Well Hello: Meanderings from the world of Chat 10 Looks 3

by Annabel Crabb, Leigh Sales

In 2014, two of Australia's most high-profile journalists sat at a kitchen table, hit record on a phone and started a rambling conversation that’s still going on (and on). From books to TV, music to cooking, friendship to films, there’s little cultural terrain Annabel Crabb and Leigh Sales haven’t traversed in their oddly named but nonetheless wildly popular podcast Chat 10 Looks 3.

Now, in their first book together, the pair takes a stroll through some of the issues of our time, offering advice for would-be writers, thoughts on developing a rich reading life, tips for navigating the perilous world of social media, and the secrets of a great friendship, all with the digressions that listeners of their podcast have come to love. Here Crabb and Sales discuss kindness, success and failure, and not taking yourself – or others – too seriously, with a liberal sprinkling of fairy wrens, granny pants, show tunes, creative insults, diabolical mum bags and CLANGS.

Whether you’re a devoted listener of Chat 10 Looks 3, curious as to what all the fuss is about, or simply looking to cry-laugh on public transport, WELL HELLO is the book for you.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

Annabel Crabb has been a journalist since 1997, beginning her career at Adelaide’s Advertiser and moving on to cover politics first for the Age and then for the Sydney Morning Herald, where she was a columnist and sketch-writer. She is the author of Losing It: The Inside Story of the Labor Party in Opposition (2005) and the Quarterly Essay Stop at Nothing: The Life and Adventures of Malcolm Turnbull, which won a 2009 Walkley Award. She is presently the ABC’s chief online political writer.

Reviews

[Kylie Purdie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have very much meandered my way through this book. I've picked it up and put it down repeatedly over the last couple of weeks, always finding something to bring me joy, remind me of an fabulous episode of the podcast or a cabbage worthy event on the facebook group.
If you are not a chatter - someone who listens to Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb's fabulous podcast Chats 10 Looks 3, you may be left wondering what this book is all about. It's definitely something aimed at the fans, but I do believe there is much there for the uninitiated as well.
It's a glimpse into the friendship of two incredibly smart, well read, well watched, well baked women. Their admiration for each other leaks out of every part of this book, even in the casual way they insult each other in the way only true friends can.
Look, if you love reading, watching TV/movies, listening to podcasts, listening to music, baking and/ or cooking, take the time to check this out. Inside the book and the podcast you will find much to amuse you, make you think and lift your spirits.

[Reannon Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️this is a book for all the chatters. What I loved about this book was, because I’ve listened to every podcast ep, I could hear annabel & Leigh talking as I read. The conversations they have with each other in the book are great & I love the added bonus of the lists. There is a lot of recapping episodes but overall it an enjoyable read.

[Julie Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is like a love letter to their podcast and it's legion of fans in the Chatters.
Together Crabb & Sales build on their podcast to discuss books, movies, cooking and everything. They explore all the important issues, like, should a book be re-gifted or given away (HELL NO is the correct answer Sales).
The book is set out in an interview style, with the authors interjecting on each other at times and spares no expense at highlighting each other's shortfalls. It is in sections for easy access, opening with a discussion on how the podcast came to be and what it has come to mean to its fans. This podcast has exploded outside into the real world and during the last 18 months when everyone has been so isolated, the Chatters have made sure that no one feels alone.
This book is about that. It is reminding us all that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. Annabel and Leigh continue their light hearted take on the world and share their experiences in something tangible for us to hold and go back to, when the need arises. This is their podcast given new life and will win many more fans to this dynamic duo with their hilarious world views.

[Alison P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m saving my five-star rating for Flora’s Fancies, but Well Hello was an unrestrained joy to read. 100% Chatterrific.

[Julie Swane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this, but it is obviously for those devoted to their podcast. Felt like an outsider peeping in.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really covers everything. From books and TV, music, cooking and friendship. It includes insights from the duo on life lessons and things that have changed their thinking. It's a book I read in small parts over a number of weeks as it's not one to just finish in a few sittings. There's so much I loved about this one, so I will give you a few snippets here.

Annabel says that her fantasy is to have a whole day where she just lies in bed and reads. Seriously, I don't think there's anything I can relate to more📚 I absolutely loved the book talk sprinkled throughout and there's plenty of it! From what books the duo enjoy - lists of their favourites, to sentimentality around keeping books, dog earing, author talks and how they organise their books. There's a chapter on how to write and I devoured the chapter on the Art of Conversation. Honestly, the book ended up just looking like a university text I used to own, tabbed in multiple places so I can come back to things.

'Crabb and Sales discuss kindness, success and failure, and not taking yourself – or others – too seriously, with a liberal sprinkling of fairy wrens, granny pants, show tunes, creative insults, diabolical mum bags and CLANGS.'

