Bookclub

Pulitzer prize-winning author Carol Shields discusses her book Larry's Party with presenter James Naughtie and a group of readers. She also reads an excerpt from the novel.

Author Isabel Allende discusses her novel The House of the Spirits with presenter James Naughtie and a group of readers, and reads an excerpt from the book.

In a special edition of the programme, James Naughtie and a group of readers talk to author Douglas Adams about his classic world-wide bestseller The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Julian Barnes, an award-winning novelist and essayist, shares his insights on his unconventional novel, Flaubert's Parrot, and his fascination with Gustave Flaubert. He discusses his experimental approach to narrative and the surprising popularity of his work. Barnes delves into the complex relationship between his character Geoffrey Braithwaite and Flaubert, tying it to themes of grief and love. He also highlights the significance of a stuffed parrot and defends the value of passionate amateur readers against critical analysis.

James Naughtie and a group of readers talk to author Dava Sobel about her international bestseller Longitude.

James Naughtie and a group of readers talk to Canadian writer Anne Michaels about her prize-winning novel, Fugitive Pieces.

James Naughtie visits Cumbria where he and author Margaret Forster talk to a group of readers in Cockermouth Library about her novel Private Papers.

James Naughtie a group of young readers talk to author J. K. Rowling about her phenomenally successful book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, from which she also reads an extract.

James Naughtie and a group of readers talk to writer Kate Atkinson about her prize-winning novel, Behind the Scenes at the Museum.

James Naughtie is joined by author David Guterson to discuss his novel Snow Falling on Cedars.