Category: BOOKS

Book Review: Why Things Feel F*cked by Andrew Sloan

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Posted: 08/02/2026

Andrew Sloan’s Why Things Feel Fcked* is a refreshingly candid and deeply insightful guide for anyone feeling stuck, burnt out, or simply lost in the chaos of modern life. Released on 18 November 2025 by Hardie Grant Books, this practical yet compassionate book offers a roadmap to reclaiming a sense of purpose and connection in an increasingly disconnected world. Sloan, a seasoned psychotherapist, masterfully combines cutting-edge research with over a decade of clinical experience to unpack why so many of us feel like we’re running on empty. He doesn’t sugarcoat the reality: the world is chaotic, and the systems we’ve been told to trust often fail us. But rather than leaving readers in despair, Sloan provides actionable steps to regain control, reconnect with ourselves, and build a life that feels genuinely fulfilling. What sets this book apart is its balance of raw honesty and practical advice. Sloan’s writing is approachable and relatable, making complex psychological concepts easy to digest. Whether you’re grappling with burnout, disconnection, or a general sense of dissatisfaction, Why Things Feel Fcked* feels like a conversation with a wise, empathetic friend who truly gets it. This is not just another self-help book—it’s a call to action for self-leadership and lasting change. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward, this book is a must-read. In a world that feels increasingly overwhelming, Andrew Sloan’s Why Things Feel Fcked* couldn’t have come at a better time. Released in November 2025, this groundbreaking book offers a lifeline to anyone feeling stuck,… Read More

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

2025 Ilkley Literature Festival Programme Unveiled: A Star-Studded Line-Up

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Posted: 18/08/2025

The Ilkley Literature Festival, the north’s longest-running literary celebration, has announced its highly anticipated 2025 programme. From Friday, October 3, to Sunday, October 19, the picturesque spa town of Ilkley will host an extraordinary array of household names, including politicians, authors, historians, comedians, and academics, across 17 days of thought-provoking events. This year’s line-up is a literary feast, featuring global icons such as Wild Swans author Jung Chang, former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, comedian Alan Davies, food critic Jay Rayner, actor Hugh Bonneville, and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday, August 26, with priority booking for Friends of the Festival starting Wednesday, August 20. Festival Highlights The festival opens with Nick Clegg, who will delve into the state of the internet and Big Tech’s impact, drawing from his book How to Save the Internet. Jung Chang follows with a moving evening recounting her family’s story and China’s history, bringing her epic personal narrative up to date. Simon Armitage will captivate poetry lovers with readings from his latest collections, Dwell and New Cemetery. Meanwhile, national treasure Michael Palin will transport audiences to South America with tales from his Venezuelan travels, and Gyles Brandreth will celebrate the centenary of Winnie-the-Pooh with his book Somewhere, A Boy and A Bear. Lady Hale, former President of the Supreme Court, will provide an eye-opening exploration of the British justice system, while Jo Hamilton, a sub-postmaster caught in the Post Office scandal, will share her harrowing story, immortalized in the ITV drama Mr Bates vs… Read More

Category: BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

Sydney Writers’ Festival launches year-round literary program

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Updated: 14/12/2025

The Sydney Writers’ Festival has announced an exciting new chapter in its storied history with the introduction of a landmark partnership with the State Library of NSW. Supported by the NSW Government, this collaboration will deliver a year-round program of literary events, complementing the Festival’s annual celebration of storytelling each May. The initiative is set to launch this September, marking a transformative moment for Sydney’s literary scene. A New Literature Hub for Sydney This partnership will establish a dedicated literature hub in Sydney, creating a vibrant, year-round home for storytelling and literary engagement. The program aims to boost participation in literary events, embed reading and writing into Sydney’s cultural identity, and offer a diverse array of workshops, readings, and events. The initiative also seeks to foster global literary exchange and nurture emerging talent by featuring both international and local authors. Importantly, it will provide an inclusive and accessible platform for NSW’s diverse communities, amplifying underrepresented voices and strengthening the connection between writers and readers. About Sydney Writers’ Festival Since its inception in 1997, the Sydney Writers’ Festival has grown into one of the world’s premier literary festivals. Each May, it brings together acclaimed authors, thinkers, and audiences for a week of storytelling, ideas, and cultural exchange. The Festival is deeply committed to inclusion, accessibility, and the promotion of Australian writing in all its forms. To learn more about the Festival and explore upcoming events, visit swf.org.au. Upcoming Events: September–October 2025 The year-round program kicks off with an impressive lineup of events featuring celebrated authors and… Read More

