RUNNING WITH SCISSORS by Augusten Burroughs, chosen by Rob RinderTHE ODD WOMAN AND THE CITY by Vivian Gornick, chosen by Harriett GilbertEARTHLINGS by Sayaka Murata, chosen by Juno Dawson The barrister, television presenter and writer Rob Rinder and author Juno Dawson talk books with Harriett Gilbert. Juno Dawson selects Sayaka Murata's Earthlings,…

OBLIVION by Héctor Abad, chosen by Colm TóibínFLESH by David Szalay, chosen by Zadie SmithCALL ME BY YOUR NAME by André Aciman, chosen by Harriett Gilbert Authors and good friends Zadie Smith and Colm Tóibín join Harriett Gilbert to share books they love. For a longer edition of this episode, check out the A Good Read podcast. Colm Tóibín chooses O…

THE TRUCE by Primo Levi, chosen by Horatio Clare THE SUN DOES SHINE by Anthony Ray Hinton with Lara Love Hardin, chosen by Joanna Hardy-SusskindSULA by Toni Morrison, chosen by Harriett Gilbert Writer Horatio Clare joins criminal defence barrister Joanna Hardy-Susskind to discuss favourite books with Harriett Gilbert. Horatio's choice is a book he …

ALL FOURS by Miranda July, chosen by Desiree AkhavanUNTRUE by Wednesday Martin, chosen by Rosie WilbyDRAGON TALK by Fleur Adcock, chosen by Harriett Gilbert Filmmaker and writer Desiree Akhavan joins comedian, writer and podcaster Rosie Wilby as they discuss favourite books with Harriett Gilbert. Desiree's choice is All Fours by Miranda July, a nov…

THE IRON AGE by Arja KajermoA SHORT STAY IN HELL by Steven L PeckSTONE YARD DEVOTIONAL by Charlotte Wood James Rebanks is a farmer from the Lake District as well as author of The Shepherd's Life. His new book The Place of Tides is about his time in Norway learning from an elderly woman who cared for eider ducks on a remote island. His book choice i…

NAUSEA by Jean-Paul SartreGO WENT GONE by Jenny ErpenbeckLAURUS by Evgeny Vodolazkin Budgie is best known as the drummer with Siouxsie & The Banshees and The Creatures, as well as The Slits. His memoir The Absence: Memoirs of A Banshee is published in July 2025. Together with the Korean novelist Juhea Kim he chooses his favourite book to discuss wi…

WHEN GOD WAS A RABBIT by Sarah Winman, chosen by Harry TrevaldwynTHE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho, chosen by Xantoné BlacqJAMES by Percival Everett, chosen by Harriett Gilbert Music producer and composer Xantoné Blacq joins actor and writer Harry Trevaldwyn to share the books they love with presenter Harriett Gilbert. First up, Harry brings to the tab…

BIG SWISS by Jen Beagin, chosen by Nussaibah YounisA HEART SO WHITE by Javier Marías, chosen by Josh CohenTHE END OF EDDY by Edouard Louis, chosen by Harriett Gilbert Big Swiss is a 29-year-old gynecologist who has never had an orgasm. Greta Work is an audio transcriber for a sex therapist who is infatuated by one of his clients. After an encounter…

Australia leads the world in burnout—and leaders are often the last to admit it. Nigel speaks with Dr. Pashaar Halteh, researcher and burnout expert, about the hidden costs of burnout, how to recognise early warning signs, and why small interventions can save teams and organisations. A must-listen for anyone serious about building sustainable perfo…

AN INSTANCE OF THE FINGERPOST by Iain Pears, chosen by Peter KosminskyHEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING by Will Arbery, chosen by Jack ThornePERFECTION by Vincenzo Latronico, chosen by Harriett Gilbert Thorne and Kosminsky are great friends, but don't fully agree on the books discussed. Topics raised by their choices include toxic masculinity, empathy, …

Nigel is joined by Darren Kerr, founder of The Clear Path Collective and long-time leader in strategic event design. Together, they unpack why authentic collaboration and creativity—not performative planning—drive the most lasting outcomes. This is a raw and insightful look at how connection powers innovation, drawn from decades of experience on th…

In this episode, Nigel speaks with Lyndon Frearson of Ekistica about why traditional top-down leadership often fails in adaptive environments. They explore how real innovation starts when leaders shift from control to ownership—and how vulnerability isn’t weakness, but a catalyst for trust and change. This conversation is essential listening for le…

