Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club
Books & Literature
About
Join comedians and authors Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd in their Weirdos Book Club - a space for the lonely outsider to feel accepted and appreciated. Assisted by their comedian and writer friends, each week they’ll discuss a book that is special, stimulating and y’know – weird. Welcome to your new book club! Thank you for reading with us. We like reading with you! Sara’s debut novel Weirdo is published by Faber & Faber and is available to pre-order here.Cariad’s book You Are Not Alone is published by Bloomsbury and is available to buy here.Follow Sara & Cariad’s Weirdo...
Episodes
- Having Spent Life Seeking by Kae Tempest with Kae Tempest
Kae Tempest is featured on Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club to discuss their book, Having Spent Life Seeking. The conversation includes themes of addiction, access to reading, and seaside towns.
- Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke with Caro Claire Burke
In this episode, Sara and Cariad are joined by author Caro Claire Burke to discuss her book Yesteryear. Topics include mirrors, Christians, botox, TikTok, feminism, and dingos.
- Middlemarch by George Eliot
In this episode, Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club discusses George Eliot's novel, Middlemarch. The conversation includes topics such as soap operas, love stories, socialism, and Nietzsche.
- Flesh by David Szalay with David Szalay
In this episode, author David Szalay joins Sara and Cariad to discuss his book "Flesh." They explore topics such as class, Vienna, masculinity, prizes, money, and Soho.
- Welcome Back Weirdos!
Sara and Cariad are back with a new series of their Weirdos Book Club. In this episode, they discuss books they've read, the National Year of Reading, and topics such as Odysseus and maggots. They invite listeners to join their book club.
- Series 5 Trailer - Sara and Cariad's Weirdos Book Club
Sara and Cariad's Weirdos Book Club returns for a fifth series, inviting listeners to engage with their book discussions and submit suggestions. The hosts also offer bonus content through their Patreon.
- Friends of Weirdos - Single Ladies In Your Area
This episode of Single Ladies In Your Area features hosts Amy Gledhill and Harriet Kemsley. They discuss dating and relationships in your 30s and beyond, with special guest Jameela Jamil.
- The Meaning of Liff by Douglas Adams and John Lloyd with John Lloyd
Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd are joined by John Lloyd to discuss the book The Meaning of Liff, which he co-authored with Douglas Adams. They touch on topics including quizzes, friendship, and Sweden.
- David Bowie’s 100 Books to Have Read
Sara and Cariad explore David Bowie's list of 100 books to read in this episode of the podcast.
- Muckle Flugga by Michael Pederson with Michael Pederson
Sara and Cariad are joined by Scottish poet and author Michael Pederson to discuss his book Muckle Flugga. They cover topics including Stephen Fry, Robert Louis Stevenson, Salman Rushdie, and the creative process of writing.
- A Year of Creative Thinking by Jessica Swale with Jessica Swale
Playwright and director Jessica Swale discusses her book 'A Year of Creative Thinking' with hosts Sara and Cariad. The conversation touches on her career, Paddington: The Musical, and various lighthearted topics.
- Introducing Mrs Collins by Rachel Parris with Rachel Parris
In this festive episode of Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club, comedian Rachel Parris joins the hosts to discuss her book, Introducing Mrs Collins. The conversation covers themes including the Napoleonic Wars, marriage, and Mr Collins.
- Christmas Book Conundrums
Sara and Cariad respond to listener questions about festive book gift-giving in this special Christmas-themed episode of their book club podcast. They provide suggestions and inspiration for holiday reading conundrums.
- My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh with Jodie Harsh
In this episode, hosts Sara and Cariad are joined by DJ and producer Jodie Harsh to discuss Ottessa Moshfegh's novel, My Year of Rest and Relaxation. The conversation also covers nostalgia, Amy Winehouse, Soho, and Jodie Harsh's own memoir…
- Father Figure by Emma Forrest with Emma Forrest
Writer and director Emma Forrest joins Sara and Cariad to discuss her book, Father Figure. The conversation covers topics including observations, fantasies, ear-worms, obsession, and George Michael.
