Shelf Life
Season 2
Shelf Life is a half-hour program produced by the University of Western Sydney that delves into the thoughts of both local and visiting authors to showcase what's on offer for Australians who are keen to put their bookmark to use. The television show explores what everyday people are reading and uncovers new writers and novels of interest to both avid readers and bookshelf browsers. Presented by Dr Milissa Deitz and Dr Rachel Morley from the UWS School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Shelf Life also features a host of guests including academics, authors, and entertainers.
Where to Watch Shelf Life • Season 2
40 Episodes
- Episode 1E1
Episode 1In this first episode of the second series, we meet screenwriter Anny Slater, talk about the future of books with the owner of Macleay Bookshop and spend an evening at a spoken word event. In our Bookmark segment, we review "Lover's Dictionary" by David Levithan and Patti Smith's self titled book "Patti Smith". - Episode 2E2
Episode 2This week we talk to playwright and actor Brendan Cowell, and take a trip to Marrickville Library. We also found time to have a chat with Ivor Indyk and Fiona Wright who run Giramondo Press, a publishing house with a mission. We review "This Is Shyness", by Leanne Hall; and Sarah Winman's "When God Was A Rabbit". - Episode 3E3
Episode 3In this episode we meet writer Stephanie Dowrick and we delve into the underground world of Science Fiction and Fantasy. We also visit a Chinese Calligraphy exhibition with a twist. We review Tim Pegler's book "Five Parts Dead" and "The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating" by Elisabeth Tova Bailey. - Episode 4E4
Episode 4This week we talk to not one but two renowned authors. We have the pleasure of meeting Australian author Bernard Cohen, and the creator of the "Dexter" dynasty, Jeff Lindsay. We visit one of the Berkelouw bookshops in Leichhardt and discover their rich history. In our Bookmark segment, we review "Blue Skies" by Helen Hodgeman and Suzanne Ruta's "To Algeria, With Love". - Episode 5E5
Episode 5In Shelf Life this week, we talk to author Jesse Blackadder about her newest novel and we meet the dedicated staff at Vision Australia. Daniel Akst speaks with us about the growing industry of self help books, and why they are necessary. We review "Between Borders And Buses" by Darren Assey and "Girl Saves Boy" by Steph Bowe. - Episode 6E6
Episode 6We talk to writer and critic James Bradley about the difficulties behind judging other authors' work, and meet poet Joanne Burns who has a new collection out this year. We travel to Sydney for the Mardi Gras Short Story LGBTQ Competition and find out why this type of event is so important. We review "Fall Girl" by Toni Jordan and "August" by Bernard Beckett - Episode 7E7
Episode 7This week, we visit the "Behind The Lines" Exhibition, a display of this year's best political cartoons brought to you by the Whitlam Institute and Riverside Theatre. Then we take you on a trip down the coast to enjoy the Lifeline South Coast Big Book Fair and see what literary gems they discover this year. We also bring you along to the launch party of the 2011 Sydney Writers' Festival to see who and what they have in stall for us this year. We only review one book this week, Tea Obreht's sensational first novel "The Tiger's Wife". - Episode 8E8
Episode 8We meet first time soldier/author and testicular cancer survivor Matthew Carr whose novel "Battle Scars" documents his emotional journey. We take a trip to a Digital Stories Launch at the International Cultural Exchange in Parramatta, and speak to well known food critic John Newton. We review Christina Hopkinson's "The Pile of Stuff at the Bottom of the Stairs" and Leslie Cannold's "The Book of Rachael". - Episode 9E9
Episode 9This week we visit the tech savvy library in Castlehill, and talk to Ebook author Patrick Flanigan about the pros and cons of self publishing online. Then we are lucky enough to interview Dr Barry Jones about the government's plans for the future of the Australian publishing industry. We review Stephen Orr's "The Cruel City" and "The Summer Without Men" by Siri Hustvedt. - Episode 10E10
Episode 10This week we visit the Norman Lindsay Festival of Children's Literature in the Blue Mountains and talk to Norman's granddaughter. We speak with Larry Writer about the topic of his latest book, the infamous Bumper Farrell and visit revered author Kathryn Heyman and discuss her role teaching in the Faber Academy. We review 2 children's books this week, Maryanne Harrison's "T.E.D.'s First Day at School" and "Press Here" by Herve Tullet. - Episode 28E28
Episode 28This double episode promises to educate and entertain. Funnyman Tim Ross talks about his journey to becoming a successful radio personality and now author. And we revisit the Bankstown Youth Development Service (BYD) to see what Sydney Writers' Festival idea they had install for us this year. - Episode 34E34
Episode 34One of the most impressive traits of the Sydney Writer's Festival program is that it deals with real and current issues around the world. These issues aren't always pleasant to hear about, but in the hopes of one day building the world into a better place, it is important we listen. Palestinian doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish has dedicated his life to peace in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, despite losing his 3 daughters to the conflict in 2009. Today he tells his story. - Episode 37E37
Episode 37You might remember last year we visited the Varuna Writers retreat in the Blue Mountains. Here's another chance to hear about Varuna's figurehead, the award winning Australian author, Eleanor Dark. And with this year being the 20th anniversary of the writers' hide away, the timing couldn't be any better. - Episode 38E38
Episode 38This week the Festival organisers have decided to include a subject close to everyone's heart. Food, and more specifically what food writers John Newton, Pauline Nguyen, Joanna Savill and Tristan Bancks think about the changing role of food in our society. Stay with us for a lively discussion, which is sure to whet your appetite. - Episode 39E39
Episode 39To end our Sydney Writers' Festival Series we have an episode for children, or anyone who has children in their life. We take extracts from a fun filled day of events at the Carrington Hotel. This episode features Australia's top children authors: Steven Herrick, Catherine Jinks and Morris Gleitzman. - Episode 40E40
Episode 40A Shelf Life special: "After Words": Former Prime Minister Paul Keating is in conversation with Kerry O'Brien at the City Recital Hall. They discuss leadership, the role of the monarchy in modern day Australia, the current state of the Labor party and American politics. The talk is based around Mr. Keating's latest book, "After Words", a collection of his post prime-ministerial speeches.