Category: BOOKS, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Ilkley Literature Festival is back for 51 years of literary excellence

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Posted: 05/10/2024

As the leaves turn and autumn settles over the picturesque spa town of Ilkley, the longest-running literature festival in the north of England opens its doors once again. Now in its 51st year, the Ilkley Literature Festival, which began on Friday, 4 October, promises a rich tapestry of events and discussions that will captivate and inspire literature lovers from across the UK. Spanning 17 days and featuring around 90 events, the festival will take place at the historic King’s Hall and various venues throughout Ilkley, offering attendees an opportunity to engage with a diverse array of voices and ideas. From novelists and poets to journalists and historians, this year’s festival lineup is as eclectic as it is impressive. Among the highlights of the opening weekend is an appearance by Caroline Lucas, the former leader of the Green Party. Lucas will delve into the complex themes of national identity and reclaiming Englishness from the clutches of aggressive nationalism in her thought-provoking talk, “Another England.” The King’s Hall will also host Adrian Chiles, the former presenter of The One Show, who will share his unique insights and humorous takes on British life. Drawing from his popular Guardian columns, Chiles is sure to entertain and provoke thought in equal measure. Adding to the dynamic lineup is Vanessa Kisuule, an award-winning slam poet and dedicated Michael Jackson fan, who will explore the highs and lows of fandom in an engaging conversation about hero worship. Meanwhile, journalist Paul Caruana Galizia will offer a poignant account of his family’s ongoing quest… Read More

Category: BOOKS, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Ilkey literature festival: what to expect in 2024

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Posted: 15/08/2024

Buckle up, bookworms! The 2024 Ilkley Literature Festival is back, bigger and better than ever, with a lineup that’ll have you scraping your jaw off the floor. From 4 to 20 October, the charming spa town of Ilkley will transform into a literary wonderland, hosting an array of poets, novelists, chefs, historians, politicians, children’s authors, biographers, journalists, and yes, even the odd national treasure. Hold onto your reading glasses, because this year’s festival is set to be an unforgettable page-turner. Kicking things off is the legendary Kate Atkinson, who will launch her new Jackson Brodie book, Death at the Sign of the Rook, in an exclusive event with Grove Bookshop on 18 September. But that’s just the preface. The festival will feature over 90 events across 17 days, with venues like King’s Hall buzzing with literary excitement. Get ready for headline acts that are as varied as your bookshelf. Julian Clary, Susie Dent, and Shirley Ballas are set to dazzle with their debut murder mystery novels—because why not shake things up a bit? American novelist Jodi Picoult will be presenting her latest work, By Any Other Name, while Booker-prize winner Alan Hollinghurst celebrates his first book in over a decade, Our Evenings. If you’re a fan of culinary delights, Prue Leith’s cookbook, Life’s Too Short to Stuff a Mushroom, is a must-see, alongside Gyles Brandreth’s exploration of happiness in Happiness in Just a Minute. Erica Morris, the festival director, sums up the excitement: “We’re excited to welcome big names and big ideas as we once… Read More

