Best Book Synopsis Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 552 || From the Front Porch Live with Amy Poeppel 1:02:11

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2h ago1:02:11

1:02:11

This week on From the Front Porch, we have a special treat: a recording of our live show from The Bookshelf’s October Reader Retreat! In this episode, Annie, Hunter, and Ashley are joined by extra-special author guest Amy Poeppel, our Reader Retreat featured author, to do a snake draft of literary and pop culture homes. Enjoy! To purchase Amy’s boo…

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#165: Carys Shannon — Debut Novelist on Choosing an Indie Press, Finding Your Voice, Writers’ Hour, and Holding Your Vision 49:09

10h ago49:09

49:09

Debut novelist Carys Shannon on how to stay true to your voice through submissions and agent feedback, why an editorially led indie press was the right home for her book, and the craft that brought it to life. We discuss: How to decide what your book wants to be and center its emotional life. Submission strategy after competitions: reading agent fe…

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#164: Liv Maidment — A Literary Agent’s Playbook for Writers: Query Smart, Pick Comps, Nail the Pitch & Synopsis, and Today’s Market 54:52

7d ago54:52

54:52

Head of Books at the Madeleine Milburn Agency, Liv Maidment, shares how literary agents read, evaluate, and champion submissions (from pitches and comps to strategy, timelines, and today’s AI-driven market), helping writers pitch their work clearly and confidently. You'll learn: How to build a snappy 1–2 line elevator pitch that helps everyone down…

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Episode 37: The Headless Ghost 2:05:43

7d ago2:05:43

2:05:43

Everyone knows about Hill House. It's the biggest tourist attraction in town. That's because it's haunted. Haunted by the ghost of a thirteen-year-old boy. A boy with no head! Duane and Stephanie love Hill House. It's dark. And creepy. And totally scary. Still, they've never actually seen the ghost. Until the night they decide to go on a search. A …

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Episode 551 || Literary Therapy, Vol. 25 43:34

7d ago43:34

43:34

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a Literary Therapy session! Our literary Frasier Crane, Annie, is back to answer more of your reading questions and dilemmas. If you have a question you would like Annie to answer in a future episode, you can leave us a voicemail here. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in …

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Episode 550 || Annie Recommends: Spooky Reads 27:47

15d ago27:47

27:47

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s an episode of Annie Recommends! In this series, Annie curates a stack of books in a certain genre or theme for you – just as if you walked into our brick-and-mortar store, The Bookshelf. This month, Annie recommends a short list of her favorite spooky reads. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, st…

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#163: Indyana Schneider — Lessons from an Opera Singer Who Wrote Her Novel on the Tube; Rhythm, Desire & Tension for Fiction Writers 1:04:53

15d ago1:04:53

1:04:53

Indyana Schneider—international opera singer and novelist—shares practical ways to write rhythm and desire on the page, craft scene-level tension, and shape compressed-time narratives; plus lessons from drafting her debut on the Tube. You'll learn: How to build sentence-level cadence: vary lengths and read aloud to tune flow. A simple spine for sho…

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Episode 36: The Haunted Mask II 1:55:17

22d ago1:55:17

1:55:17

Steve Boswell will never forget Carly Beth's Halloween mask. It was so gross. So terrifying. But this year Steve wants to have the scariest costume on the block. So he gets a mask from the same store where Carly Beth got hers. It looks like a creepy old man. With stringy hair. A wrinkled face. And spiders crawling out of the ears! Steve's definitel…

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Episode 549 || October 2025 New Release Rundown 37:27

22d ago37:27

37:27

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another New Release Rundown! Annie and Erin share the October releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by …

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Lululemon, Align, LLMs and Newsletters, Portfolio Holdings, Right for the Right Reasons 58:38

25d ago58:38

58:38

MBI: https://www.mbi-deepdives.com/ scuttleblurb: https://www.scuttleblurb.com/By David

