Best Book Forward

Helen Gambarota
  • 5.0 (21)
  • BOOKS
  • 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. SEASON 4, EPISODE 32 TRAILER

    Best Book Forward; Chapter 4

    Best Book Forward Season 4! Welcome back to Best Book Forward! Get ready because another new season of seven episodes, packed with incredible author is coming your way. I cannot wait to share these with you. New to Best Book Forward? Hi, I'm Helen (@bestbookforward), your friendly neighbourhood book pusher! Think of this podcast as your ultimate bookish version of Desert Island Discs, where I get to chat with some amazing authors about the five books that have shaped their lives and writing journeys. It's always such a joy, and I learn something new every single time (and I also add a lot of books to my TBR, I have no shelf-control)! When Can You Dive In? The very first episode of Season 4 drops this Thursday, 8 June! But if you've missed any of the previous episodes you'll find a catch up link below. Ready to join the bookish adventure? Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - that way you'll never miss an episode!Follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward for behind-the-scenes peeks and bookish fun.Check out the Best Book Forward website: www.bestbookforward.org Catch up on previous episodes Catch up now

    2 min
  2. Helen Paris: The Invisible Women’s Club, Reclaiming Creativity & Owning Your Next Chapter

    09/12/2025 · BONUS

    Helen Paris: The Invisible Women’s Club, Reclaiming Creativity & Owning Your Next Chapter

    For this final episode of our special bonus season, I’m taking things right back to the beginning by welcoming my very first podcast guest, the wonderful Helen Paris, author of The Invisible Women’s Club. In this episode Helen chats about the incredible reader response to The Invisible Women’s Club, the importance of female friendship, navigating menopause, and even gives us a little glimpse into her next book. She also shares details of her inspiring new project, The Next Chapter, a bespoke creative course, in the South of France, drawing on her 30 years of experience as a professor and creative facilitator. The course is designed to give women the space and support to nurture their creativity, whether they’re returning to something they once loved or exploring it for the first time. For dates and details, visit: https://www.creativebody.org/nextchapter. And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Helen Paris The Invisible Women's Club Lost Property ✨ Books Mentioned On All Fours by Miranda JulyThe Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullersHeart the Lover by Lily KingClear by Carys DaviesWest by Carys DaviesA Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood So that’s it for this special Christmas season. I really hope that you have enjoyed it.   I would like to say a huge thank you to my wonderful guests: Catherine Newman, Matt Cain, Clare Leslie-Hall, Frances Quinn, Alice Winn, Virginia Evans, Lucy Steeds and of course Helen Paris. I will be back with a brand new season start on 8 January and I really hope you’ll join for that season 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. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.   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/

    47 min
  3. Lucy Steeds on The Artist: Art, Storytelling & Life After a Breakout Debut

    08/12/2025 · BONUS

    Lucy Steeds on The Artist: Art, Storytelling & Life After a Breakout Debut

    In this Christmas bonus episode of Best Book Forward, I’m delighted to welcome back Lucy Steeds, author of The Artist If you missed the previous episode with Claire you can catch up with it here... listen now We take a look back at The Artist and some of the special moments that Lucy has enjoyed. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Lucy Steds The Artist ✨ Books Mentioned The Signs by Dr Tara SwartEndling by Maria Reva Boutique Book Breaks  Boutique Book Breaks - UK Retreat for Book Lovers. Hosting small groups, with author events at luxury hotels. Use code: 'BestBook' for £50 off the next weekend, 6-8 March 2026 in the New Forest. For more details visit... https://www.boutiquebookbreaks.com/ I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing the last episode in our Christmas Chapter series; I hope you’ll join me again. 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/

    55 min
  4. Gillian McAllister on Famous Last Words, Writing Thrillers, and Must-Read Books

    07/12/2025 · BONUS

    Gillian McAllister on Famous Last Words, Writing Thrillers, and Must-Read Books

    In this Christmas bonus episode of Best Book Forward, I’m delighted to welcome back Gillian McAllister. If you missed the previous episode you can catch up with it here…listen now  We take a look back at Famous Last Words and also at what is next for Gillian, I have to say it is all very exciting.  Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Gillian McAllister Famous Last WordsWrong Place, Wrong TimeCaller UnknownThat Night ✨ Books Mentioned Nightwatching by Tracy SierraYou Are Here by David NichollsThe Secret History by Donna Tartt I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series, catching up with another wonderful past guest. 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/