Douglas Stuart author of Booker Prize winning novel Shuggie Bain chooses his favourite book - Train Dreams by Denis Johnson - a short novel encapsulating the history of America in the early 20th century through the life of a lonely man in the forests of the Pacific Northwest.He's joined by Radio 1 and The Voice Wales presenter Sian Eleri whose choi…

EVERYONE BRAVE IS FORGIVEN by Chris Cleave, chosen by Lucy SpeedTHE HUMAN FACTOR by Graham Greene, chosen by Harriett Gilbert253 by Geoff Ryman, chosen by Sarah Mills Former Eastenders and present-day Archers actor Lucy Speed and comedian Sarah Mills talk about books set in wartime London, a 1990s underground train, and Graham Greene's MI6. Lucy's …

Actor Nina Sosanya and prize winning poet and writer Joelle Taylor talk favourite books with Harriett. Nina chooses Sally Jones and the False Rose by Jakob Wegelius, a children's novel with a mute gorilla engineer as its protagonist. The book appeals to Nina's love of engineering, and the city of Glasgow! Joelle nominates Booker Prize winning The S…

MOON TIGER by Penelope Lively, chosen by Sara CollinsNUMBER GO UP: INSIDE CRYPTO'S WILD RISE AND STAGGERING FALL by Zeke Faux, chosen by Oliver BurkemanLORD JIM AT HOME by Dinah Brooke, chosen by Harriett Gilbert "I'm writing a history of the world" - so begins the choice of novelist and broadcaster Sara Collins: Penelope Lively's Booker Prize-winn…

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 EllamsGHOSTING: A DOUBLE LIFE by Jennie Erdal, chosen by Harriett Gilbert As Head of Literature and Spoken Word-programming at the Southbank Centre in London, writers and writing are a…

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig, chosen by Julia BradburyA Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, chosen by Ramita NavaiAn Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim, chosen by presenter Harriett Gilbert TV 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 f…

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind, translated by John E. Woods, chosen by Iszi LawrenceTwo Serious Ladies by Jane Bowles, chosen by Joe DunthorneOh William! by Elizabeth Strout, chosen by presenter Harriett Gilbert Historical fiction author and broadcaster Iszi Lawrence adores the sensational novel Perfume, and has done since she …

Books featured: True Grit by Charles PortisSorrow and Bliss by Meg MasonMoominland Midwinter by Tove Jansson Nicci Gerrard and Sean French write collectively as Nicci French. They not only write together, they're also a married couple and they love to read. Sean chooses True Grit by Charles Portis, better known for the film versions with John Wayne…

A PRIMATE'S MEMOIR (Love, Death and Baboons) by Robert Sapolsky, chosen by Professor Ben GarrodSOLDIER SAILOR by Claire Kilroy, chosen by Harriett GilbertTHE ABUNDANCE by Annie Dillard, chosen by Lucy Jones Evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod (Professor at the University of East Anglia) chooses a book which he's read and gifted countless times, a boo…

TOKYO EXPRESS by Seichō Matsumoto, translated by Jesse Kirkwood, chosen by Sir Ian BlatchfordTHE LETTERS OF ABELARD AND HELOISE, translated by Betty Radice, chosen by Charles FernyhoughSOLDIERS OF SALAMIS by Javier Cercas, translated by Anne McLean, chosen by Harriett Gilbert Director of the Science Museum group and president of the Royal Literary …

A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS by Khaled Hosseini, chosen by Abi DareTHE FIRE NEXT TIME by James Baldwin, chosen by Harriett GilbertDEAR COMMITTEE MEMBERS by Julie Schumacher, chosen by Naomi Alderman The Power author Naomi Alderman, and Nigerian writer Abi Dare discuss favourite books. Naomi chooses Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher, a series o…

EDUCATED by Tara Westover, chosen by Jenny KleemanTHE WREN, THE WREN by Anne Enright, chosen by Harriett GilbertGIVING UP THE GHOST by Hilary Mantel, chosen by Sam Knight Journalist and broadcaster Jenny Kleeman (of Radio 4's The Gift and author of The Price of Life) chooses Tara Westover's memoir Educated, which caused a sensation when it was firs…

Nihal has chosen Amma, the debut novel by Sri Lankan writer Saraid de Silva, which he compares to meeting someone on a train and having a long, intense conversation. Elif Shafak's choice, however, You're Embarrassing Yourself by Desiree Akhavan, he describes as more like a hilarious night in a pub. Harriett has gone for The Second Murderer by Denis…

