After an incredible launch of People of the Books, we're delighted to announce our next guest, hot on the heels of a whirlwind engagement with the Sydney Writers' Festival.

Nadine J. Cohen is a Sydney-based writer working across media, screen, and literature with bylines in The Guardian, The Saturday Paper, SMH/Age, ABC, Harper's Bazaar, and more. Her debut novel, Everyone and Everything, was released in 2023 to critical acclaim, nominated for two Australian Book Industry Awards and named Booktopia’s debut release of the year. Nadine also co-hosts and produces the SBS podcast Grave Matters, about death, grief, and the business of dying, and is a passionate advocate for refugees and asylum seekers affected by offshore detention

We invite you to join us for a thoughtful, insightful and probably hilarious deep dive into Nadine's book, hosted by Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio.

A dazzling literary debut, Everyone and Everything will make you laugh, cry and call your sister.

When Yael Silver’s world comes crashing down, she looks to the past for answers and finds solace in surprising places. An unconventional new friendship, a seaside safe space and an unsettling amount of dairy help her to heal as she wrestles with her demons – and some truly terrible erotic literature.

Funny and tender, Everyone and Everything is about friendship, grief and the deep, frustrating bond between sisters. It asks what makes us who we are and what leads us onto ledges. Perfect for fans of Meg Mason, Nora Ephron and Victoria Hannan, this is an intimate, wry and wise exploration of one woman’s journey to the brink and back.

Bring along your copy of Everyone and Everything, or buy one on the night, as Nadine will be signing copies over light refreshments lovingly prepared by Nora's Kitchen.

Spots are limited; secure yours today.

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‘Nadine Cohen is very funny, it’s [Everyone and Everything] very observant, very sharp, very funny about families – her ability to move through these depths of mood with real grace. It’s a terrific book, I really love it.’ Annabel Crabb, Chat 10, Looks 3

‘So utterly, beautifully, awkwardly human you will laugh and howl and cringe in recognition. This is a novel about facing up to the worst of life and stubbornly deciding to go ahead and love it anyway. I adored it.’ Emily Maguire

‘This novel is melancholy, funny and unpredictable – just like its protagonist. A great read.’ Allee Richards

‘I couldn’t put it down. Humour, in Cohen’s hands, is a superpower. She uses it so deftly to tell a story that is, by turns, devastating, life-expanding and laugh-out-loud funny. A luminous debut.’ Sarah Krasnostein

‘A clever, funny, and very warm novel about illness, death and grief — and a lead character that I really wanted to hang out with longer.’ Holly Throsby

‘One of the best books I’ve read in ages and ages.’ Ewa Ramsey

‘Delicate yet unyielding, fresh yet familiar, Nadine Cohen breathes new life into sad girl lit and redefines the term “a stunning debut.” Everyone and Everything is tender, honest and utterly unputdownable. It ruined my weekend plans and turned my world new colours from page one.‘ Genevieve Novak

‘This brilliant book doesn’t shy away from the rough stuff, exploring the complexity and brutality of life, all the while maintaining a grip on the occasional simple joy and beauty of it all. I was cackling away at Nadine’s unique perspectives one minute and sobbing the next. A magnificent debut!’ Myf Warhurst

‘This book gave me all the feelings.’ John Birmingham

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This event is part of Emanuel Synagogue's PEOPLE OF THE BOOKS series. To stay informed about future events and other cultural programs at Emanuel, follow us on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter. We delight in celebrating our rich and diverse culture with you.