    44 min
  5. Virginia Evans on The Correspondent: How Persistence, Hope, and Human Connection Led to a Times Book of the Year

    06/12/2025 · BONUS

    Virginia Evans on The Correspondent: How Persistence, Hope, and Human Connection Led to a Times Book of the Year

    In this Christmas bonus episode of Best Book Forward, I’m delighted to welcome back Virginia Evans author of The Correspondent. Virginia reveals how the incredible success of The Correspondent has felt after so many years of rejection, she shares the moments that will stay with her forever, a little insight into what she’s currently working on as well as giving a glimpse into her family life at Christmas. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Virginia Evans The Correspondent ✨ Books Mentioned Heart the Lover by Lily KingThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel JoyceWhistler by Ann PatchettLand by Maggie O'FarrellThe Offing by Benjamin MyersNow We Shall Be Entirely Free by Andrew MillerThe Land In Winter by Andrew MillerCook Like A Pro by Ina Garten Boutique Book Breaks  Boutique Book Breaks - UK Retreat for Book Lovers. Hosting small groups, with author events at luxury hotels. Use code: 'BestBook' for £50 off the next weekend, 6-8 March 2026 in the New Forest. For more details visit... https://www.boutiquebookbreaks.com/ I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing the last episode in our Christmas Chapter series; I hope you’ll join me again. 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/

    52 min
  6. Alice Winn on In Memoriam; Success, Storytelling & Interesting Reads

    05/12/2025 · BONUS

    Alice Winn on In Memoriam; Success, Storytelling & Interesting Reads

    Joining me on today’s Christmas Chapter is the wonderful Alice Winn. I was so excited to welcome Alice back to reflect on the success of In Memoriam, chat about her next projects and get some really interesting book recommendations. If you missed our previous chat you can catch up with it here listen now Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 By Alice Winn In Memoriam ✨ Books Mentioned Inkheart by Cornelia FunkePride & Prejudice by Jane AustenPersuasion by Jane AustenTheir Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neil HurstonThe Colour Purple by Alice WalkerThe Holy BibleThe Quran Beheld by Nuh Ha Mi Keller (not available on bookshop.org)The Collected Essays of George Orwell I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series, catching up with another wonderful past guest. 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/

    45 min
  7. Frances Quinn on The Lost Passenger: A Conversation About Writing, Readers, and Women Who Change the World

    04/12/2025 · BONUS

    Frances Quinn on The Lost Passenger: A Conversation About Writing, Readers, and Women Who Change the World

    In this Christmas bonus episode of Best Book Forward, I’m delighted to welcome back Frances Quinn.  If you missed our first chat you can catch up here listen now We take a look back at The Lost Passenger and Frances gives us a sneak peek into her new book The Troublemakers which sounds amazing. You can you preorder your copy here: The Troublemakers Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Frances Quinn The Lost PassengerThe Smallest ManThat Bonesetter Woman ✨ Books Mentioned Pride & Prejudice by Jane AustenThe Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson TaylorIdentity Crisis by Nicola GillThe Correspondent by Virginia Evans I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series - catching up with another wonderful past guest. 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/

    34 min
  8. Clare Leslie Hall on Broken Country: Awards, Achievements & Reading Recommendations

    03/12/2025 · BONUS

    Clare Leslie Hall on Broken Country: Awards, Achievements & Reading Recommendations

    In this Christmas bonus episode of Best Book Forward, I’m delighted to welcome back Clare Leslie Hall. If you missed the previous episode with Claire you can catch up with it here... listen now We take a look back at Broken Country at only the incredible awards and achievements but also the heartfelt response it has had from readers. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Clare Leslie Hall Broken CountryPictures of HimDays You Were Mine ✨ Books Mentioned Atonement by Ian McEwanHeart the Lover by Lily KingWriters & Lovers by Lily KingThe Death of Us by Abigail Dean Boutique Book Breaks Boutique Book Breaks - UK Retreat for Book Lovers. Hosting small groups, with author events at luxury hotels. Use code: 'BestBook' for £50 off the next weekend, 6-8 March 2026 in the New Forest. For more details visit... https://www.boutiquebookbreaks.com/ I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series; catching up with another wonderful past guest. 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/

    40 min
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

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
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Helen Gambarota
  • Show Website
    Best Book Forward

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