Life with Nat - EP147: Book Club #2 - The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

Episode Date: August 30, 2025

Second book DONE! We've been reading The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary. So great to hear what you've thought of this book. Enjoy!! xx Please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. xxx You can find us in all places here; ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podfollow.com/lifewithnat/view⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ INSTA: @natcass1 A 'Keep It Light Media' Production Sales, advertising, and general enquiries: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SHOW INFO: Life with Nat - it’s me! Natalie Cassidy and I’ll be chatting away to family, friends and most importantly YOU. I want to pick people's brains on the subjects that I care about- whether that’s where all the odd socks go, weight and food or kids on phones. Each week I will be letting you into my life as i chat about my week, share my thoughts on the mundane happenings as well as the serious. I have grown up in the public eye and have never changed because of it. Life with Nat is the podcast for proper people. Come join the community. ♥️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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We haven't done a book club spesh So you didn't know how to introduce it Did you? I was preparing myself Oh dear Would you share a bed with me I wouldn't fucking share a bed with you We have shared loads of beds

No I know I'm saying But I wouldn't do it again You snore No you snore In fact we sleep exactly the same So you're talking absolute rubbish. However, they don't sleep in bed at the

same time. I know, but what about washing the sheets and stuff? It is a bit old. Well, didn't she say when she moved in, she did, she changed the sheets and stuff, didn't she? But you would expect someone, but what do you do if it's every night? No, you can't possibly. So it's just, they did left and right hand side, didn't they? Which I get

but then sometimes, but you don't stay on the side. I'll tell you something. If Mark's away, I'm bang in the middle. Are you? Yeah, smack back in the middle. I move all the pillars in. And I'm like Do you? See, I still sleep on my side. That's funny.

Don't get me wrong. The occasional leg will just like wander. Creep over. But no, I still am fixated on my side. Well, hopefully that Tiffy washes her feet in the shower. And if the leg creeps over it, it'd be alright. If it was me, it'd be a different story. Or like if someone's really sweaty.

Yeah. Because people do sweat. I've been very fortunate. Mark's not a sweater and I'm not a sweater. No. And it's smell. The bed, it really starts the pillows and that start to... Pong.

So, do you enjoy it? I tell you what I love about this. This is going out tomorrow morning. Oh, excellent. So it's really lovely that it's... A little cheeky Sunday. Little Sunday morning. I hope you enjoy it.

I decided to put this out as a bonus, guys, just because, like the seeds and the flowers, not everybody will be reading. And it's a lovely bonus. We've got so much, so much traction from the book club. But we thought we'd pop it out as a bonus for those who aren't reading. However, I must say, you lot are quick readers. I'm really, I've been a bit shit, I'm afraid.

And also, as you notice, there's only just the two of us. We can make it if we try. Elspelsed it and read it. She doesn't listen to the pod. She doesn't read the books. She couldn't give a shit. No, I'm joking. But she hasn't got round to reading it.

And I have struggled. Maria's just finished it downstairs, an hour in the kitchen. We're going to do the pod? Just got a couple of chapters to do. But do you know what? You've powered through, so well done. No, I have, but also I must say, I apologise, guys, because I have, I've read it really quickly and I want to enjoy it.

I want it to be a chore. I want to enjoy it. But I must say, I've had the busiest month. Oh, it's six week holidays. No, I know, and lots of you. not saying everyone have been on holiday and I haven't had that opportunity. I read mine on holiday. When you're laying down, it's much easier.

You've got nothing to do. And I just feel knackered like of an evening. I've got into bed, read it. My eyes are going. I even on the train to work, can't keep my eyes open. It's been a real... It's a problem when you're going to work. Literally, waking up at Liverpool shopping and shit, I think I just fell asleep.

Lucky that's the last stop. but yeah I really struggled and also it has been a slow burner for me and I know a lot of you have said that don't get me wrong towards the end overall it's really heartwarming and it's melted me but it's a heartwarming

it was hard it was quite a long way to get into really gritty let's have a few messages because so many of you have message which is fantastic so here we go this was I'm just going to go through the brilliance of you all Sunday the 7th 17th of August. This was very, very early, Michelle from Tumbridge Wells. Here we go.

