Best Book Forward

Helen Gambarota
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED TWICE MONTHLY

Have you ever wondered which books shaped your favourite authors? Best Book Forward is the bookish podcast for avid readers where we delve into the lives of your favourite authors and discover the books that have shaped their lives. Prepare for surprising picks, heartwarming stories, and the ultimate literary dilemma: "If you could only read one again, which would it be?" Warning: This podcast may lead to an uncontrollable urge to expand your TBR pile. Ready to discover your next literary obsession? Tune in and join Helen's vibrant book community! Find Helen online: Instagram: @bestbookforward YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BestBookForward Website: https://bestbookforward.org/

  1. Lucy Apps on Gloria Don’t Speak: A Women’s Prize-Longlisted Story of Voice and Vulnerability

    1 DAY AGO

    Lucy Apps on Gloria Don’t Speak: A Women’s Prize-Longlisted Story of Voice and Vulnerability

    Lucy Apps on Gloria Don’t Speak In this episode, I’m joined by Lucy Apps to discuss her debut novel Gloria Don’t Speak, recently longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. We talk about the inspirations behind the novel, her writing life, and what it’s like to receive such major literary recognition. At the heart of the conversation is Gloria; a young woman with learning disabilities navigating friendship, vulnerability, and independence in East London. Lucy shares how she approached crafting Gloria’s voice with authenticity and care, and why it was so important to tell a story that reflects the often-overlooked experiences of adults with learning disabilities. We also explore the themes of trust, trauma, and connection within the novel, alongside a broader discussion about care, autonomy, and representation in fiction. Plus, Lucy shares some of the books that have shaped her life and thinking as a writer. 📚 By Lucy Apps Gloria Don't Speak ✨ Books Mentioned Born to be Wild: The Livewire Guide to Saving Animals by Juliet Galletley - Currently Unavailable on bookshop.org Obedience to Authority by Stanley Milgram Nightbirds on Nantucket by Joan Aiken Bodies by Jed Mercurio Immanuel by Matthew McNaught I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

    54 min
  2. Julie Owen Moylan on Elizabeth & Marilyn: The Summer Marilyn Met the Queen

    2 APR

    Julie Owen Moylan on Elizabeth & Marilyn: The Summer Marilyn Met the Queen

    Julie Owen Moylan on Elizabeth & Marilyn | Best Book Forward Podcast What an incredible way to kick off a brand new season of Best Book Forward. In this episode, I’m joined by novelist Julie Owen Moylan to talk about her stunning new historical novel, Elizabeth & Marilyn. Set in the summer of 1956, the book reimagines the extraordinary moment when two of the most famous women in the world, Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II, were, incredibly, neighbours in Windsor. We explore: The real historical backdrop behind Elizabeth & MarilynWriting historical fiction about real-life figuresBalancing emotional truth with historical accuracyThe pressures of fame and life in the public eyeThe shared vulnerabilities of two 20th-century icons Julie shares how she approached portraying Marilyn and Elizabeth as complex, human women rather than untouchable symbols, and how themes of autonomy, identity, ambition, and resilience run through the novel. If you love historical fiction, stories about iconic women, or thoughtful conversations about the writing process, this episode is for you. 📚 By Julie Owen Moylan Elizabeth & MarilynCircus of Mirrors73 Dove StreetThat Green Eyed Girl ✨ Books Mentioned Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys Commonwealth by Ann Patchett I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

    1hr 2min
  3. Best Book Forward: Chapter 5

    SEASON 5, EPISODE 38 TRAILER

    Best Book Forward: Chapter 5

    🎙️ Best Book Forward – Season 5 TrailerA brand new season of Best Book Forward is almost here. Join host Helen for another chapter of bookish conversation, where each week she sits down with authors to explore the books that have shaped their lives—think a literary take on Desert Island Discs. 📅 Season 5 launches: Thursday 2nd April 📚 What’s coming: 8 weeks of brilliant author interviews and irresistible book recommendations 🔍 This season, expect…A dangerously blurred line between patient and therapistMoral dilemmas that will make you question your own choicesThe chilling idea that every crime begins with someone’s child…A novel from this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction longlistA journey to the Suffolk countryside filled with new beginnings and unexpected romanceA glimpse into the lives of two of history’s most iconic womenA sweeping historical romance crossing oceans, cultures, and timelinesA glamorous 70th birthday party… that ends in murder 👀 Can you guess the authors? The first episode drops on Thursday 2nd April—and if you’re subscribed, it’ll be ready and waiting. 🎧 Listen & Subscribehttps://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen 📲 Stay ConnectedFollow on Instagram: @bestbookforward Website: https://bestbookforward.org/

    2 min
  4. Ruth Ware on The Woman in Suite 11: Secrets, Suspense & Screen Adaptations

