Everything In Conversation: Novel Writing, Men Who Won't Grow Up & Sally Rooney with Jem Calder

Happy Wednesday EICrickets!

In today's episode we're joined by writer and novelist Jem Calder, whose debut novel I Want You To Be Happy was released last month. The three of us all separately recommended the book on the pod, and we're in good company as fans. Andrew O'Hagan called Jem his "new favourite writer" and Sally Rooney said it was an "irresistible novel that asks complex questions about contemporary life and refuses easy answers. I couldn't stop reading."

The book follows the unfurling, complicated relationship between Chuck, a 35-year-old copywriter working at a large ad agency, and Joey, a 23-year-old barista living payday to payday who nurtures a quiet ambition of becoming a poet.

We talk to Jem about the themes of his novel- don't worry, no spoilers- plus the writing process, what he thinks about modern dating, dating apps, men who refuse to grow up and being "discovered" by Sally Rooney. Plus plenty of book recs & writing advice. Thanks so much for listening! See you Friday! B, O, R x

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Penguin - Switzy by Emma Cline

Waterstones - I Want You To Be Happy by Jem Calder

Faber & Faber - Reward System by Jem Calder

Dazed Digital - I Want You to Be Happy: The Sally Rooney-approved book of the summer by Roisin Lanigan

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