Johanna Thomas-Corr

In this engaging discussion, Johanna Thomas-Corr, Chief Literary Critic for The Times, and Laura Hackett, Deputy Literary Editor, explore the 50th anniversary of the Sunday Times Best Sellers list. They delve into how this prestigious list reflects Britain's cultural landscape and reading preferences. The guests analyze shifting trends in self-improvement literature, the influence of social media on cooking books, and champion iconic authors like Bill Bryson and Stephen Hawking. Their insights reveal how best-selling titles shape societal interests and cultural contexts.

Literary editors discuss taboo-breaking and funny books of 2023, including a steamy scene. They highlight Irish literature and a Victorian London set novel. Also, celebrity memoirs and unconventional 'Erotic Vagrancy' are discussed. Anticipated books for 2024, like 'Long Island' and 'Sam and Rushdie's Knife' are mentioned.