New Zealand Book Council podcast series

New Zealand Book Council podcast series to explore the books that shape us

The New Zealand Book Council is enhancing its support of the country’s reading and writing culture with a new monthly podcast.

Talking Books will dissect both the latest releases and enduring classics, with input from New Zealand’s top writers, journalists, academics and newsmakers. With a primary focus on New Zealand writing and writers, the podcasts will provide an important addition to the national arts discussion.

“At a time when support for the literary arts in New Zealand is in flux, it’s vital we find new ways to spread the word about the joy of reading and promote New Zealand writers,” said Book Council Chief Executive Catriona Ferguson.

“Our series of podcasts provides an opportunity to hear smart people talking about great books – and will hopefully foster not only a new listening habit, but encourage more diverse reading habits as well.”

The first edition of Talking Books – available on the Booknotes Unbound website and coming soon to iTunes – is hosted by novelist Catherine Robertson, and features writer Rachel O’Neill, author Pip Adam and book critic Guy Somerset. Catherine and her guests explore the unlikely links between two hot New Zealand releases, The Chimes by Anna Smaill and Five Minutes Aloneby Paul Cleave.

The second edition of the podcast will focus on this year’s nominated Great Kiwi Classic, Janet Frame’s debut novel Owls Do Cry. Novelist Paula Morris will lead a spirited debate on the book’s claim to classic status with poet Selina Tusitala Marsh and reviewer, editor and poet Iain Sharp.

Talking Books will be uploaded monthly to the Booknotes Unbound website: http://booknotes-unbound.org.nz/ The Book Council is grateful to Copyright Licensing New Zealand for its support in making this new podcast series possible.

Listen to Talking Books podcast #1: http://bit.ly/1GHkBhj

ENDS

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