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#162: Natalie Lue — Publishing Mini-Memoirs, Writing Difficult Truths, Choosing Indie Publishing 42:22

25d ago42:22

42:22

Natalie Lue, bestselling author and writer (Baggage Reclaim) shares how she shaped her mini-memoirs Let Go (Family & Friction) with The Pound Project, why intention is your best editor, and the inner tools that helped her write through grief, illness, and complicated family ties — without turning her life into content. You’ll learn How to decide if…

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Episode 548 || September 2025 Reading Recap 34:10

29d ago34:10

34:10

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in August. You get 10% off your books when you order your September Reading Recap. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville,…

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#161: Sarah Hall — Writing Award-Winning Short Stories & Literary Fiction, Evocative Landscape & Creative Freedom; Booker-Nominated Writer 1:07:20

1M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Sarah Hall—twice Booker Prize–nominated author and the only writer to win the BBC National Short Story Award twice—on crafting fiction that is both lush and uncompromising, and how to captivate readers on the sentence level while staying true to creative freedom. We discuss: Her early reading life in the countryside and the characters who first spa…

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Episode 35: A Shocker on Shock Street 1:58:48

1M ago1:58:48

1:58:48

September 28, 11E, We Got Goosebumps LIVE www.twitch.tv/polymedianetwork Erin Wright and her best friend, Marty, love horror movies. Especially Shocker on Shock Street movies. All kinds of scary creatures live on Shock Street. The Toadinator. Ape Face. The Mad Mangler. But when Erin and Marty visit the new Shocker Studio Theme Park, they get the sc…

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Episode 547 || Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley: Autumn 44:20

1M ago44:20

44:20

This week on From the Front Porch, it's an episode of Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley! Annie is joined by friend, cousin, and former colleague, Ashley Sherlock, to chat about what they’re reading – but also what they’re watching, listening to, and buying. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit…

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#160: Nicolas Cole — How to Balance Art and Business as a Writer: Ghostwriting, AI, Focus & Sustainable Success 1:07:23

1M ago1:07:23

1:07:23

Nicolas Cole—digital writer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Ship 30 for 30, Premium Ghostwriting Academy, Typeshare, and Write With AI—on building a portfolio of writing businesses, ghostwriting as a path for writers, and how to balance art and commerce. We discuss: How poetry kept him creatively grounded while building businesses Why every piece …

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Episode 546 || Into the Backlist: And the Sea Will Tell 28:02

1M ago28:02

28:02

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a new episode of Into the Backlist! Today, Annie changes her focus from new releases to dive into the backlist: the books that came out years ago, the books that didn’t get enough attention, the books you may stumble upon while browsing in an indie bookstore like The Bookshelf. To purchase the books mentioned…

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Episode 34: Revenge of the Lawn Gnomes 2:03:40

2M ago2:03:40

2:03:40

Two pink flamingos. A whole family of plaster skunks. Joe Burton's dad loves those tacky lawn ornaments. But then he brings home two ugly lawn gnomes. And that's when the trouble starts. Late at night. When everyone's asleep. Someone's creeping in the garden. Whispering nasty things. Smashing melons. Squashing tomatoes. No way two dumb old lawn orn…

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Episode 545 || September 2025 New Release Rundown 35:51

2M ago35:51

35:51

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another New Release Rundown! Annie and Erin share the August releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by T…

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Episode 544 || August 2025 Reading Recap 38:59

2M ago38:59

38:59

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in August. You get 10% off your books when you order your August Reading Recap. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, vi…

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Never Sell: Episode 9 - Global Payments, AI and Software, OpenAI and Anthropic Bubble? 57:35

2M ago57:35

57:35

MBI: https://www.mbi-deepdives.com/ scuttleblurb: https://www.scuttleblurb.com/By David

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#159: Chris Banks — How to Build Creative Resilience: Feedback, Gratitude, Positive Psychology & the Courage to Write 29:12