Been listening to your podcast from day one and I absolutely love it. It's just like having a good old chim wag with a bunch of good friends. You're all just so down to earth and funny and I love that. I get some strange looks when I'm out walking our dog and I'm laughing out loud as I go. Anyway, I'm one of those listeners that have never listened to a podcast before yours and now I'm well and truly converted. Similar situation with reading too. I've never been a reader, to be honest. I take a book on holiday with all the good intentions of reading it and hardly ever do. Bring it back home with me and take it again the next year,

continuing from where I left off the year before. And so the cycle continues. But no more. I love the pod so much. When you started the book club, I thought, I'm going to give this a go. So I went on a holiday in July with the book I took last year and the tenant. And I finished them both. I was so determined

and I wanted to be able to join in with the EP where you discuss what you thought of it and then I ordered the flat share from my sunbed so it was waiting

for me when I got back Oh amazing I am hooked I finished it today I loved it It made me laugh and cry I'm a little bit sad

now I've finished it Anyway I wanted to thank you for starting this up as it's really changed how I feel about reading instead of mindlessly scrolling on my phone I now can't wait

for the new book to be decided so I can get started It's my birthday on the 26th of August Oh happy birthday I hope you had a lovely day And I've asked for a Kindle Never did I think that would be for me

But thanks to you and the pod It now is The pod is fair Please keep doing what you're doing With you and your lovely family This is my first time message In anything like this Conscious I've witted on a bit

But I wanted to let you know How your pod is really making a difference To people's lives So thank you Who knows I might even build up To sending a voice note next time Which would be another first for me and have a fab weekend so Michelle so lovely I'm so pleased it's got you into reading because honestly

I I've got so many books in this house and I never pick them up life is so busy and I I've really enjoyed doing the same thing being determined and giving myself that time and you do you do put your phone down don't you oh god you have to it's so nice and even like watching things yeah I think that's the problem there's a couple of like little lowbrow things that I like watch it at the moment and it does get you hooked but it's nice when there's nothing on or I just think getting in bed I'd love getting in bed and not turning tell you on yeah I love it when I decorate my room no TV no I'm not having a tell you I get it I could do that to be fair I'm not having it no I know a lot of people to do that sorry just um to go back yeah Kindle yes you've never had one have

you no what are your thoughts I was talking about this earlier with one of the the mum friends and she was saying about getting a Kindle and the other mum said no I love a book I will never go to a Kindle the same as you and I have a diary

Mm hmm You have a paper diary Yeah yeah yeah Which is very old fashioned If I get my diary out And people laugh at me But I have to plan my life on paper And I love the feeling of a book

Holding a book Yeah me too It's just not for me Same as scripts when I was at work Yeah people had it electronically They would have it all on their iPads and stuff. I couldn't learn unless it was paper.

Yeah. I did have a Kindle before. Did you? How did it go? Easy. Yes. One little thing, whacking your back. It is easy to travel with on a holiday.

If you're laying there, it don't get, what books I've had it before. I've dropped it. It gets wet. If you feel, I was all wobbly. It's all gone.

Get rid of wet. I like that. I know. But no, now I've got a book again. I do like it. Something about it. I don't know what it is. Just get into it a bit more.

Even the words look different. I don't know. Yeah. And like sometimes just turning the page on a kind of, it's just not the same. Yeah. Weird. Brilliant for people, although I must say, where I've struggled to read this book. Yes.

I was ironing yesterday. Here she goes. Again, ironing. No, but I had so much ironing. And I thought to myself, this is where I could have the audio book. Yeah, that's true. And that is the thing. That's true.

