Reviews
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“A great podcast, which feels so cosy. I’ve listened to every episode for years, and wouldn’t miss one!”
SarahAngers via Apple Podcasts ·
France ·
08/29/24
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“Excellent literary conversation between two bloggers. Even better now that sound quality has been upgraded”
Cardinaljoker123 via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
08/25/24
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“Just came across this as I searched for a cozy podcast that would teach me something. My one desperate request is that Rachel please please please 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 improve her microphone or recording device as it’s often hard to hear her properly and often have to turn the volume way up when she speaks to...”Read full review »
molotov_cocktail via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/22/24
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“Listening to nature writing episode and Rachel’s voice is not clear - her voice vibrates and her words obscured. I think she is too close to the mike- are other episodes as hard to follow?”
knotapp via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
07/17/24
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“I just wanted to say that the episode with Mary Lawson, referred to in your most recent episode, is superb.
The chemistry between Rachel and Simon and Mary Lawson enabled genuine emotions to be shared. It was lovely to hear how thrilled Mary was by the feedback on her four novels.
Thank you.”
PineGroveCharlie via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
07/15/24
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“This is a charming podcast which reminds us that there was a wealth of reading before paperback charts, Richard and Judy, bloggers and blockbusters. Rachel and Simon have a nice rapport and having found a format that suits them they have stuck to it. They are also fairly uncompromising about...”Read full review »
Sooperb59 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
02/24/24
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“That laugh is hilarious and so
funny
Great pair
Hey guys no need for guests you both are pretty cool people and know your books”
Mrs Bizzy Bee via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
09/21/23
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“The female host was unbelievably judgmental of Virginia Woolf being a classist. She kept bringing it up, at least three times in the little portion that was left actually dedicated to VW. The male host tried to bring it back to the literature without much success, but I’m glad he did. Although no...”Read full review »
nucuplmnjuyh via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/07/23
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“I love this podcast. Simon and Rachel are very knowledgeable and I hearing about ‘forgotten’ novelists, such as Elizabeth Taylor. I like the chattery informal feeling. I’ve recommended it to people who have similar literary tastes as myself, and they’ve also enjoyed it greatly.”
Iris452 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
05/05/23
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“A delightful podcast. Listening to the pleasure Simon and Rachel take in books is entertaining and educating. I love the concept of the show—all their debates are excellent conversation starters for book clubs. Thankfully I haven’t heard them diss any of my favorites in the 10 or so episodes I’ve...”Read full review »
765knonoi via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/06/23
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“I am learning so much from Tea or Books? I discovered Miss Read & Barbara Pym 40+ years ago, and ever since have looked for books with a similar tone. Simon and Rachel are wonderful guides for my literary explorations; they are extremely knowledgeable and highly entertaining!”
Jayne Walton via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
02/08/23
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“I love listening to Simon and Rachel discuss their reading and (sometimes widely differing) opinions of what they’ve read, concentrated especially in mid 20th century domestic fiction. Their combination of lighthearted teasing and serious consideration hits the sweet spot for me. Give them a...”Read full review »
snaulak via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/07/23
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“I really enjoy this podcast, it popped up in my recommendations and I have been listening a and enjoying current and older episodes I find it fascinating to keep rediscovering forgotten literature and books and find it refreshing to be able yo delve into and back into as a contrast to just...”Read full review »
A Mardel via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
01/06/23
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“I have been listening for about four years and belatedly getting around to giving my two cents, for what it’s worth!
I adore Simon and Rachel and they have introduced me, via this superb podcast, to many books and authors I would have never have found without them.
It’s rare to find people who...”Read full review »
Kiwi-Louise via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/18/22
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“Love the banter between Simon and Rachel. They have introduced me to so many new authors. They talk about books I am interested in reading. My TBR has exploded since I started listening to this podcast.”
discerning reader. via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
10/30/22
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“I enjoy every episode of this, and Rachel always makes me laugh the way she progresses all her domestic chores during the podcast (as does Simon’s reaction)”
Taz ladki via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
10/15/22
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“You’ve helped me fall in love with books and reading again.
I so look forward to each new podcast.”
Rue&Spud via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
08/05/22
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“This podcast is perfect in every way and I'm so, so happy that there are over 100 episodes of it already made that I can listen to now. Rachel and Simon are so clever and funny, and so knowledgeable about so many bookish topics. It makes for really fun listening, and makes me want to read...”Read full review »
TransitionalConn via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/12/22
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“I came across this podcast after buying one of the novels in the British Library Women Writers series and reading Simon’s afterword. It’s now one of my favourite podcasts, and the best one about books that I’ve found. I‘ve picked up a few books based on recommendations (currently reading Dorothy...”Read full review »
R.E.H22 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
01/07/22
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“Simon and Rachel, Tea or Books is my absolute favorite podcast in the whole world! I can’t tell you how amazing it is to listen to you both discuss all of the books I love with such cheer, intelligence and adoration. I never thought I would find fellow readers who loved the same types of books as...”Read full review »
GinaSleepyEyes via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/22/21
“I liked the obsessiveness of this podcast and the focus on older books outside of the book publicity cycle!”
hellpnearth via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
10/19/21
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“Excellent literary conversation between two bloggers. Well worth listening to in spite of the mediocre sound quality (especially Rachel’s mic). UPDATE: two years later and, if anything, the sound is even worse. It remains the only podcast I listen to that has such terrible production values.”
Cardinaljoker123 via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
10/06/21
“Very enjoyable podcast, particularly if you’re a fan of mid-20th century fiction, although they do roam beyond that. Have found so many interesting books to add to my TBR list.
