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Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading
Stories Behind the Story: Barbara Sumner on the forgotten female convicts of colonial Australia
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Barbara Sumner talks to Cheryl Akle about her unique path to publication and what inspired her to write her striking debut novel, The Gallows Bird, which is out now.
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Stories Behind The Story: Michael Connelly on Witnessing a Crime to Becoming a Crime Novelist
31:44|Michael Connelly talks to Cheryl Akle about his writing journey, from witnessing a crime to becoming a crime novelist, mentors, and the importance of place in novels. His latest novel, The Waiting, will be out in October 2024.
Stories Behind The Story: Hasib Hourani on The Displacement and Dispossession of the Palestinian People
33:34|Hasib Hourani talks to Cheryl about the displacement and dispossession of the Palestinian people, as well as the broader context of global politics, media, and the ongoing conflict in Palestine. His latest work, rock flight, is out now.
A Decade of Stories: Celebrating 10 Years of Better Reading
40:26|Caroline Overington sits down with Cheryl Akle, the founder of Better Reading, to celebrate its 10th birthday! They reflect on the journey of building a vibrant community of readers and writers, the challenges faced along the way, and the innovative ways Better Reading has fostered a love for books in Australia. Cheryl shares her insights into the evolution of the publishing landscape, the impact of technology on reading habits, and her passion for connecting authors with their audiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Better Reading, this episode offers a heartfelt look at a decade of literary celebration and what the future holds.
Stories Behind The Story: Josh Bornstein on Corporate Power and the Fight for Free Speech
35:34|Josh Bornstein talks to Cheryl about corporate power, free speech, and the urgent need for a unified progressive agenda to tackle the various social and political crises confronting society today. His latest work, Working For The Brand, is out now.
Book Chat: with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington – episode #10
19:57|Welcome to episode #10 of Book Chat with Cheryl Akle and Caroline Overington where they discuss the impact of Australian literature, Caroline's writing journey, her thoughts on the rise of audiobooks, and the enduring appeal of traditional storytelling.
Stories Behind The Story: Genevieve Gannon On The Importance Of Community-Based Journalism
28:16|Genevieve Gannon talks to Cheryl about the evolving landscape of journalism and literature, the influence of the pandemic on her writing, and the importance of community-based journalism. Her latest novel, Inheritance, is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Harriet Constable and Her Commitment to Crafting a Narrative That Brings the Past to Life
30:11|Harriet Constable talks to Cheryl about her unconventional path to writing, her immersive research process in Venice, and the significant historical themes she explores in her work. Her latest novel,The Instrumentalist, is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Nick Bryant on The Complex Interplay Between Politics and Society In The U.S.A.
41:06|Nick Bryant talks to Cheryl about the rise of populism, the media's influence on public perception, and the deep-seated culture wars shaping the landscape of the United States. His latest work, The Forever War, is out now.
Stories Behind the Story: Danielle Binks on the importance of reading without making it feel like a chore
31:38|Danielle Binks talks to Cheryl about the importance of promoting the joy of reading, the vital role of libraries in creating welcoming spaces, and how storytelling can nurture empathy and build community. Her latest YA novel, Six Summers of Tash and Leopold, is out now.