A Good Read

Literary heroes and the book I'd never lend.

Jay McInerney talks about his novel Bright Lights, Big City.

Businessman John Timpson and Big Issue founder John Bird join Harriett Gilbert to discuss favourite their books by Thomas Hardy, Elif Batuman and Graham Greene.

The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy

The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them by Elif Batuman

The Confidential Agent by Graham Greene

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016.

An original Jane Eyre manuscript published in a new edition and a story from Chris Cleave

Journalist and Margaret Thatcher's biographer Charles Moore, and writer Nadifa Mohamed, join Harriett Gilbert to discuss favourite books by Jane Austen, Kester Aspden and Patrick de Witt.

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Undermajordomo Minor by Patrick de Witt

The Hounding of David Oluwale by Kester Aspden

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016.

David Grossman on his new novel and photographer Steve McCurry's portraits of readers.

TV executive Michael Grade and science presenter Gia Milinovich join Harriett Gilbert to discuss beloved books by Peter Oborne, Richard Feynman and Shirley Jackson.

Basil D'Oliveira by Peter Oborne

Surely You're Joking Mr Feynman by Richard Feynman

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2017.

Margaret Drabble on her new book The Dark Flood Rises and the books on her bedside table.

‘Clare in the Community’ actress Sally Phillips and ‘Gruffalo’ author Julia Donaldson join Harriett Gilbert to discuss their favourite books by John Irving, Paul Wilson and Rachel Cusk.

‘A Prayer for Owen Meany’ by John Irving

‘The Visiting Angel’ by Paul Wilson

‘Outline’ by Rachel Cusk

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016.

In Classic Book Club, author Louise Walsh discusses Kidnapped with James Naughtie