What should I read next? Ask Penguin is the podcast where your quirkiest, trickiest, and most urgent book questions get answered. Hosted by Rhianna Dhillon, we bring bestselling authors and Penguin insiders to explore some of your favourite books and discover new ones that you are yet to read.
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What’s the difference between flash fiction and the short story? Why are we drawn to literature’s most flawed characters? And what would be the ideal fictional world for adulterers? Hosted by Rhianna Dhillon, on this episode of Ask Penguin , we’re answering your questions with our best book recommendations and talking to Booker Prize-longlisted novelist Sophie Mackintosh about her new novel Permanence . The book follows Clara and Francis – a couple in love, but in secret. When they wake in a str...
How did Marian Keyes inspire Bryony Gordon’s writing? How do you write about family without falling into stereotypes? Which books capture the messy reality of life? And what is your favourite habit to fit reading into your life? The Ask Penguin team returns with a shelf-load of must-read book recommendations - and this week, we're joined by bestselling author, journalist, and podcaster Bryony Gordon to discuss her debut novel, People Pleaser. The novel follows Olivia Greenwood, a self-confessed ...
Is Wuthering Heights the perfect novel or the perfect work of art? Why do we fall in love with villains? Is all love doomed? And if Emerald Fennell could adapt another book to film, what would she choose? In this special episode of Ask Penguin , we speak to the director of Wuthering Heights ' latest adaptation, Emerald Fennell, about her relationship to Emily Brontë's novel, how she went about interpreting such a complex classic, and what she wants audiences to take away from her vision. Also jo...
Join a special tour of Jane Austen's house, exploring where she wrote all her major novels and the historical context of her domestic life. Discover fascinating details like her writing methods, the recently uncovered dining room wallpaper, and her intellectual engagement with history and social issues like abolition. The episode also highlights the emotional impact of her literary legacy through treasured artifacts and celebrates her 250th birthday.
What were our favourite books of the year and what are we most excited to read in 2026? Join the team behind the Ask Penguin podcast to look back at standout titles, memorable podcast moments, and the reading intentions we’re taking into the New Year. Explore all the books mentioned on this episode: Click here Ask Penguin will be back in 2026. Find us on Insatgram @PenguinUKBooks and follow our Broadcast channel for exclusive content, giveaways and your chance to put your questions to your favou...
Which novels are truly unputdownable and what should you read on a dark winter's night? We’re joined by best-selling author, Paula Hawkins , who discusses art, love and remote islands in her latest thriller, The Blue Hour . She also helps us tackle your listener questions with a stack of gripping recommendations to guide you to your next great read. Explore all the books mentioned on this episode: Click here Paula Hawkins worked as a journalist for fifteen years before writing her first novel. B...
Author Karl Ove Knausgaard delves into his latest novel, "The School of Night," exploring his unique, disciplined approach to writing multi-book series and the creative choices behind setting his story in 1980s London. He discusses developing complex, even unlikable characters, and the philosophical underpinnings of evil and Faustian themes in his work. The episode also features Penguin Publishing Director Jane Lawson, who shares insights into the publishing world, offers diverse book recommendations, and highlights the vital, often overlooked, role of literary translators in bringing global stories to English readers.
Author Zadie Smith delves into her new essay collection, "Dead and Alive," sharing insights into her writing process, the importance of accessibility in literature, and her views on societal generational divides. The conversation then expands with Penguin team members Niall and Kaya, who offer a curated selection of book recommendations spanning memoirs, diverse authors, prize-winners, and seasonal reads.
What was the inspiration behind Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights series ? How does he want readers to feel on Lyra’s final adventure in The Rose Field ? Has his demon changed now that he has got to the end of this writing journey, and how do you say goodbye to characters you love? In this special edition of Ask Penguin , host Rhianna Dhillon visits Philip Pullman at his Oxford home, surrounded by books (and barking cockapoos), to mark thirty years since the world met Lyra Belacqua in Northern Li...
Why do we still love Jane Austen’s novels 250 years later? What makes her stories continue to inspire readers and creators today? And if Jane were alive now, which book would you recommend she read? In this special episode, recorded at Jane Austen’s family home in Alton, host Rhianna Dhillon is joined by Miss Austen author and president of the Jane Austen Society, Gill Hornby, alongside author and creator of the West End show Austentatious Andrew Hunter Murray, to explore Austen’s legacy and pro...
I'm looking for a novel that reads like poetry - where should I start? Can you recommend a queer love story with a happy conclusion? What are the best books that explore small-town life? We put your book dilemmas to bestselling author Ocean Vuong and Penguin Editor and award-winning poet Sarah Howe. Joining Rhianna this week is Ocean Vuong, whose latest book The Emperor of Gladness has been dubbed the first 'millennial Great American Novel' – but what does that really mean, and which classic Ame...
Outrageous, iconic and unforgettable - these are some of the books Penguin have been publishing over its 90-year history. As part of a special content series called 'The books that shaped us' on Penguin.co.uk, we invited readers from the world of publishing, comedy, and music to explore must-read titles across the decades. The Internet's resident librarian Jack Edwards and Penguin editor Simon Prosser discuss their curated reading lists, and explore the impact of the books that shocked society a...
What would you recommend an inspiring writer to read? What is the best gateway book to get into reading? Who are the new and upcoming Scottish novelists working today to watch out for? Recorded live at Latitude Festival, Irvine Welsh sits down with host Rhianna Dhillon to delve into his new novel Men in Love , the eagerly awaited sequel to Trainspotting , which explores the vibrant landscape of youth culture through the decades and the nuances of defining a generation through the arts. Plus, awa...