2M ago29:12

29:12

Chris Banks—writer, entrepreneur, and founder of ProWritingAid—on how to embrace what makes you unique, use AI as a tool for inspiration, and build resilience and joy into the writing process, from creating faster feedback loops to reframing the creative pit of despair. We discuss: Why “leaning into your weird” can unlock originality and stronger i…

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Episode 33: The Horror at Camp Jellyjam 2:19:02

2M ago2:19:02

2:19:02

Swimming, basketball, archery. King Jellyjam's sports camp has it all. Too bad Wendy isn't a total sports freak like her brother, Elliot. But how excited can you get over a game of softball. It's just a game, right? WRONG! Because Camp Jellyjam is no ordinary sports camp. And Wendy's about to find out why. Why the counselors seem a little too happy…

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Episode 543 || Summer Readings: Poems We Love 19:04

2M ago19:04

19:04

This week on From the Front Porch, we have another episode of Summer Readings! In this series, Annie introduces you to one book you should read this summer by reading an excerpt (with permission from publishers). Today, Annie reads poems from different poetry collections. Use code SUMMERREADINGS at checkout to get 10% off the books below. To purcha…

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#158: Amie McNee – The Hardest Lesson Every Creative Must Learn: Choose Yourself Before Anyone Else Does; The Salve for Jealousy, How to Overcome Rejection & Rebuild Self-Trust 1:03:49

2M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

Amie McNee—creativity coach and writer behind the popular account @InspiredToWrite—on how to stay grounded through success and setbacks, forge a creative life on your own terms, and why art is both essential and revolutionary. We discuss: How to deal with rejection Advice for artists starting out on social media Tips and reflections on self-publish…

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Episode 542 || From the Archives: Favorite Books of All Time 1:03:36

2M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another episode From the Archives! In this series, we’re sharing some of our favorite past episodes of the show while Annie is on maternity leave. Enjoy today’s episode about Annie’s favorite books of all time from 2023. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, vi…

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#157: Joseph Fasano – How to Think Like a Poet: Unlock Rhythm, Creative Freedom & the Courage to Create; Plus Build a Following For Your Writing 1:14:09

3M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

Poet, novelist, and teacher Joseph Fasano on how to find the unique language and rhythm in our work, building a meaningful online presence, and why he believes that embracing limits in life (and writing) is key to creative freedom. We discuss: Joseph’s creative evolution, from astrophysics to poetry Why studying craft is essential The value of cons…

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Episode 32: The Barking Ghost 1:59:23

3M ago1:59:23

1:59:23

Scared of his own shadow. That's what everyone says about Cooper Holmes. But when the Holmeses move into a new house deep in the woods, scary things really do start happening. Problem is, no one believes a scaredy-cat like Cooper. But then no one else heard the bone-chilling barking late at night. Or ran into two evil-looking dogs who disappeared i…

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Episode 541 || Summer Readings: A Marriage at Sea 11:49

3M ago11:49

11:49

This week on From the Front Porch, we have another episode of Summer Readings! In this series, Annie introduces you to one book you should read this summer by reading an excerpt (with permission from publishers). Today, Annie reads a passage from Sophie Elmhirst’s book A Marriage at Sea. Use code SUMMERREADINGS at checkout to get 10% off A Marriage…

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BEYOND THE SYNOPSIS Ep. 10 – Monty Nero & Mike Dowling 26:02

3M ago26:02

26:02

In this feature, we interview comic book industry professionals via Zoom about their latest projects. For episode ten, I spoke with the co-creators of DEATH SENTENCE: The Complete Collection - writer/artist Monty Nero & artist Mike Dowling. For a complete preview, view my article at https://popculthq-comics.com/interview-beyond-the-synopsis-ep-10/ …

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BEYOND THE SYNOPSIS Ep. 11 – Timmy Heague & Scott Koblish 36:06