So this morning, you'll laugh. I was so conscious I needed to finish the book When I tell you I was making the bed one-handed Because I was trying to read Brushing my teeth one hand Every, well obviously you brush your teeth one handed But you know what I mean

I was doing everything Walking around the house Yeah but then maybe the audio book It's fine for that you can swap and change I'm sure Yeah maybe But a lot of people said the audio book They enjoyed this one Because it was a male and a female

Oh okay that's good So a lot of people said that was better than the tenant But it must be the production And who's interesting But no I was just thinking I was thinking yesterday when I was doing three hours of ironing, I could have smashed through the book. We'll do that next time.

But is it the same? Yeah, I think people are really enjoying the audio books and I think in this day and age, audio. And then I listen to a pod. Exactly. Yeah, so maybe I might try that. Try the audio next time. Yeah, I might.

Very good. There's one here from Marie, book review. I've just finished reading it and loved it. That ending was just perfect. It became an addictive read in the end. I watched the first episode of the TV adaption in the week. Wearily, though, as I didn't want to ruin the book.

The book version is just so much better than the first episode, but I'm looking forward to watching the rest of it now. I can't wait for the next book. So Marie really enjoyed it. Yeah. I always find television shows, though, and films are never the same as the book. That is true. No, never.

Never. If you watch the film, like, for me, I read all the twilights. Yes. They were reading it in the book, weren't they? Yes. I was obsessed. You loved him, didn't you, Robert Pudson? Same birthday as me?

Is he? Yeah. He's my dream man. Yeah. Not anymore, though. No. But no, I did love him. But yeah, love the books.

I did love the films, though. They were a mate. They did do a good job of those. I never read Lord of the Rings. I started reading The Hobbit, long old book, never finished it. They are incredible films. But I think I've never read the Harry Potter's, never watched the films. Have you read Harry Potter?

I dabbled. but watched all the films and loved them but people say the books are so much better and that's why now they're making series aren't they? Huge series which is going to be much closer to the book but yeah you can't be the descriptions I'm trying to think of other books

that I've read and I've spoken about Gone Girl before but the book was much better the film was awful really yeah the book was excellent Mm-hmm. Miller Light. The light beer brewed for people who love the taste of beer

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Handcrafted cold foam topped with toasted cookie crumble. It's a sweet summer twist on iced coffee. Your cold brew is ready at Starbucks. Hello, Natalie. Well, I finished reading The Flat Share on Sunday. Absolutely loved it. love the way that the author writes each chapter in their characters, Tiffie and Leon. We just knew by reading the first few chapters and how all these post-it notes were going

that they was going to end up together. Love the fact that he broke up with that other woman. Didn't really like her to start with. But yeah, absolutely loved it. I have also downloaded the next two books to read by the same author. I've already started one. Yeah, really enjoyed it. Glad I took part.

Actually, it reminds me of me and my husband. We've been together 28 years. And for 28 years, he has worked nights. He's a lorry driver, so he works away. But more recently, he's based in one place. But he works nights, I work days. We're basically higher, bye, see you later. So I get the whole house myself in the evenings with my son

and he gets the house during the day with the dog. But yeah, absolutely loved it. Thank you for sharing the book. Now I found another author that I want to carry on reading. Oh, I love that. So thanks. Have a lovely day. And, yeah, looking forward to the next book.

Oh, that's brilliant. Start leaving post-it. Get all romantic again. Yeah, that would be so good. I love the message thing. Yes, so actually, a turning point for me, with Kay, who I wasn't that keen on, was the whole brother not believing.

Oh. That's a hard one. And I understand that. But I feel like... They never felt... Leon and Kay never felt like it. No, but she was a bit of a... She was hard work, weren't she?

Yeah. And I get it. Like, your boyfriend's going to be sharing a flat with someone. Yes. But you're vetting them and he allowed her to do that. She was actually a bit like Justin. Yes. Do you know what I mean?

Absolutely. Have some faith. Well, to be fair, though, she weren't wrong because they fell in love. No, but that was down to, it's a victim of your own success, isn't it? But it's for me, even if she did think that Richie had done it. Yeah. You don't say that to the brother, do you? No.