THE COUNTRY OF OTHERS by Leïla Slimani, chosen by Tatty MacleodTHE MAN WHO ATE EVERYTHING by Jeffrey Steingarten, chosen by Tim SpectorORBITAL by Samantha Harvey, chosen by Harriett Gilbert Comedian Tatty Macleod chooses a novel by French-Moroccan writer Leïla Slimani, the first volume of a new trilogy telling the saga of a French-Moroccan family b…

REASONS TO STAY ALIVE by Matt Haig, chosen by Ali WoodsELENA KNOWS by Claudia Piñeiro, chosen by Fee MakTHE DETAILS by Ia Genberg, chosen by Harriett Gilbert Comedian Ali Woods chooses a memoir by Matt Haig based on his experiences of living with depression and anxiety disorder. Moving, funny and incredibly honest, Reasons to Stay Alive is a book w…

The Norwegian author of the hugely successful My Struggle books Karl Ove Knausgaard chooses The Names by Don de Lillo. It's set in Athens in the early 1980s with the main character being a risk analyst whose estranged wife is working there as an archeologist. It's a richly themed novel that feels very contemporary as well as prophetic. Amy Liptrot'…

A new series begins at the Edinburgh International Book Festival with guests Irvine Welsh and Andrew O'Hagan. Irvine Welsh is best known as the author of Trainspotting. Andrew O'Hagan's Mayflies was recently made into a BBC TV series. The programme was recorded in front of an audience at the Dynamic Earth Centre. Irvine Welsh chooses a lesser known…

In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Nigel Clark, the talented singer, songwriter, and frontman of the band Dodgy. Nigel takes us behind the scenes of his songwriting the challenges and joys of writing music, and how his approach to songwriting has evolved over the years. We also explore his solo projects and the creative journey …

In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented singer-songwriter Ulysses Wells. We dive into his musical journey, creative process, and the inspirations behind his unique sound. Ulysses shares insights into his work so far and his plans for the future! Check out Ulysses work here; links to listen Intagram As always, thank you so much for…

On this episode Paul Linehan joins me from The Frank and Walters. Hailing from Cork, Ireland, The Frank and Walters have been a staple in the alternative rock scene since the early '90s Paul shares anecdotes from the band’s early days in Cork, including their first gigs / recordings and the local music scene. as well as news on some upcoming shows …

Welcome Back! In this episode, we chat with Neil Collins, the author of “International Velvet,” a compelling dive into the Welsh indie scene of the 1990s. Neil takes us on a nostalgic journey through the vibrant music culture of the era, sharing insights into the bands, the music, and the cultural impact that defined a generation. Links to buy the …

DEMON COPPERHEAD by Barbara Kingsolver, chosen by Rachel ParrisDID YE HEAR MAMMY DIED? by Séamas O'Reilly, chosen by Harriett GilbertBOTH NOT HALF by Jassa Ahluwalia, chosen by Sonali Shah Comedian and musician Rachel Parris and broadcaster and presenter Sonali Shah join Harriett Gilbert to read each other's favourite books. Rachel Parris (Late Nig…

RADIO ROMANCE by Garrison Keillor, chosen by Sarah PhelpsPERSEPOLIS by Marjane Satrapi, chosen by Irenosen OkojieABSOLUTELY AND FOREVER by Rose Tremain, chosen by Harriett Gilbert Two authors pick books they love with Harriett Gilbert. Screenwriter, playwright and television producer Sarah Phelps (The Sixth Commandment, A Very British Scandal, East…

BOOKS: WISHFUL DRINKING by CARRIE FISHERFORBIDDEN NOTEBOOK by ALBA DE CESPEDESYELLOWFACE by REBECCA F KUANG Harriett's guests today are comedian and writer Helen Lederer known for so many roles including as Catrionia in Absolutely Fabulous. Recently she has published her memoir Not That I'm Bitter and set up the Comedy Writing In Print Prize. She h…

Writer and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth has chosen EF Benson's entertaining tale of competitive snobbery in the 1920s, Mapp and Lucia. In a contrasting choice, neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow advocates for Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi, a story of a Ghanaian family transplanted to Alabama which takes in neuroscience and opiate addiction. Harriet…

VOICES IN THE EVENING by Natalia Ginzburg (trans. DM Low), chosen by Tessa HadleyTHE ZONE OF INTEREST by Martin Amis (trans. Jessica Moore), chosen by Sebastian FaulksEASTBOUND by Maylis de Kerangal, chosen by Harriett Gilbert Two authors pick books they love with Harriett Gilbert. Tessa Hadley (Late In The Day, Free Love, After The Funeral) takes …

