Oliver Burkeman, the best-selling author known for his insightful takes on time management, joins novelist and screenwriter Sara Collins, famed for her award-winning novel. Together, they dive into the intricate themes of Penelope Lively's 'Moon Tiger', exploring personal history’s interplay with historical events. They also tackle crypto chaos in 'Number Go Up', addressing ethical dilemmas in the speculative world of cryptocurrency. Lastly, a light-hearted analysis of trauma in 'Lord Jim at Home' showcases their unique blend of critical insight and humor.

WHEN WE CEASE TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD by Benjamin Labatut (translated by Adrian Nathan West), chosen by Ted Hodgkinson ENTER GHOST by Isabella Hammad, chosen by Inua Ellams GHOSTING: A DOUBLE LIFE by Jennie Erdal, chosen by Harriett GilbertAs Head of Literature and Spoken Word-programming at the Southbank Centre in London, writers and writing are at the heart of Ted Hodgkinson's work. In 2020 he chaired the judging panel of the International Booker Prize and he has judged many other awards, including the Orwell Prize for Political Writing. His choice of a good read is a slim, genre-defying book by Chilean author Benjamin Labatut which packs a huge punch. It's about the scientists and mathematicians whose work has shaped our world, and the unintended - sometimes horrifying - consequences of scientific advancement.Inua Ellams is a playwright, poet and curator. His work includes Barber Shop Chronicles, The Half-God of Rainfall, and an updating of Chekhov's Three Sisters, set during the Biafran Civil War, and he's recently been announced as one of the writers of the next series of Dr Who. His choice is Isabella Hammad's 2023 novel Enter Ghost. After a disastrous love affair, British-Palestinian actress Sonia goes to stay with her sister in Haifa. Intending the visit as a holiday, she finds herself investigating her family's history and getting involved in a production of Hamlet, to be staged in the West Bank.Presenter Harriett Gilbert's choice is Ghosting by Jennie Erdal. A fascinating account of Jennie's time as ghostwriter for 'Tiger' (the publisher Naim Attallah), penning everything from novels to love letters in his name.Producer: Mair Bosworth

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig, chosen by Julia Bradbury A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, chosen by Ramita Navai An Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim, chosen by presenter Harriett GilbertTV presenter, author and walking enthusiast Julia Bradbury recommends a fiction book by Matt Haig, How to Stop Time, which brings to life the idea of living forever.Award-winning British-Iranian investigative journalist, documentary maker and author Ramita Navai shares the epic novel A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, his Dickensian masterpiece of modern India.And Harriett's choice is An Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim, capturing four ladies' unforgettable holiday on the Italian Riviera.Produced by Beth O'Dea for BBC Audio Bristol Follow us on instagram: agoodreadbbc

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind, translated by John E. Woods, chosen by Iszi Lawrence Two Serious Ladies by Jane Bowles, chosen by Joe Dunthorne Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout, chosen by presenter Harriett GilbertHistorical fiction author and broadcaster Iszi Lawrence adores the sensational novel Perfume, and has done since she was a teenager. For her, it immerses her in another world and is wonderfully cynical about the futility of chasing ultimate fulfilment through creating art and performing to a crowd.The poet and novelist, author of Submarine, Joe Dunthorne chooses the forgotten cult classic Two Serious Ladies. It makes him happy because every sentence is a surprise, and that makes him want to write. But he admits that it's not for everyone.And Harriett's choice is Oh William! by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout. Which prompts the discussion, can you love a book if you loathe the central character?Produced by Beth O'Dea for BBC Audio Bristol Follow us on instagram: agoodreadbbc

The writing duo known as Nicci French choose favourite books

A PRIMATE'S MEMOIR (Love, Death and Baboons) by Robert Sapolsky, chosen by Professor Ben Garrod SOLDIER SAILOR by Claire Kilroy, chosen by Harriett Gilbert THE ABUNDANCE by Annie Dillard, chosen by Lucy JonesEvolutionary biologist Ben Garrod (Professor at the University of East Anglia) chooses a book which he's read and gifted countless times, a book which inspired him to go out in the field and study chimpanzees himself: A Primate's Memoir by Robert Sapolsky. Robert is one of the leading primatologists and scientists today and this is his gripping, at times heartbreaking account of leaving the United States age twenty-one to study wild baboons in the Kenyan savannah.Lucy Jones (author of Matrescence and Losing Eden) picks an author she has consistently loved for her child-like gift of wonder and close, detailed attention to the natural world. Lucy brings Annie Dillard's collection of essays, The Abundance, for the others to read.And Harriett Gilbert recommends a fictional tale of early motherhood. A vivid, immersive monologue of a woman on the brink that keeps readers on the edge of their seats to the very end.

Join Sir Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum Group and a literary innovator, as he recommends the captivating 'Tokyo Express,' a thrilling tale of love and deception. Charles Fernyhough, a psychologist and author, passionately discusses the timeless 'Letters of Abelard and Heloise,' celebrating its complex love story and feminist philosophy. The conversation also delves into 'Soldiers of Salamis,' examining how memory and storytelling intertwine with history, particularly amidst the tumult of the Spanish Civil War.

The Power author Naomi Alderman, and Nigerian writer Abi Dare discuss favourite books. Naomi chooses Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher, a series of hilarious letters written by a beleaguered academic. Abi champions A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini's tale of two women in Taliban governed Afghanistan and Harriett recommends James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time, two immensely powerful essays.Produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Sally Heaven Follow us on Instagram: agoodreadbbcPhoto credit: Annabel Moeller

Journalist Jenny Kleeman, known for her insightful works on Radio 4 and author of 'The Price of Life,' shares her thoughts on Tara Westover's powerful memoir, 'Educated,' which unpacks her escape from a strict, isolated Mormon upbringing. Meanwhile, Sam Knight, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'The Premonitions Bureau,' discusses Hilary Mantel's reflective 'Giving Up the Ghost,' exploring themes of illness and the complexities of writing. The conversation bridges personal trauma and the universal search for identity.

Nihal Arthanayake, a dynamic broadcaster known for his candid interviews, chats with Elif Shafak, an acclaimed author celebrated for her rich storytelling. They dive into the emotional depth of 'Amma,' touching on themes like displacement and the strength of women. Nihal finds humor in Desiree Akhavan's memoir, exploring immigrant identity with wit. The duo also reflects on chaotic personal libraries, linking them to their diverse backgrounds, while uncovering the challenges and joys of literary creation.