And you can tell they were very, very close, the best friends. Also, you don't, you haven't got the facts, you don't know. So you're actually, but you're actually basing it on someone you've known. Exactly. So that's, yeah, I completely agree And I'm, if Or just have some hope Put it like this

If someone had done something to you Say something had happened with you And I absolutely know you In and out And I know that's not the case If someone I'm with Doubted that It doesn't know you

Yeah Then I don't want to be with them Yeah, form that opinion They don't know me They don't know me or my family Yeah So I like that I like that element a lot

Trust and respect It's just that respect piece, isn't it? But like you say, even if you do think it, just for the long of it. That's that, yeah. Or even if you feel confident enough that he had done it, if you love someone that much, that's their brother. And you just support them through it. Yeah, so yeah, Kay for me, absolutely not.

She went off, elbowed. Joe Bird. Go on, Joe Bird. She sent me a lovely message about the old decoration of Stitch for my little boy's birthday. And she said, whilst I have you, I adore you girls on the pod. Love all the different relationship dynamics you have. It's so wholesome. And love a book club.

Got me back into reading regularly, which is so good for me. The downside, when you finish the book and don't know what to start next yet. Guys, just try and hold out for the next book. Yeah. But I know some of you are very fast reading. What is amazing. Because we have done this absolutely, perfectly this month, I will be putting out all the first.

videos today, Sunday, the next three books are going to pop them out and will do our poll and that will be ready for you for the 1st of September on Monday. So, yeah, we've got to give people a month because I know some of you are fast readers, but people are busy and a month is a good amount of time. Some people, and I would like this honesty as well, have said that they started it, they just couldn't get into it. Yeah, but that's great. I get that. That's fine. I feel like there's a bit more pressure on. us because obviously we need to finish it with a lot of you guys

but I agree I think I may have given up. I was saying to Natalie earlier like I feel like it could have started like a lot halfway you said yeah halfway in when they literally were doing the notes that's what you're there for you know what's going to happen you just want

to see that love story develop but don't you need the backstory of them a little. It was very long it was quite long it was quite long to get into But no, I don't know if I would have stuck with it I'm really pleased I had to read it because I loved it

I loved the end Yeah like for me the tenant I actually enjoyed this more But the tenant was more gripping earlier on Yes You could see everything unfolding You wanted to know what was happening Even though it was a bit far-fetched

This was a very slow But by the end of it what I found Is I put it down And it was that feeling that Notting Hill gives me It's like a Richard Curtis film that lovely, just warm, lovely moments. Yes, it's a bit corny.

It was so cute, aren't it? But it was just lovely. As soon as they started writing notes, I thought they were going to be together. Did you like Tiff? Yeah, I did like Tiff. Yeah. I did.

I did. And I thought, you know, like you said earlier, because we're talking, I think it's really hard to leave a horrible relationship. I've done that. So what do you make of Justin then? Yeah, complete. Loser.

So what was he doing? What was he doing? Well, he didn't, he didn't want her, but he didn't want her to have anyone else. An arseal. Complete arseal. And it was just wonderful to see her have a group of friends around her that supported her through things and kept saying, he's not right, he's not right. So, okay, so what do you think of Moe and Gertz, like, what's your vibe on Gertie?

Yeah, no, I think she's obviously wild. Hardcore. But then, hardcore, very, very honest. But got her best interests at heart. Yeah, a bit like you and I. Yeah, I'm a bit like. like harsh in the... But you can be harsh with me

but in a really lovely way because all you want is the best for me so you won't put your foot around me which I respect. But it can come across a little bit. Sometimes it can be like oh bloody hell but you know me

and you know what's best and in the end you're always right really. Hey. Hi darling. We're just doing the book pod at the moment.