- White Male Stand-Up by Alan Davies (Live from the London Podcast Festival, Kings Place)
Hosts Sara and Cariad discuss the memoir White Male Stand-Up with comedian Alan Davies in an episode recorded live at the London Podcast Festival. The conversation covers Davies' career and his new book, with content warnings for discussio…
- Audiobooks with Juliet Stevenson
Sara and Cariad discuss audiobooks, acting, and literature with actress and narrator Juliet Stevenson. They also cover the upcoming Speakies British Audio Awards and mention book recommendations.
- By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept by Elizabeth Smart
Sara and Cariad discuss Elizabeth Smart’s book By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept. The conversation covers themes of romance, obsessive love, and T. S. Eliot, and includes a discussion about suicide.
- A Truce That Is Not Peace by Miriam Toews with Miriam Toews
Author Miriam Toews joins Sara and Cariad to discuss her book, A Truce That Is Not Peace, as well as writing conferences, comedy, and death.
- A Complicated Woman by Rebecca Lucy Taylor aka Self Esteem
In this episode, hosts Sara and Cariad are joined by singer Rebecca Lucy Taylor, also known as Self Esteem, to discuss her debut book, A Complicated Woman. The conversation covers topics including creativity, burnout, success, and the show…
- Book-street's Back Alright!
Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd return for a new series of the Weirdos Book Club. In this episode, they discuss their recent reading, pencil cases, upcoming series plans, and literary news while inviting listener suggestions.
- Series 4 Trailer - Sara and Cariad's Weirdos Book Club
Hosts Sara and Cariad announce the return of their podcast for a fourth series. Listeners are invited to send in book suggestions to be featured in upcoming episodes.
- Friends of Weirdos - Pod Save the UK
Sara and Cariad recommend an episode of the podcast Pod Save the UK, hosted by Nish Kumar and Coco Khan. The featured episode explores the UK's lingering relationship with Margaret Thatcher and examines recent political infighting.
- Swing Time by Zadie Smith with Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Sara and Cariad are joined by Sophie Ellis-Bextor to discuss the novel Swing Time by Zadie Smith. The conversation covers themes including motherhood, celebrity, the white savior complex, and dancing.
- Clown Town by Mick Herron with Mick Herron
Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd discuss the book Clown Town with the author, Mick Herron. The conversation covers the Slough House series, the television adaptation Slow Horses, writing techniques, and various lighthearted topics.
- Evenings and Weekends by Oisín McKenna with Oisín McKenna
Sara and Cariad are joined by author Oisín McKenna to discuss his book, Evenings and Weekends. The conversation covers topics including whales, London, summer evenings, and balancing day jobs.
- The Readers Talk Writing Part 2
In the second part of this special series, hosts Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd discuss their personal paths to writing and their individual writing processes. The episode includes mentions of sensitive topics including abortion, self-harm,…
- Human Rites by Juno Dawson with Juno Dawson
Best-selling author Juno Dawson joins hosts Sara and Cariad to discuss her book Human Rites. They also talk about various television shows and pop culture topics including Dawson's Creek, Sex and the City, and Doctor Who.
- Yardsticks For Failure by Ivo Graham with Ivo Graham
Comedian Ivo Graham joins Sara and Cariad to discuss his book, Yardsticks For Failure. The conversation covers topics including Taskmaster, neurodiversity, friendship grief, the Edinburgh Festival, and Potters Bar.
- The Readers Talk Writing Part 1
In this episode, hosts Sara and Cariad discuss their personal experiences with books, writing, and their creative processes. This is the first part of a special series focusing on writing.
- Men In Love by Irvine Welsh with Irvine Welsh
Sara and Cariad are joined by author Irvine Welsh to discuss his book, Men In Love. They cover topics including success, capitalism, house music, and DMT.
- Where Did She Go? by Cariad Lloyd with Nadia Shireen
Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd are joined by author and illustrator Nadia Shireen to discuss Cariad's book, Where Did She Go? They also talk about career changes, child development, and Daniel Bedingfield.