Category: BOOKS, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Melbourne Art Book Fair at the NGV is back

a woman looking at a shelf with books

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Updated: 30/05/2024

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is thrilled to announce the 10th annual Melbourne Art Book Fair (MABF), a prestigious celebration honouring art book publishing and Melbourne’s distinction as a UNESCO City of Literature. Commencing today and continuing until 2 June 2024, the fair will animate multiple venues across Melbourne and Victoria with an exciting array of book launches, discussions, exhibitions, and more. Highlighting the event is a special in-conversation session with renowned art historian Katy Hessel, alongside a vibrant TV gameshow pop-up and a showcase featuring art and design publishing from across Australia and beyond. Esteemed British author and art historian Katy Hessel, known for her influential podcast “The Great Women Artists,” will engage with NGV Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture, Simone LeAmon, for a live discussion titled “Katy Hessel in Conversation: The Story of Art Without Men” on 29 May. This program, presented by NGV and The Wheeler Centre, will delve into Hessel’s critically acclaimed book, “The Story of Art Without Men,” which explores the often overlooked contributions of women in art history, reflecting her extensive work in uncovering female artists’ narratives from Australia and around the globe. Moreover, the fair will celebrate the launch of NGV’s newest publication, “Observations: Moments in Design History.” Acclaimed design critic and author of “Design as an Attitude,” Alice Rawsthorn OBE, will discuss the socio-political implications of modern design with Sarah Teasley, sharing insights into how contemporary designers are tackling the pressing challenges of today’s society. From 24 to 26 May, the Great Hall at NGV… Read More

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, BOOKS, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Ilkley Literature Festival: a beacon of poetry and literary excellence celebrates 50th anniversary

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Updated: 24/09/2023

This year marks a remarkable milestone for Ilkley Literature Festival, the longest-established literary festival in the North. The festival, steeped in a rich poetic tradition, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. From 6th to 22nd October, the small Yorkshire spa town of Ilkley will bathe in the glow of literary fervor, hosting around 100 author events spanning over 17 days. This year’s headline acts flawlessly blend the old and the new, featuring celebrated authors like Jacqueline Wilson, Jeanette Winterson, Clare Balding, Simon Armitage, Gyles Brandreth, and Monica Ali. The lineup also brings laughter and lightness with comedian Shaparak Khorsandi and presenters Melanie Sykes, Helen Skelton, Anton Du Beke, and Ray Mears. A good number of journalists will be sharing insights from their latest books, including Gavin Esler, Luke Harding, Samuel Kasumu, Tim Marshall, James Naughtie, Grace Dent and Polly Toynbee. International literary stars have also graced the event, with Bryan Washington, winner of the 2020 International Dylan Thomas Prize, making his first ever in-person event in the UK at Ilkley to discuss his latest novel, “Family Meal.” C Pam Zhang, whose novel “How Much of These Hills Is Gold” was named one of Barack Obama’s favourite reads in 2020, will be talking about her latest book, “Land of Milk and Honey.” Founded in 1973 by the revered poet W.H. Auden, Ilkley Literature Festival has consistently championed poetry, hosting performances from illustrious poets including Philip Larkin, Ted Hughes, and Carol Ann Duffy. This year, it continues its legacy by providing a platform for new and emerging poets…. Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, BOOKS, LIFESTYLE

What to look forward to in an evening with Mary Beard at London’s Barbican

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Posted: 18/09/2023

Prepare yourselves, culture and history enthusiasts, for an enchanting evening at the Barbican in London with none other than the eminent scholar, Mary Beard. Known for her engaging storytelling and profound insights, Beard will guide us on an unparalleled intellectual adventure. This night is set to be a celebration of the rich tapestry of past civilisations, and the resonance of their narratives in our present times. Here’s more about what to look forward to After the very recent release of her new book, Emperor of Rome, a riveting exploration of Roman history, from its humble beginnings to the pinnacle of its power. We will hear from Beard, with her characteristic wit and profound knowledge, as she paints a vivid picture of life in Rome during the reign of its most famous emperor. This gripping narrative, rich in detail and brimming with insights, is a testament to Beard’s storytelling prowess and her deep understanding of the past. It’s more than just a history book; it’s an immersive journey into an era long gone. Readers will find themselves right at the heart of Rome, amidst the grandeur, power struggles, and everyday life of its people. Emperor of Rome is not only an essential read for history enthusiasts but also a captivating tale that will enthrall any reader. Don’t miss this chance to experience Rome like never before, through the eyes of a master storyteller. Set within the architectural marvel that is the Barbican, this enriching evening promises to be anything but ordinary. Not only will you have… Read More

Category: BOOKS, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

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