Oh it's Mark again. He's talking about what's theme train? It's your podcast actually. you're listening to the pod yeah what one what we need to do yeah

if Maria's got those of furniture to get rid of yeah we should go around she can cook where we have to go around like

first thing in the morning yeah have a day around Maria's photograph all the furniture I'll list it on Facebook marketplace in the morning

do what I do when I'm at home and do all the you know you've got to be over by a certain time yeah and we're

you just have a day at maria's having a drink and having dinner in the evening and working for a supper. Sounds absolutely begging. You're up for that? Like a car boot cell, but at my home. Oh, what?

Car boot sale. Right. No, like, you know in America when I did like the yard sales outside? I can't hear you. No, well, we're technologically doing a pod at the moment.

We can't change where we are, darling. Right. Also, what's with the, Sarky Cometts I'll be driving a steam engine Oh you heard that Oh you'll be driving one tomorrow Oh do you want me to tomorrow

When you bring children over All right Are you going to say it's really boring then That was earlier actually No it wasn't Oh was it me? Shit Yes it was you Sorry I love it

Yeah right All right We love you Oh Always a bonus, isn't it? Mark phones. Yeah, it's always Mark phone in. Always. So anyway, sorry, what was saying.

Yeah, so Tiffy, you liked her. I did. Her dress sense confusing me. She reminded me in my head of kind of a bohemian art teacher with all mad, woolly stuff on. Excuse me. What? The Alice in Wonderland dress. I know.

I wouldn't wear an Alice in Wonderland dress. I like Alice in Wonderland and I may have a teapop. But I did think of you. Yeah. Leon, on the other hand Came across as a very handsome creature I really like him Do you fancy him a bit?

Is he real? No He's lovely What a nice guy Well anyone that's in care Is usually nice And he looks at he's up all night Looking after patients

And I loved Mr Pryor I loved the fact that she found The Wall under the bed that he knitted. Oh, no. That was amazing. And then this whole romantic story about his past. Oh, wasn't it beautiful?

And the fact that he was trying to look for him. And then Brighton. Brighton was a lovely moment. Really lovely. What was she doing? I don't know why she fell off. That would be me. That would be me.

In fact, she reminds me of me. Try to give it all the big end and then falls if, smashes her head, incust. That would be. me. That is what would happen. It's so true. That's hilarious. And I've got a lovely message from Charlotte. So she sent a nice message about the pod and then said one other more serious message. I wanted to say thank you for the podcast. I've had a hell of a year and my mum has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's to top it off. So sorry. It's a bit rubbish right now, but having two

episodes of chat from you both and the rest of your lovely family really helped take my mind off of everything. I know you probably get messages like this a lot, but it's important for me to say thank you. I've laughed and felt myself perk up after each episode. The book club is great. Thank you so much. It's really giving me something else to look forward to. How nice is that? Thank you so much. I love it. I love the power of the pod, is what I call it. We think we're not doing anything, but people love it. That's a good tagline, Nat. Power of the pod. Here's another one. Hi, Nat. This is Susan from Cambridge. I haven't messaged in a while. But I needed to finally check in because I have finished the flat share now for the book club.

This is my third time of recording this message, would you believe? Well, you wouldn't believe because you wouldn't know. My dog was having an absolute hoolly in the background running up and down the stairs with toys. And I needed to intervene because he was getting himself into a right old tears. Anyway, I digress the flat share. So I started it the day before yesterday. And after a couple of chapters, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to finish it because I just found it really hard to get, you know, one chapter's Leon, one chapter's Tiffy. And I just, I found it quite jarring. I just didn't find that it flowed to start with.

And then yesterday, the day that I had ironing to do and a gazillion other tasks to do, I picked the book up and thought, right, now I'll give it. another go. I finished the whole book in a day. My goodness. It's just as well, you know, I didn't have anywhere to be. I had a lot of ironing to do, though. It was a really, really good book. My ironing is still sitting here.

It hasn't been done. That's my job for today. You're like Ro Ro Ro. But the book, once you get over the pattern of the fact that it's Tiffie or Leon, persevere. It's a really good book. I really enjoyed it. Oh, good.

