Ask Penguin

Coinciding with World Book Day, writer and former junior doctor Adam Kay chats to Isy Suttie about his first children’s book, ‘Kay’s Anatomy’.

Using objects like a letter from Alan Bennett and a Victorian bone cutting saw as a springboard, they discuss writing as a coping mechanism, relearning the piano and his undying love of Pulp. #PenguinPodcast

‘Kay’s Anatomy’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3uP4n4q

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British Art Historian and former Director of the British Museum Neil MacGregor chats to Nihal about the new audiobook of ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects’.

Neil has chosen 4 of those objects plus an entirely new one (object 101!) including a Jade Axe and an Akan Drum. He chats to Nihal about how their meaning can change over time #PenguinPodcast

‘A History of the World in 100 objects’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3dfSbUb

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and playwright Ali Smith chats to Nihal about her 2014 multi award-winning novel ‘How to be Both’, which has just been released as an audiobook.

In this episode, Ali reveals how she takes herself out of her comfort zone, why we should give books a chance when reading them and her love of silent film. #PenguinPodcast

'How to be Both' will be available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2Z6TNaz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hafsa Zayyan, co-winner of Stormzy’s #Merky Books New Writer’s Prize, chats to Nihal about her debut novel ‘We Are All Birds Of Uganda’.

She chats to Nihal about completing the book in six months and why a sense of belonging and home is so important no matter where you live. Hafsa also brings along some of the objects which inspire her, including letters from her late Nigerian grandfather #PenguinPodcast

‘We Are All Birds Of Uganda' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/39MMI3S

WIN a year’s supply of audiobooks! To be in with a chance to win, tap the link and tell us what you think about the Penguin Podcast. https://bit.ly/PodcastSurvey2020

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Owen Jones, Guardian columnist and Labour party activist chats to Nihal about the tumultuous rise and fall of Corbynism via his new book ‘This Land’. Owen explains why he doesn’t like writing and brings objects that help him get past that, including music from The Boxer Rebellion and his cats Kier and Rickman. #PenguinPodcast

‘This Land: The Story of a Movement’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/38pSVSy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Alex Wheatle MBE, aka the 'Brixton Bard', has just been the subject of one of Steve McQueen's 'Small Axe' films on BBC1. In this episode, he chats to Nihal about his latest YA book ‘Cane Warriors’, based on the true story of Tacky, a slave who led an uprising on the plantations of Jamaica in the 18th Century.

Alex also talks to Nihal about his experiences growing up in a children’s home, how a prison cell-mate encouraged him to write and how reggae music, amongst other things, inspires him. #PenguinPodcast

'Cane Warriors' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3miQ8iT

WIN a year’s supply of audiobooks! To be in with a chance to win, tap the link and tell us what you think about the Penguin Podcast. https://bit.ly/PodcastSurvey2020

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special edition, Nihal Arthanayake chooses some of his favourite bits from previous episodes which include the likes of Sir Paul McCartney on doubting his own talent, a surprising music choice from Elif Shafak and how Howard Jacobson was insulted by Kylie Minogue. #PenguinPodcast

WIN a year’s supply of audiobooks! To be in with a chance to win, tap the link and tell us what you think about the Penguin Podcast. https://bit.ly/PodcastSurvey2020

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iconic 80’s pop band Bananarama join Nihal Arthanayake to chat about their memoir ‘Really Saying Something’.

They chat about the pressures of the band, how they ended up living in the Sex Pistols' old rehearsal room and discuss some of the objects that have inspired them creatively, including a Moomins book. #PenguinPodcast

‘Really Saying Something’ is available to buy as an audiobook now: https://apple.co/2KcwGHs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dolly Alderton, author, journalist and co-host of The High Low podcast chats to Sue Perkins about her first novel, ‘Ghosts’.

Both Sue and Dolly open up about relationships and Dolly reveals the objects that have inspired her work, including a lukewarm glass of white wine and a song by George Michael. #PenguinPodcast 

‘Ghosts’ is now available to buy as an audiobook: https://apple.co/325yw2J

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.