Definitely one I recommend, for both a fun reprieve from life and incredibly interesting insights into so many topics. 4.5*

Thanks so much to the team at Penguin Books Australia for this gifted review copy.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

You’ve heard the podcasts, been to the shows, bought the merchandise & now revisit them all with this book! Nice recap

[Marianne Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read half of it and thought this is pretty ordinary as podcast don’t really turn into good books as you miss the laughter etc that obviously went on in the podcasts and I have never listened to this one. So was going to give up but flipped through a few chapters and came across their 10 top books fiction and top 10 non fiction which was really good. Skip a bit more and there’s this bit about The Clock by Christian Marclay. A 24 hour art montage. Fascinating. And the only other thing was a couple of recipes. So instead of the original 2 star rating I thought I got more like 4 stars worth!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an original 1000 Chatters facebook page member (before it became a facebook group), I probably can't give this any less than 5 stars. It's as light and delightful as the podcast and the live shows that these two amazing Australian Journos do. It is like spending time with your favourite friends and there are plenty of in jokes in the Chattersverse to reminisce on. Yes I was there adding to the discussion on the diabolical Mum bag and viewing the cabbage delivery to hospital with wonder. I have my Crack teatowel, my Clang Tote and Fairy wren pin. There was a time when I couldn't keep up with all the posts that kept popping into my fb feed, and was late to the party with the Crack wax and Moral Highground keep cups but there's still time for all of that.
I thought I might not get the same vibes from the book, but it's just a light and easy delight. These two women really know how to write. There's a couple of essays that I don't recall seeing anywhere else, such as Leighs bit about handling online criticisms, with simply not caring. I pretty much put into practice what she says, but she says it so eloquently. Crabb always has a great way with words that has me cackling.
Unashamedly I read it from cover to cover, it's due back to the library with a long line of Canberra Chatters waiting to get their fairy wren feathers on it, so I couldn't do anything but read it all quickly and send it back, that's my story anyway and I'm sticking with it.
'till later! Clang!
PS Did I really use Clang out of context, you'd have to read the book to know... or listen to the podcast or join the fb group :D

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did. Thought it would be just the two of them roasting each other and talking about the books and films they enjoy like in the podcast. And it was all that, but also included some really insightful tid bits of wisdom which I really enjoyed. In particular was Leigh Sales’s reflection on music.

[Eli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me happy. I took it with me on the plane for a long haul flight as it is very easy to pick up at any time, have a good time reading and put it down if it’s time for having a snack or go through immigration. I heard Leigh’s and Annabel’s voices chatting to each other as I read. The essays are very well written, the lists are useful for future reference and their discussions about topics like friendship and the art of conversation are interesting and different. It is definitely a book for chatters or late-to-the-party chatters that need a bit of catching up.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probs 2.5
I must admit I dip in and out of the podcast and wouldn’t have paid retail for this book (picked it up at a charity shop) and I did enjoy the tips of books and movies etc, but the whole time I felt I was stopping Leigh sales from doing something else. Leigh always seems to be planning escapes and bemoaning the time spent doing the podcast, so I’m really not sure why she does it…

[Olivia Newman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a book for Chatters. I feel a bit bad giving it only three stars, but the content was mined largely from the podcast which I have binged diligently in the last six months. If the content hadn't been as fresh in my mind, I'm sure I'd have enjoyed it a little more.

[Marie Miegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing preventing me from awarding this book 5 stars is the too-small font!

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it. Just like listening to the podcast. I'll never get past Annabel Crabb's inimitable writing style, love it.

[Sandra Prosser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved getting the low down on the group, most stories I knew! Cooked the glass potatoes while reading the book. Yummy! Such a light and easy to read book.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t help but give 5 stars. I love these ladies. They keep me entertained and educated in all the best possible ways.

[Grace Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gripping, funny and fulfilling! Full of lovely graphics, lists, photos and more. Definitely a book for Chatters though - I’m not sure if you would enjoy it as much if you hadn’t listened to the podcast. It was everything I wanted from it and more, truly amazing! Great work by Annabel Crabb, Leigh Sales and the Chat 10 team! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[Penny O'shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, up front I admit I’m a long term chatter so this review may be somewhat biased. Like the podcast, I was entertained, informed, amused, astonished and generally felt like I was wrapped in Grannie’s old blanket with my favourite slippers on while reading Well Hello. I found it best consumed in manageable chunks, allowing the giggles to subside, thoughts to clear, or outrage to diminish (turned down page corners, Sales, really). I made a deal with myself that I would imbibe this tome supplementarily to my regular reading habits, keeping it on the kitchen table and dipping in only when eating alone. This worked well except I now need advice on how to lose a few kilos…