Kind of predicted it. it. I think it was quite a predictable plot, but I really thoroughly enjoyed it and I am going to now watch the one that is on the telly. I heard the adaptation. It will be really interesting because how I have visualised Tiffie and Leon, how they look in my head. So true. I'm wondering how they've been cast. Send us a pick. And I hope it's similar because otherwise that's going to really throw me as well. Anyway, I've now sent you a two and a half minute. That is okay. That's good club.

Chilled Sunday. Yeah. Loved it. I'm still catching up on the pods. I'm a little bit behind. But as always, love them all. Keep up the good work.

Bye. Thank you so much for taking the time to redo it. It is hard to talk to someone you don't know about something. I do appreciate that. So I do really appreciate all of your time. But that is something wild. How you imagine people to look in the book. I've got an image.

In my, I wish, if I could draw, I would draw it. Yeah. Because, yeah, or maybe I'll do it on it. Maybe we should AI the characters. That would be, I'm going to do it. Do it. Yeah. Put it on Insta.

Yes, I will. It's incredible. But that's what I love. You're using your imagination. Just going back to the he's and her. Yes. See, I enjoy that. I enjoy the interpretations.

Yes. What I'm confused about. It's a different writing. No, but why? His was very. No, but why was his? me. I know, because that was his mind.

What do you mean, though? But hers was more flowing. I don't get that. No, I don't get that. Why? Because what do you mean? That was his... Because it's just their personalities.

So it showed you that she was more sort of... Oh, do you think? Gumbling. Yeah, that's how I see it. Oh, I don't know. That she was more flurrying and sort of open and chaotic. Whereas he was quite methodical. Methodical and serious is how I would...

Oh, really? Yeah. Oh, if anyone else... has any more on that. Yeah. Because I found that a bit, that confused me a little bit. They were very different.

Because when you think about the tenant, it was still two sides of the story, but not written like me. It was still written in the same manner. Yes. Whereas I found that a bit weird, actually. Yeah, I liked it. It reminded me of a script.

Yeah, I don't mind that. And actually, you know, the job of it I did like was, you know, the text messaging. Yes. I like, see, I don't. See, I don't mind that that he's the hers I don't mind that sort of right

And again, I guess that's just modern day The way you text I don't know, emails, friends Well it's like it shows now All the messages come up on screen Because we're living in that sort of world Don't we? We had one here from Kelly from New Zealand

Oh my God, this was a really good read It brought a tear to my eye And I had goose pimples at the end Awesome recommendations girls So thank you Kelly from New Zealand I love that And also just going back to the previous message, I understand what you mean.

We knew what was going to happen. But I don't think that book was about the suspense. No. It was just about the love story. We all knew what was going to happen. But it wasn't only love. It was the friendships. Yeah.

And the different relationships throughout the book and human people. Yeah. And what can happen. Yeah. So for me, it weren't about the suspense of what was going to happen. And for me, the end was so heartwarming. Really heartwarming. Maybe a bit like, it key.

but just so cute. Going back to the old post-it notes. Oh, so nice. And then, well, they'll... I mean, yeah, I'm talking about them like they're real, but you would keep that on, wouldn't you, forever? Absolutely. If you'd continue that.

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Hi Nat this is the first time I've done a voice note so you might have to speed me up if I whitter too much I just wanted to say because I know you want the book reviews by tomorrow I'm loving the book club I really enjoyed the last book and it's really got me back

into reading the latest book Flat Share I've struggled to get into it if I'm honest. I took it on holiday and couldn't really get into it to start with. And then on the way home, I read it on the plane or read half of it on the plane. And actually, I've really enjoyed it. It's all a bit predictable, if I'm honest. I might be the only one thinking that. But yeah, I think overall I like it. I'm not going to finish the book by tonight. I've still got probably just over half to read. So maybe it gets a bit more gripping as it goes on. I'm not sure. But anyway, I'd give it like her probably a six, seven out of ten.