3M ago36:06

36:06

In this feature, we interview comic book industry professionals via Zoom about their latest projects. For episode eleven, I spoke with writer Timmy Heague and artist Scott Koblish of the Dark Horse Comics & Archie Comics collaboration ARCHIE vs. MINOR THREATS, the new crossover comic miniseries featuring Twilight City's favorite villains and Riverd…

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#156: George Walkley – Understanding AI: A Practical & Positive Guide for Writers, Creators & Publishers, Plus Ethics, AI vs Human Imagination. 1:16:09

3M ago1:16:09

1:16:09

George Walkley, AI strategist and former publishing executive at Hachette, on what writers need to know about artificial intelligence, how it’s reshaping the creative and publishing industries, and how to use it responsibly in your writing life. We discuss: How George transitioned from traditional publishing to AI consulting The difference between …

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Never Sell: Episode 8 - AI, Meta, Process, Pods, Writing 50:18

3M ago50:18

50:18

MBI: https://www.mbi-deepdives.com/ scuttleblurb: https://www.scuttleblurb.com/By David

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Episode 540 || From the Archives: Traveling through Books 46:14

3M ago46:14

46:14

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another episode From the Archives! In this series, we’re sharing some of our favorite past episodes of the show while Annie is on maternity leave. Enjoy today’s episode about traveling through books. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (sear…

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#155: Gretchen Rubin — Secrets of a Creative Life: Better Time Management, Happiness Hacks, Sustainable Habits & How To Know Yourself Better; also Writing Nonfiction, Research & Redefining Success 1:13:00

3M ago1:13:00

1:13:00

Gretchen Rubin—bestselling author of The Happiness Project and The Four Tendencies on how self-awareness shapes her creative process, the habits that sustain her writing life, and how she wrote her latest nonfiction book Secrets of Adulthood. We discuss: How Gretchen found her voice and path as a writer Dealing with naysayers & rejection Building c…

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Episode 31: Night of the Living Dummy II 2:21:28

3M ago2:21:28

2:21:28

Amy's ventriloquist dummy, Dennis, keeps losing his head...for real. So Amy begs her family for a new dummy. That's when her dad finds Slappy in a local pawn shop. Slappy's kind of ugly, but Amy's having fun practicing her new routine. Then terrible things start happening. Horrible, nasty things. Just like what happened the first time. Because ther…

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Episode 539 || Summer Readings: The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley 13:25

3M ago13:25

13:25

This week on From the Front Porch, we have another episode of Summer Readings! In this series, Annie introduces you to one book you should read this summer by reading an excerpt (with permission from publishers). Today, Annie reads a passage from Leila Mottley’s new book The Girls Who Grew Big. Use code SUMMERREADINGS at checkout to get 10% off The…

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#154: Francesca Simon — From 40+ Rejections to Bestselling Children’s Author (25M+ Book Sales), Moving from Children’s Books to Opera & Myth, and Reinventing Herself at Every Stage 1:19:08

3M ago1:19:08

1:19:08

Francesca Simon is the legendary author of over 60 books for children, including the global bestselling Horrid Henry series, which has been translated into 27 languages. Her books have sold over 25 million copies. She talks to us about early rejection, finding fame, reinventing her voice to write librettos, and her first foray into adult fiction wi…

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Episode 538 || From the Archives: Audiobooks with Jordan Jones 57:20

3M ago57:20

57:20

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another episode From the Archives! In this series, we’re sharing some of our favorite past episodes of the show while Annie is on maternity leave. Enjoy today’s episode from 2022 all about audiobooks with beloved guest and Annie’s husband, Jordan Jones, just in time for road trip season. To purchase the books…

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#153: Find A Literary Agent & Get Published, Advice From Four Lit Agents Ed Wilson, Lucinda Halpern, Madeleine Milburn & Sam Copeland 57:56