[Alicia Gibbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did have plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. However, as an avid Chat 10 Looks 3 listener, I felt that too much of the book’s content was transcribed directly from episodes of the podcast and I frequently found my interest waning. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I’d been able to dip in and out over the space of several months, but alas I had borrowed it from the library and it felt like a bit of a slog to get through before it was due back. I’m sure I will return to some of the lists at some point - I’d love to read some of Crabb’s favourite books and listen to some of Sales’ favourite albums.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of the Chat 10 Looks 3 podcast, this is a book that epitomises the friendship, banter, mutual piss-taking and warmth of Annabel Crabb and Leigh Sales. Much like the podcast, it’s broken into sections on cooking, books, TV and movies, friendship, conversation, writing and music. And much like the podcast it’s a disorganised ramble through all the topics with lots of interruptions and interjections. BUT THAT IS WHY WE LOVE IT!!!

I particularly loved Annabel’s section about her unfortunate technology incidents. I instantly felt better that there’s someone other than me who is a complete clutz with food and technology. Side splittingly funny - particularly the time when she accidentally cooked her laptop in the oven!

I also loved discovering some episodes referred to in the book, that I haven’t listened to before, like the giggling episode where they go to see 50 shades of grey at the movies.

Do yourself a favour and listen to the podcast, join the Facebook group and read the book!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the new content especially their thoughts on writing. Really, it’s extraordinary the juggernaut this podcast has become and the legion of Chatters who have bonded over it. Many a bad day has been rescued by tuning. These two women consistently call out both casual snd overt discrimination eg mic packs that are designed for men, well meaning advice that “serious journos” shouldn’t be devoting any air time to cooking & reading when it’s perfectly ok for serious male journos to show their love of sport for example.

[Kanako Okiron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having never listened to the podcast, I didn’t expect much from this book, but a few pages in I was smiling, and a few chapters in I was cracking up. So even if you don’t listen to the podcast or don’t like the ABC or have never heard of Annabel Crabb or Leigh Sales, you will find something in common with them and will laugh at some point. Name two other journos who are besties and wrote a book together! Exactly.
Their cozy banter, slow burns and cheeky captions for each photo were enough to make me giggle. These classy ladies are worth your time.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Annabelle Crabb and Leigh Sales and enjoy their podcast but I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I hoped.

I liked some of the essays and book and movie recommendations. The cooking section by Annabelle was really good too.

There was a lot of material here that I skimmed over. Large sections of transcribed conversations between the two which I found a bit boring. There were also several interviews with random people like the Facebook site administrator!? You would have to be a mega fan to enjoy those.

[Carolyn Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here I am, banging on about this book, again. Why? Because it’s heartwarmingly REAL and positive. The structure is frankly ‘shambolic’, to quote both Sales and Crabb, but it somehow works.

I LOVE Annabel Crabb’s humour:
“As we all know, cooking is an activity widely undertaken by the feeble-minded, and my being interested in it is a virtual guarantor of shallowness in a way that an interest in sport, films or obscure alt-rock bands, for example, definitely is not for male journalists, politicians or economists.”

[Tc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A joy to read, but as a non chatter this book may make little sense. (If you don’t know what a chatter is, then that’s you). I could hear the two of them having the dialogue, and even recalled some of the episodes. It truly did make me laugh, but also helped place some of the context of what have now become in jokes. I’m not an inaugural member of the group, but have certainly been following for a while, and was definitely able to enjoy laughing along as they front-stab each other! Keep up the good vibes, conversation and liberal arts recommendations!

[Aly Alway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun forChatters to read this book. If you’re not a chatter, and you haven’t connected with the Chat10Looks3 podcast this book might not be for you. No doubt the membership of the Facebook group will go from currently enormous to something truly gigantic. I’m not sure that bigger is better but the Chat10Looks3 group is certainly riding a wave of fame and popularity. As part of this group I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

[Wendy Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable book (so more a 3.5 than a 3), but folks who have not listened to the Chat 10 Looks 3 podcast might find the content incomprehensible. Most of the book's sections are based on podcast episodes and long-running inside jokes. There are some good essay-type sections - e.g., some good ones on friendship and on conversation - but otherwise the book is more of an explanatory guide to the podcast.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to this book, I finally got around to making Chatters Crack and I now appreciate the hype!
A lot of fun, with some great booklists, tv and movie lists and all round good times.
I so often laugh out loud and into tears when listening to the podcast and the book gives that warm welcoming vibe too, in a beautifully created and laid out volume. Read it from the library, but think I might need to buy a copy to come back to.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so down for everything to do with friendship and the show, but as soon as it turned to "are you just trying to hit the wordcount"? I felt highly cheated by the whole thing. Please don't pander to your audience. If you don't want to write a book, just don't write it, or write a smaller book. OR just articles. What makes their relationship so lovely is thinking that they would be chatting and connecting anyway, we just get to listen in, it felt like the book was a chore for them to write.