Recorded at the Hay Festival SHUGGIE BAIN by Douglas StuartON THE BLACK HILL by Bruce ChatwinAGAINST NATURE by Joris-Karl Huysmans Harriett Gilbert takes to the stage in the BBC Marquee at the Hay Festival for a special edition of the programme recorded in front of an audience. Actor and writer Doon Mackichan known for her outrageous character Cath…

ABSENT IN THE SPRING by Agatha Christie (writing as Mary Westmacott) (HarperCollins), chosen by Simon BrettIN THE GARDEN OF THE FUGITIVES by Ceridwen Dovey (Penguin), chosen by Denise MinaHIDE MY EYES by Margery Allingham (Penguin), chosen by Harriett Gilbert Crime writers Denise Mina and Simon Brett join Harriett Gilbert to read each other's favou…

QUARTET IN AUTUMN by Barbara Pym, chosen by Samantha Harvey MRS CALIBAN by Rachel Ingalls, chosen by Harriett GilbertPHARMACOPOEIA: A DUNGENESS NOTEBOOK by Derek Jarman, chosen by Darran Anderson Two award-winning writers share books they love with Harriett Gilbert. Samantha Harvey is the author of five novels, The Wilderness, All Is Song, Dear Thi…

Historian and author Kathryn Hughes and No Such Thing As a Fish presenter Dan Schreiber recommend favourite books to Harriett Gilbert. Kathryn chooses Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes, an exploration of the French writer's life in the form of a novel. Dan's choice is very different - John Higgs taking on the conceptual artists and chart toppers T…

THE RED PARTS by Maggie Nelson (Vintage), chosen by Carol MorleyINVISIBLE CITIES by Italo Calvino (Vintage), chosen by Will HislopORDINARY PEOPLE by Diana Evans (Vintage), chosen by Harriett Gilbert Film director Carol Morley chooses a memoir called The Red Parts, in which author Maggie Nelson tries to make sense of the horror, grief and scepticism…

JUST KIDS by Patti Smith, chosen by Lindsey HilsumMAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING by Viktor E. Frankl (trans. Ilse Lasch), chosen by Christopher EcclestonTOWARDS THE END OF THE MORNING by Michael Frayn, chosen by Harriett Gilbert The television journalist and actor share favourite books with Harriett Gilbert. Lindsey Hilsum, International Editor of Channe…

CHESS by Stefan Zweig (Faber), chosen by Katy HesselMAUD MARTHA by Gwendolyn Brooks (Penguin), chosen by Amy Blakemore THE PIER FALLS by Mark Haddon (Vintage), chosen by Harriett Gilbert Art historian Katy Hessel chooses a book that she read in one sitting because she couldn't put it down: Chess by Stefan Zweig. A novella about the limitless possib…

ON WRITING by Stephen King, chosen by Kathryn WilliamsTHE BITCH by Pilar Quintana (translated by Lisa Dillman), chosen by Harriett GilbertON THE BEACH by Nevil Shute, chosen by Andrew McMillan The singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams loves books about the craft of writing and her choice of a good read is 'On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft', by the ma…

THE LONELY LONDERS by Sam SelvonTHE CHANGELING by Robin JenkinsA CRACK IN THE WALL by Claudia Peneiro The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon traces the new lives of a group of hopeful immigrants from the West Indies in the late 1950s. Told with humour and pathos it's a favourite of actor Paterson Joseph. He regards it as the seminal book about Caribbea…

BESSIE SMITH by Jackie Kay (Faber) chosen by Anjana VasanEDGE OF HERE by Kelechi Okafor (Trapeze) chosen by Anne-Marie ImafidonTHE WIDOW COUDERC by Georges Simenon (Penguin) chosen by Harriett Gilbert Star of 'Black Mirror', 'We Are Lady Parts' and 'Wicked Little Letters' Anjana Vasan chooses Jackie Kay's affectionate and personal biography of Blue…

THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO by Junot Diaz (Faber), chosen by Nancy MedinaALL ABOUT LOVE by bell hooks (William Morrow), chosen by Joe TalbotTHE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY by Douglas Adams (Pan), chosen by Harriett Gilbert Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic Nancy Medina chooses a book that reminds her of growing up in the Dominican …

CRYING IN H MART by Michelle Zauner, chosen by Anna BogutskayaSKATING TO ANTARTICA by Jenni Diski, chosen by Harriett GilbertTHINKING ON MY FEET by Kate Humble, chosen by Rachel Brown-Finnis Critic, author and podcaster Anna Bogutskaya chooses musician Michelle Zauner's account of growing up as one of the few Asian-American children in Eugene, Oreg…