    19 FEB

    Ruth Ware on The Woman in Suite 11: Secrets, Suspense & Screen Adaptations

    Well I can’t quite believe it but this is the final episode in this Season. I have had so much fun recording these episodes and I really hope that you have enjoyed it too. We’re ending the Season on a complete high as I am delighted to welcome the incredible Ruth Ware to the show. In this episode, Ruth takes us back to The Woman in Cabin 10 before talking about how readers were desperate to find out more from Lo, and how the moment of inspiration came for The Woman in Suite 11. We talk about her writing life, what it was like to see Kiera Knightely bring Lo Blacklock to the screen and we get a little glimpse into what she is working on now. And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy: 📚 By Ruth Ware The Woman in Suite 11 The Woman in Cabin 10 The Turn of the Key ✨ The Five Books That Shaped Ruth’s Life Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford Wide Sargasso by Jean Rhys On Writing by Stephen King ✨ Other Books Mentioned Marple The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins And that’s a wrap for Season 4. Thank you so much to my wonderful guests; Jane Fallon, Ellie Levenson, Nicola Gill, Alexandra Potter, Emma Steele, Jennie Godfrey and Ruth Ware. I’m currently hard at work on Season 5 and I hope to be able to share it with you soon. If you have subscribed to the show you’ll get a notification whenever a new episode lands. If you haven’t yet, I would be so grateful if you could please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. Thanks for listening and see you soon. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

    1hr 1min
  5. Jennie Godfrey on The Barbecue at No. 9: Secrets from the Summer of ’85

    12 FEB

    Jennie Godfrey on The Barbecue at No. 9: Secrets from the Summer of ’85

    What a joy it was to chat to Jennie Godfrey, I could have happily chatted for another hour. Jennie’s new book The Barbecue at No. 9 is out today and it is fabulous. One you absolutely do not want to miss. No episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy: 📚 By Jennie Godfrey The List of Suspicious Things The Barbecue at No. 9 📚 The Books that have shaped Jennie The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp (currently unavailable on bookshop.org) Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes To Kill a Mockingbird Persuasion by Jane Austen I’ll be back next week with the last in this season, don’t worry more are on the way, I’d love for you to join me for that too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

    1hr 4min
  6. Emma Steele on The Love of Our Lives: Love, Loss & Second Chances

    5 FEB

    Emma Steele on The Love of Our Lives: Love, Loss & Second Chances

    This was such a fun conversation with Emma Steele, we’ve been chatting online for a while so it really felt like catching up with a friend. In this episode we talk about Emma’s fabulous new novel, The Love of Our Lives, her writing life, what draws her to write speculative fiction and of course the five books that shaped her life (well there were a few more than 5). And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy: 📚 By Emma Steele The Love of Our Lives The Echoes of Us 📚 The Books that have shaped Emma After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Little Women by Louisa May Alcott The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah ✨ Books Mentioned Someone Else's Shoes by JoJo Moyes Land by Maggie O'Farrell Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah Night Road by Kristin Hannah I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

    58 min
  7. Alexandra Potter on So, I Met This Guy: Romance Scams & Second Chances

    29 JAN

    Alexandra Potter on So, I Met This Guy: Romance Scams & Second Chances

    This was such a fun episode with Alexandra Potter, it was one of the times I felt like I was just sat down having a cuppa and catching up with a friend. So, I Met This Guy, Alexandra’s book that we discuss in this episode is out today and it is such a brilliant read. If you’ve been experiencing any January Blues this is the one you need to be grabbing. And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy: 📚 By Alexandra Potter So, I Met This Guy Confessions of a Forty-Something F##k Up Me and Mr Darcy ✨ Books Mentioned The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid BlytonWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenThe Bell Jar by Sylvia PlathBridget Jones's Diary by Helen FieldingI Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

    56 min
  8. Nicola Gill on Identity Crisis: The Fine Line Between Tears and Laughter

    22 JAN

    Nicola Gill on Identity Crisis: The Fine Line Between Tears and Laughter

    A quick content note: this episode includes conversations about fertility, miscarriage, baby loss, and the death of a parent. I know these topics can be difficult, so please listen in whatever way feels right for you. I absolutely loved recording this episode with Nicola Gill — she is such a joy to chat to. We talked about her latest novel, Identity Crisis (which I adored), her writing life, and of course the books that have shaped her own reading journey. And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy: 📚 By Nicola Gill Identity CrisisSwimming for Beginners ✨ Books Mentioned Mister Meddle by Enid Blyton (currently unavailable on bookshop.org)Pride and Prejudice by Jane AustenElligible by Curtis SittenfeldSaint Maybe by Anne TylerThe Accidental Tourist by Anne TylerBreathing Lessons by Anne TylerThree Days in June by Anne TylerThe Scandalous Ladies Football Club by Frances QuinnStandard Deviation by Katherine HeinyOne Day by David NichollsYou Are Here by David Nicholls I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

    50 min
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About

Have you ever wondered which books shaped your favourite authors? Best Book Forward is the bookish podcast for avid readers where we delve into the lives of your favourite authors and discover the books that have shaped their lives. Prepare for surprising picks, heartwarming stories, and the ultimate literary dilemma: "If you could only read one again, which would it be?" Warning: This podcast may lead to an uncontrollable urge to expand your TBR pile. Ready to discover your next literary obsession? Tune in and join Helen's vibrant book community! Find Helen online: Instagram: @bestbookforward YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BestBookForward Website: https://bestbookforward.org/

Information

  • Creator
    Helen Gambarota
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Helen Gambarota
  • Show Website
    Best Book Forward

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