I’m afraid I have to edit my previous review. The sound on Rachel’s end is now so muffled and fuzzy than I can catch...”Read full review »
BDBxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
09/14/21
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“It's a delight to find a podcast that features an intelligent discussion about books. Too many others just have the presenters squealing with excitement about new releases. Simon and Rachel invest time and energy in bringing us insight about the books they discuss”Read full review »
BookerTalk via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
09/03/21
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“I found this podcast about a month ago and it immediately became one of my favourites.
I have been catching up with all the previous episodes.”
JCGShaston via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
06/14/21
“I quite enjoy this podcast, it’s a bit dull but perfect to have on in the background when I’m working or exercising, I’m the type of person who likes to have chatter around me. The hosts can be a little problematic at times e.g. an episode were Booksnob mentions how she can get Booker prize books...”Read full review »
Georgia Hearts via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
06/14/21
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“Thanks, Rachel and Simon, for your long-awaited conversation about Marilynne Robinson. It did not disappoint. I listen to you from Oklahoma, in the heart of the heart of America, and have begun sharing you with friends. You are informative, yes. But your podcast succeeds with me, I believe,...”Read full review »
iknowwhereimgoing via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/16/20
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“I discovered this podcast about a month ago and have been utterly addicted ever since. One of the best, if not the best, books podcast I’ve ever listened to. Rachel and Simon are great, intelligent, engaging company and I love the rapport they have. Their enthusiasm is infectious. Through this...”Read full review »
emechtild via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
09/11/20
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“I just love the Britishness of the podcast and the intelligence of the conversation. I have rarely heard of the authors discussed but feel I know them by the end of the podcast and occasionally get motivated to read some! Thank you for sharing your reading life with us.”
Pammiwon via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
04/11/20
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“I’m happy I’m a few years late to the game because I have so many episodes to catch up on! I only have a few bookish friends, and none with my specific tastes, and it is so enjoyable listening to Simon and Rachel chat about things I already love or things I will most likely love. Very...”Read full review »
hschwing via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/14/19
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“I love the dynamic between Rachel and Simon. You both make me laugh and I love listening to you talk about books.”
fefdshjutd via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/04/19
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“I love love love this podcast! It’s so much fun listening to Rachael and Simon discuss their favorite (and not so favorite) books. So entertaining as well as informative.”
Chicagobooklover via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/17/19
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“Well, it was actually Captive Reader that got me to Persephone that led me to Stuck in a Book and BookSnob to Simon and Rachel’s excellent podcast. I really enjoy their fun and thoughtful discussions even when the topics are silly (ep. 18: titles: fancy or simple?). I really appreciate that they...”Read full review »
**JLR via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/25/19
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“This is my absolute favourite podcast - the perfect comfort listen for anyone who enjoys reading. As a bonus, I’ve added numerous items mentioned throughout the series to my TBR pile - currently halfway through “The L-Shaped Room” based on Simon’s recommendation and enjoying it very much. Thank...”Read full review »
sloutro via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
01/04/19
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“I don't always agree with what either of the podcasters on this podcast say, and sometimes they have me shouting aloud! but I always thoroughly enjoy the podcasts. Simon and Rachel tell us enough about their lives for me to feel like I 'know' them, but they are always focussed on...”Read full review »
Glitterfluff via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
05/26/18
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“I enjoy this podcast so much. As an American, it's an excellent source for British authors and book titles we don't run across often over here. I love Brit lit, so this is a treat! I just came across the podcast a couple months ago and have already read several books because they were...”Read full review »
EBMarie2017 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/05/18
“I love this podcast. Each episode has expanded my reading horizons and introduced me to a few unfamiliar authors. Both hosts are incredibly knowledgeable and articulate about literature. My Goodreads To Read shelf has grown quite lengthy from the wonderful recommendations found here. One of my...”Read full review »
Jess_Read_This via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/08/18
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“So pleased to stumble upon this fabulous podcast and now follow the blogs of both presenters. Excellent content and a lovely style of discussing a wealth of literary gems (often neglected or off the beaten track).”
Jane nz via Apple Podcasts ·
New Zealand ·
01/08/18
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“Great way to listen to two very smart people talk, while trying not to mumble, about books. I also love that the novels they discuss get me out of my American novel bubble. Keep up the good work!”
JustEmilyC via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/24/17
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“How could you be so crushing to poor Anita Brookner? Her novels have a quiet elegiac tone with heroines who acutely feel the disconnect between themselves and the modern world they live in. Often brought up by elderly or foreign parents, they don't ever quite feel they belong and Brookner...”Read full review »
Squeak_2017 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
07/13/17
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“Great for finding new reading material, and thinking about old favorites. I also like their method of splitting the show into two major parts, one thematic comparison and one head to head of two specific books.”
scientistatrest via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/07/17
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“This is a thoroughly enjoyable podcast for book lovers, which looks mainly at older books (the kinds that already live on your shelves) rather than new releases. I find Simon and Rachel to be interesting companions while I drive and their podcast has become one I really look forward to...”Read full review »
Hyp3 l3pr0k0n via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
06/05/17
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“If you love the kinds of novels you'd find in a dusty old bookshop, the forgotten classics and the beloved British writers of your parents' era this is the podcast for you. I absolutely love it.”Read full review »
Kkhalifeh via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/16/17
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“I came across this podcast after typing Nancy Mitford into iTunes search. I was delighted to see many of my favourite authors mentioned. Have so far listened to the Mitford/Waugh, Nesibt/Blyton and Pym/Taylor episodes. Thoroughly enjoyable though a bit more in-depth discussion of characters,...”Read full review »
Pinker Toes via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
01/26/17
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“Eagerly await each episode and listen to it over a cuppa at morning tea. Simon and Rachel's book banter is informative, witty and utterly charming!”Read full review »
Vintagesue33 via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
01/18/17
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