3M ago57:56

57:56

How do you write a great query letter, find the right agent, and stand out in today’s crowded submissions inbox? In this special compilation episode, four top literary agents: Ed Wilson, Lucinda Halpern, Madeleine Milburn & Sam Copeland, share their honest advice on getting signed, writing marketable books, and navigating today's publishing industr…

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Episode 537 || Summer Readings: It's a Love Story 14:45

4M ago14:45

14:45

This week on From the Front Porch, we have a new episode series: Summer Readings! In this series, Annie introduces you to one book you should read this summer by reading an excerpt (with permission from publishers). Today, Annie reads a passage from the delightful Annabel Monaghan’s new rom-com It’s a Love Story. Use code SUMMERREADINGS to get 10% …

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#152: Margaret Heffernan — The Secret Weapon of Great Artists: Harnessing Uncertainty, Wandering & Creative Instincts That Machines Can't Create 1:00:18

4M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

What if uncertainty wasn’t something to fear, but your greatest creative ally? Dr. Margaret Heffernan—author, entrepreneur, and TED speaker—on how artists and writers thrive in chaotic times. We also talk about embracing the unknown, navigating AI-driven anxiety, and staying creatively resilient in a world that rewards certainty. We discuss: Margar…

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Episode 536 || Best Books of the Year (So Far) with Hunter Mclendon 1:04:45

4M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie and Hunter discuss the best books of 2025 (so far)! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 536) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie's books: First five-star read: Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld Mos…

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Never Sell: Episode 7 - APi Group 1:06:28

4M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

In this conversation, Scuttleblurb and MBI discuss API Group, focusing on its business segments, particularly fire safety and inspections. They explore the company's transition from project-based work to a more stable inspection and service model, the challenges faced in project work, and the significant acquisition of Chubb. The discussion also to…

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#151: Melissa Febos — The Art of Memoir: Turn Life Into Art, Undoing Shame, and Choosing The Artist’s Life 1:03:50

4M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

Celebrated writer and memoirist Melissa Febos on the art of the memoir, the alchemy of personal experience and literary craft, and how to turn the raw material of life into art. We also her latest book, The Dry Season, where she examines the solitude, freedoms, and feminist heroes Febos found during a year of celibacy. We also talk about: - Writing…

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Episode 535 || What Would Susie Read 47:28

4M ago47:28

47:28

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie is chatting with her mom, Susie, about books for readers with PG-13 tastes. You get 10% off the Susie-approved reads mentioned in this episode when you use code SHOPMOMSELECTS at checkout online and in-store! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our web…

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#150: Seth Godin – How To Build A Thriving Creative Writing Practice In the Age of AI. Plus, Stop Seeking Validation, Find Your Audience And Overcome Obscurity (From the Vault) 50:15

4M ago50:15

50:15

Legendary Seth Godin, bestselling author of Linchpin, Purple Cow, The Dip, Tribes, and The Practice on wrestling with creative resistance, getting past self-doubt, and how to build a resilient creative practice that thrives—even in an age of AI We talk about: Why writing isn’t about talent—but about creating the conditions for skill Why “Do you lik…

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Episode 534 || Off the Shelf with Annie and Ashley: Summer 2025 54:29

4M ago54:29

54:29

This week on From the Front Porch, it's an episode of Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley, formerly known as Kids' Table! It's the same banter and book talk you love with a fresh new name. Annie is joined by friend, cousin, and former colleague, Ashley Sherlock, to chat about what they’re reading – but also what they’re watching, listening to, and bu…

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117 - Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (with Jess Perkins and Kirsty Webeck) 1:25:05

4M ago1:25:05

1:25:05

On this episode of Book Cheat Dave has read William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. Lending me their ears and picking up a few nicknames along the way is Jess Perkins and Kirsty Webeck. Suggest a book for Dave to cheat: https://forms.gle/zj9DHBCFMuevS4VC6 Support Book Cheat and Do Go On on Patreon: www.patreon.com/DoGoOnPo Instagram: @b…