Yeah, fair enough. This is me, Nicola, from a Fernhurst in West Sussex, a little village just south of Guilford. Thank you. Oh, thank you, Louise. No, I get it. For me, the turning point was when he proposed. Yeah. Because even when they saw each other in the bathroom, I was like, oh my God.

And it sort of went flat. I feel like more could have happened there. When Justin proposed, you mean. Yeah, sorry, yeah, when Justin proposed to me, that was... When he proposed. The epilogue. The end. Also, I haven't told you.

What? I was reading it on the plane. Yes. Fell asleep. Yes. Dropped it. Left it. So I reordered.

Oh no. That's annoying. So hopefully someone picked it up as a nutshell. I'm going to pop my signature in this one and leave it in Harlow for someone to get. You can do that with mine as well. Oh, you sign it and poppy and wear. Where? People pick it up being like fucking great.

No, just say love from life when that. Just do love from life when that. Okay. And then we can just say... Oh, that's such a good idea. Yeah, we'll just leave and I'm going to just put on a bench. I'll do that with the tenant as well. Yeah, me too.

But what were you going to keep your book? No. No, I've got enough books. Thank you. Would you ever read a book twice? I read The Lovely Bones twice. Yeah, that's a good book. I've read George's Marvelous Medicine by Roald.

50,000 times and I never get bored of it. Natalie, actually, may I correct you, we did read it. We had a cassette. The cassette. We listened to the audio book. We loved it. I'm reading Roaldol to the kids at the moment. I've done George's Marvelous Medicine.

Have you done the Twits yet? No, I'm saving that for. Why was I saving that for? I was thinking Halloween. No, you should do the witches. I'm sorry, that's what I'm going to do. Thank you. Sorry.

I haven't done the Twits, buzzing to do that. No, we've just done Charlie in the Chocolate Factory And then I let Alfie watch the original Yes, obviously, I'm the original Yeah, he loved it And I literally love it I think I'm going to get him the Willie Wonka Lego For Christmas

Oh my God, that way you can't Yeah, it's incredible But the film, it's amazing I know all the words Yeah Joe, what's mad? So obviously they do adaptations Violet, darling Violet

But obviously they do adaptations Yeah And I'm sorry, I'm going to say it Go. The film is so much better than the book. Yeah, it is. Really? Yeah.

Because in the book they have two parents with, there's just change, I think the film is better. It is. A rare occurrence. It is a rare occurrence. But obviously the, what's his name? Jean Wilder. Yeah, that film is incredible.

I do, I will. Do you know the story about him? What? The first story of Charlene the Chocolate Factory. What do you mean? He was meant to wander into the factory. Yeah. And obviously do his whole speech.

He said, I like the part, but when I come in, I want to be decrepid and then do a rolly-pulling, jump in. He said, so no one knows if I'm lying or not throughout the whole film. And that was his idea. It's so good. And he said, I'll do it if you allow me to do that. Because otherwise, people will never know the mystery of men. When I used to watch that film as a child, I'd kid you not. I used to go to the back of the TV and think, could I open it and get in there?

It was so magical. Why has no one done that? I'm putting it out there. Can we have a Merlin? Can we do a Charlie and Chocolate? Did you see on Instagram, on TikTok? Go on. So there was somewhere, I can't remember where it was.

They tried to do a Willie Wonka factory. It was so bad. Everyone had paid loads of money for tickets. No, it was awful. I'll have to find it and show you. But how has no one recreated that? Because it's so spectacular that it would cost a lot of money. But it would be so good.

Imagine going through the chocolate river? No, I'm not worried about that. I just wanted to eat the daffodil. You know, when you drinks out of the daffodagh. Yeah. Or the marshmallow. Or the cream on the toast. So good.

So good. I think germs might get into place. imagine they go loud 400 people all munching on the old cream it's going to be a problem that's why no one's done it jerms hello happy Wednesday my review of the flat share a bit slow to start but enjoyed it more and more as it went on funny in bits and laughed out loud like the last line

if it's okay I've got a recommendation for a future book or post photo of the cover below I haven't read it but I've looked at the reviews and they're great love listening to the pod I've listened since the start Can't wait to read your book, either. Thank you for being you, Louise. What's a shame, Louise, is this has gone into the book club text messaging service, and I don't know which book you posted.

