Dear Reader E01 - Summer Reads

[Melbourne Library Service]

Two of our chattiest librarians (Justine & Natalie) have begun recording a regular book talk show podcast called Dear Reader. Each episode reviews 6 books, and some episodes have special guest reviewers along for a chat.

Episodes will be added to the Melbourne Library Service Soundcloud and iTunes pages fortnightly on Mondays.

The topic for Episode 1 is Summer Reads and the books we discussed are listed below.

Justine’s books:


Ghost Man / Roger Hobbs


Touch / Claire North


Between the World and Me / Ta-Nehisi Coates



Natalie’s books:


The Gracekeepers / Kirsty Logan


On Writing / Stephen King


Anchor Point / Alice Robinson

Have you read any of these books? Have you listened to our podcast? We'd love to chat to you about books and talking about books!

-Natalie & Justine

[Meredith]

A podcast is an excellent idea, thank you! Before you had finished talking about "Between the World and Me", I had clicked "want to read". I confess the issue of race is an emotionally charged topic I would generally steer clear of (weighty, not fun are instinctive reactions) but your combined response to it motivates me past that.

I have now purchased "On Writing" after reading a copy on loan from the library last year because I found myself wanting to refer back to it. "On Writing" has impacted my experience as a reader - I have found some writing less enjoyable since, noticing language, characterisation, theme constructs and symbolism differently. I still forgive many adverb. But I smile fondly every time because Stephen likes to edit most adverbs.

[Melbourne Library Service]

Hi Meredith!

Glad to hear you popped 'Between the World and Me' on your to-read list. It's brilliant. Brilliant! I hope you find it powerful and rewarding.

As for adverbs, they are ABSOLUTELY necessary!

-Natalie