and husband Harry have launched an independent publishing company to get queer voices to mainstream readers. Pansy Books is a brilliant concept, and we are so excited for what Matt and Harry are doing in this space. We chat about Matt’s publishing journey from crowdfunding to indie…

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Book club: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

In this episode, we're discussing Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. Unlike review episodes, book club chats will include some spoilers, although we will give ample warning before we switch from a general chat into spoiler territory. About the book: Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and has the social media accounts to prove it. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully…

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Film club: People We Meet on Vacation

In this episode we’re deep diving into the adaptation of Emily Henry’s The People We Meet on Vacation . Caitlin explains the mysterious changes between the UK and US versions, and we discuss the film. For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: Hoppers (film) Zootopia 2 (film) Hannah Ferguson on kids being inspiring Man on the Run (film) What Went Wrong (podcast)…

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Reviews: Half His Age and Lost Lambs

In this episode, we’re reviewing Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy and Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash. Both were provided by publishers for review! For your convenience, here's everything else we mentioned in this episode: Operation Mincemeat musical Come From Away musical I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy Slags by Emma Jane Unsworth The Bee Sting by Paul Murray The Greatest Possible Good by…

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