Oh, no. I'll go back and over a look. Actually, what month are we in? We're in August at the moment. We're going into September. So, hold on, your book's next month. It is. So what's the book?

What are the options? Are we saying it? What do you mean? For the next book club. Yes, we can. So here we go. The next book options are... These are chosen by Natalie, by the way.

Yeah, but with people... Oh, they are recommendations. I've had to go for Victoria Hislop the Island. And the reason I've chosen this is many of you have got in touch to say, if you've been to spin a longer, you need to read this novel. It's beautiful. Oh, it's a film as well. I know.

Why, it's everything to film? I know, and it all are. But it says it's vivid, moving and absorbing. That's by the observer. but they said it's a beautiful film all about the island of Spinalonga so I've put that into it so thank you

what does it say? Victoria Hislops the island is a family saga centred on the Greek leper colony of Spinolonga off the coast of Crete as a modern day woman Alexis Fielding

and covers her mother's buried past on the island the story follows Alexis as she learns about her family's history beginning with her great grandmother, Alaini, who was forced to live on the island due to leprosy and the subsequent generations who endured the island's isolation and the stigma of the disease alongside stories of love, war and passion.

Oh, fuck, maybe I've got to read it now, so that's good. Cheers, Louise. No, it's lovely. It's good to have a little synopsis. That was the AI overview. Yeah, fantastic. Right, next one. Right, the next one I've chosen.

I've been on Anna's podcast, Motherpucker. She's incredible woman. She does a lot, a lot of work. She was in, I think, the Times top 50 influential women in the UK. Amazing. She is all about working women. And she's written a fiction novel, and it's called Influenced. And it's got five stars in a few places, and it's quite new.

And I really like her. So I thought it would be good. The title reads, Influence. It says her life was perfect. Now she wants revenge. So it sounds quite gritty. Influenced. Oh, it's not really giving me much.

It's just about motherhood, online life and female empowerment. All for that. Meant to be brilliant. So it's about a mother. It's about her going through, I think, a messy divorce. I might be wrong, but it's relationships, motherhood, quite gritty. So that's that one. Yeah, it's just the challenges of becoming a mother approaching 50.

Yeah. That's, yeah. Really good. Sounds good. Then I've thrown a curveball here. We all watched the last one laughing. Most of us loved it. Bob Mortimer won it.

I just think he's a great character. He's been around for a long time. And I've put in his autobiography because someone told me, my friend Adam, he said, he listened to it in the car. He said, it's a fantastic read. Really interesting character. Very, very funny. So I thought I'd throw a bit of comedy in there.

and I've gone for Bob Mortimer, the autobiography, and it's called And Away, number one bestseller. So it's his autobiography of his life. And I just thought it'd be nice to get to know Bob a little bit more because I think he's a great crack. Lovely. I'm torn. I'm completely torn. I don't know who I would vote for. Don't mind.

I would vote for the Mavapaka or Bob Mortimer. Fair enough. I think I would go for the influence one myself. Yeah. I would be interesting to read that. So, yeah, I'll pop them all up on face. But today, lovely that it's all very, very quick. I'll pop them up for you.

They'll be on there. And drop us a vote. Drop us what you think. And yeah, lovely. Love that. Brilliant. Can't wait for the next one. Absolutely brilliant.

Can't wait. Enjoy guys. A lovely Saturday afternoon. Love to see you. And you? By the way, I love my T-Moo thing, but... It's not T-Mew. She-N.

It's been a problem. It's posing a problem. for the pod I got Natalie a new wrist iPhone wrist take a photo it's cute though

it is lovely I'll take a photo there you go anyway have a lovely lazy Sunday lovely Sunday and you've got

a scrape in the barrel tomorrow enjoy enjoy enjoy bye bye love you darling

love you more