We are very excited to chat with the wonderful Nina Kenwood about her latest novel, Unnecessary Drama. Nina’s debut novel, It Sounded Better in My Head, has been shortlisted for multiple awards and has been published in six languages. (It is also one of Priscilla’s favourite YA novels.) Our conversation covers topics like high-functioning anxiety,Continue reading “Interview: Nina Kenwood on Unnecessary Drama”
Tag Archives: young adult
Interview: Miranda Luby on Sadie Starr’s Guide to Starting Over
In this special podcast episode, we chat to the author of Sadie Starr’s Guide to Starting Over: Miranda Luby, award-winning author, freelance journalist, copywriter and communications professional. Sadie Starr is her debut novel. We chat about perfectionism, disordered eating, and performative social activism. Miranda shares insights into her inspiration, writing, and thoughts around how weContinue reading “Interview: Miranda Luby on Sadie Starr’s Guide to Starting Over”
Why ‘One of Us is Lying’ makes me uncomfortable
It’s hard to miss Karen McManus’ books in the YA section of your local bookshop. With their distinctive minimalist covers, they stand out. McManus has now written five books, including One of Us is Lying – her 2017 release and most popular book so far, with over 450,000 ratings on Goodreads. Its sequel, One ofContinue reading “Why ‘One of Us is Lying’ makes me uncomfortable”
The Surface Breaks by Louise O’Neill
The Surface Breaks by Louise O’Neill is a reimagining of The Little Mermaid. Branded as a story told through ‘a searing feminist lens… a book with the darkest of undercurrents’, it follows Gaia, the youngest daughter of The Sea King. She falls in love with a human boy and longs to find out what happenedContinue reading “The Surface Breaks by Louise O’Neill”
S02E08. A Monster Calls
What does it mean when a monster shows up at your window? For our final review episode of Season 2, we discuss A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness with special guest, author Mat Larkin. We talk about the stages of grief, middle grade tropes, surprisingly therapeutic monsters, and all the feels! Mental health issues covered:Continue reading “S02E08. A Monster Calls”
Interview with Kay Kerr
In this special episode, we chat to Kay Kerr, author of Please Don’t Hug Me and the newly released Social Queue. Topics include: autism representation, Kay’s writing processes for both of her books, and self-care. We also discuss Please Don’t Hug Me in spoilery details in the second half of the episode (we’ll let youContinue reading “Interview with Kay Kerr”
I Wish You All The Best
In this post, Priscilla wants to talk about I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver. This book is an honest and heartfelt portrait of coming out in the context of difficult and/or abusive family dynamics. The main character also wrestles with symptoms of anxiety and depression and starts therapy in the story. PleaseContinue reading “I Wish You All The Best”
S02E07. Darius The Great Is Not Okay
What can you do when you feel disconnected from your family, and your culture? Darius is a ‘fractional Persian’, and speaks better Klingon than Farsi. And his first trip to Iran is about to change his life. In this episode, we chat about Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram. We discuss whatContinue reading “S02E07. Darius The Great Is Not Okay”
S02E06. You Should See Me in a Crown
Would you run for prom king/queen? There is nothing Liz Lightly would like less, but she’s willing to do whatever it takes to win a scholarship, even if it means facing her fear of the spotlight. With special guests, Hallie and Allie from the Read It, Next podcast, we chat about anxiety representation, cute romance,Continue reading “S02E06. You Should See Me in a Crown”
Interview with Wai Chim
For our February bonus episode, we welcome a very special guest! We chat to author Wai Chim about her book, The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling. Topics include: writing about mental health issues in Asian families, flawed but well-intentioned characters, introvert representation, and self-care. The first half of the episode is spoiler-free (we letContinue reading “Interview with Wai Chim”