- Wifedom: Mrs Orwell's Invisible Life by Anna Funder
In this episode, the hosts discuss Anna Funder's book, Wifedom: Mrs Orwell's Invisible Life. They explore themes including domestic labour, war, geniuses, and jokes.
- Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth with Liam Williams
Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd are joined by comedian Liam Williams to discuss Philip Roth's novel Portnoy's Complaint. The conversation covers themes including Kafka, addiction, and antisemitism.
- Summer Reads 2025
Sara and Cariad discuss summer reading suggestions submitted by listeners of their book club. They also highlight their own current book projects and upcoming appearances.
- Frankie by Graham Norton with Graham Norton
Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd are joined by author and presenter Graham Norton to discuss his book Frankie. They touch on various themes from the novel, including 1950s London, art, and personal connections.
- The New Age of Sexism by Laura Bates with Laura Bates
Laura Bates joins hosts Sara and Cariad to discuss her book, The New Age of Sexism: How the AI Revolution is Reinventing Misogyny. The conversation covers topics such as AI, deep fake technology, sex dolls, and pornography.
- Slags by Emma Jane Unsworth with Emma Jane Unsworth
Author and screenwriter Emma Jane Unsworth joins hosts Sara and Cariad to discuss her book, Slags. The conversation covers teachers, diaries, nostalgia, otters, and an encounter with Mark Owen.
- What We've Been Reading
Sara and Cariad return for the third series of their book club, sharing a selection of books they read during their break and previewing future episodes. Listeners are invited to follow the show on Instagram for upcoming reading lists.
- Series 3 Trailer - Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club
This trailer announces that the third series of Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club will begin on Thursday, May 29, 2025. It also provides information on the hosts' recent book releases and tour details.
- Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
In this episode of Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club, hosts Sara and Cariad discuss Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 'Dream Count,' covering themes such as relationships, motherhood, and grief. The episode also includes a content warning regardi…
- Golden Age by Wang Xiaobo
Sara and Cariad discuss the book Golden Age by Wang Xiaobo in this episode of their book club podcast. They cover themes including revolutions, poetry, relationships, and translation.
- Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis with Nussaibah Younis
Sara and Cariad discuss Dr. Nussaibah Younis's debut novel, Fundamentally. They cover topics including the author's expertise in Iraqi politics, her work with the UN, and themes found in her writing.
- My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Sara and Cariad discuss Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend, covering themes such as school, communism, parenting, and writing. The episode includes a trigger warning regarding the mention of sexual assault.
- Nuclear Family by Kate Davies with Kate Davies
In this episode, hosts Sara and Cariad discuss the novel Nuclear Family with author Kate Davies. They cover topics including fiction and truth, family dynamics, sports analogies, improv, and Frankenstein, while also discussing themes like…
- Rosewater by Liv Little with Liv Little
Sara and Cariad are joined by author and activist Liv Little to discuss her book, Rosewater. They cover a range of topics including friendship, debt, and the creative themes featured within the novel.
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin with Jessica Fostekew
Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd are joined by comedian and writer Jessica Fostekew to discuss Gabrielle Zevin's novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. The episode explores themes of platonic friendship, collaboration, and book clubs.
- There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak with Elif Shafak
Award-winning author Elif Shafak joins Sara and Cariad to discuss her book "There are Rivers in the Sky." They cover topics including archaeology, the British Museum, literature, and the writing process.
- She Speaks!: What Shakespeare's Women Might Have Said by Harriet Walter (Live at the London Literature Festival)
Dame Harriet Walter joins Sara and Cariad live at the London Literature Festival to discuss her book, She Speaks!: What Shakespeare's Women Might Have Said. They talk about her career in acting and reimagining the thoughts of Shakespeare's…
- Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding with Amy Gledhill & Harriet Kemsley
Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd discuss the book Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding with comedians Amy Gledhill and Harriet Kemsley. The conversation covers themes like dating, ADHD, and the influence of Pride and Prejudice.