Books and Authors

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.

Tim Spector, best-selling author and epidemiologist, joins forces with comedian Tatty Macleod, renowned for her hit show at the Edinburgh Fringe. They dive into cultural identity through Leïla Slimani's 'The Country of Others,' revealing the challenges of bicultural life. Spector shares humorous and insightful food anecdotes from Jeffrey Steingarten's essays, while also reflecting on human experiences in space. The conversation dances between laughter and introspection, captivating listeners with its richness and depth.

Kamila Shamsie, renowned for her novel 'Home Fire' and winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, joins Sara Collins, celebrated author of 'The Confessions of Frannie Langton' and a Booker Prize judge, alongside Ted Hodgkinson, Head of Literature at the Southbank Centre. They explore their personal literary journeys, celebrating timeless works like 'Wolf Hall' and 'On Beauty'. The conversation dives into the relevance of literature in addressing contemporary issues, alongside the profound emotional connections fostered through storytelling.

Fee Mak, a BBC presenter and book festival host, joins comedian Ali Woods, currently on a nationwide tour, to share their literary favorites. They dive into Matt Haig's memoir, tackling mental health with humor and honesty. Fee recounts Claudia Piñeiro's poignant tale of an elderly woman confronting grief and illness in 'Elena Knows'. Together, they explore themes of resilience, the complexities of love, and the vital support of friendships, all while weaving personal anecdotes throughout their discussions.

Karl Ove Knausgaard, the Norwegian author famous for his autobiographical work, and Amy Liptrot, a Scottish writer acclaimed for her memoir 'The Outrun,' share their literary favorites at the Edinburgh Book Festival. They dive into Don DeLillo's 'The Names,' highlighting its existential themes and relevance to globalization. The conversation explores the complexities of identity and connectivity in the digital age. They also discuss unconventional narratives, including one from a mountain lion’s perspective, examining urbanization and human-wildlife interactions.

At the Edinburgh International Book Festival the two authors discuss favourite books

Alan Hollinghurst speaks to Chris Power about his new novel, Our Evenings.

Rachel Kushner on her Booker Prize shortlisted novel, Creation Lake and Sarah Moss.