From the paperback revolution to the obscenity trial that made Lady Chatterley’s Lover famous, we explore how Penguin turned the UK into a nation of readers as we celebrate our 90th birthday. Host Rhianna Dhillon speaks to Kate Mosse, international bestselling author, activist and Founder Director of the Women’s Prize for Fiction and Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, and Zainab Juma, Penguin’s Head of Brand, about Penguin’s origin story, mission, and cultural influence over the past 90 years. Explo...
What are the books that give you all the Summer feels? Can you recommend the perfect thrillers to take on holiday? And which books evoke the song Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey? We put your questions to our panel of Penguin experts and speak with Marble Hall Murders author Anthony Horowitz about his final book in the Magpie Murders series. Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 6: Summer Reads Want to have your say on w...
This week on the Penguin Podcast we talk to writer, critic and curator Charlie Porter about his novel Nova Scotia House , discuss queer books and the importance of hearing queer voices in art. Plus we provide plenty of book recommendations for LGBTQ+ stories. Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 5: Queer Literature Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Charlie's Nov...
Whether you are in a book club or fancy starting your own, we have the book recommendations and conversation starters to make it a success! Plus we talk to Merky books author Yrsa Daley-Ward about her first novel The Catch . Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 4: Book Club Books Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Yrsa's Substack: the utter Hosted on Acast. See a...
What is it like to write and publish your first ever novel? We find out by asking the authors William Rayfet Hunter ( Sunstruck ), Catherine Airey ( Confessions ), and Fiza Saeed McLynn ( The Midnight Carousel ). Speaking to host Rhianna Dhillon, they discuss their different experiences writing their debut books, where they found their inspiration, and personal book recommendations ranging from fantasy to working-class fiction. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and rea...
Bestselling author, and Queen of the Romantic comedy novel, Emily Henry joins us on this week's episode to discuss her brand new book, Great Big Beautiful Life , novels full of spice, and which fictional character makes the best book boyfriend. And as ever we solve your book dilemmas with a wide range of romantic fiction recommendations. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 2: Love and Romance And you can download the...
This week on the Penguin Podcast we jump into the exciting world of children's books and chat to Greg James and Chris Smith about their new book The Kid Who Fell Through Time . Plus we explore why there is a reading for pleasure crisis and the ways we can encourage kids to read, and we provide plenty of recommendations for children, whatever their age. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 1: Children's Books Send us a...
The Penguin Podcast is back for another series of Ask Penguin . In each episode, we will take you inside Penguin Books to meet some of the incredible authors we publish, as well as the people who work here, to get answers to all of your book-related questions. The new series launches on Thursday 10th April with a children’s books special and across the series we’ll be covering themes such as Romance, Book Club Books and must-reads for your summer holidays, with episodes featuring your favourite ...
In our final bonus episode from The Penguin Podcast , bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakespeare's plays that inspired her new novel, By Any Other Name . Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting Bonus Episode 5 Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
In this bonus episode we speak with Alison Barrow, Publicity Director at Penguin Books, to explore the fascinating world of book publicity. Alison shares insights into her role, offering a glimpse into her daily life as she works with authors and connects their books with readers. Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 4 Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Ho...
In this bonus episode from The Penguin Podcast, Episode 11 - Winter Reads, Jeanette Winterson shares her fascinating perspective on our relationship with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the evolution of human consciousness. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 3 Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...
Ever wondered what the role of an Editor at Penguin Books involves? In our second bonus episode, Rhianna speaks with Publishing Director, Simon Prosser about what a typical day of an editor is like and when they ever get time to read! Simon is the editor of many award-winning authors such as Bernardine Evaristo, Zadie Smith, and Micheal Magee. Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 2 Send us a question: penguinpodcast...
In a special bonus episode taken from Episode 3: The Classics with Henry Eliot and Gill Hornby we share author and editor Henry Eliot's tips on tackling some of Classics' biggest tomes. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 1 Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
We round-up a year of reading with recommendations from Penguin colleagues of their favourite books of the year and a look at what they are most excited for you to read in 2025. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and the transcript by visiting: Episode 12: Best books of the year . Thank you for listening to The Penguin Podcast and our new show Ask Penguin. We would love to hear your feedback and if you have any questions for us. To get in contact with the team, send us ...
Joining us this week is award-winning author Jeanette Winterson , as we explore her captivating new collection of ghost stories, Night Side of the River , and provide listeners with reading recommendations based on their winter-themed questions. Plus, we’ll stroll through the office to gather the perfect list of festive reads from our Penguin colleagues for you to enjoy this Christmas. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and the transcript by visiting: Episode 11: Winter...
Joining us in the studio to provide reading inspiration from the Roman Empire to the Second World War are author and podcast duo of We Have Ways of Making You Talk , James Holland and Al Murray , plus creator of Horrible Histories, Terry Deary For the full list of books plus transcript visit: Episode 6: History Special Books and authors mentioned in this episode: Arnhem Black Tuesday by Al Murray Casino ’44 by James Holland A History of Britain in Ten Enemies by Terry Deary The Cauldron by Zeno ...
This week we unpick the publishing process, answering all of your questions from how to find an agent to what it's like working with your editor and publicity team. Joining Rhianna in the studio is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things , Jennie Godfrey , alongside Commissioning Editor Kaiya Shang and Director of Publicity and Media Relations, Charlotte Bush. Plus, we share details of the programmes offered by Penguin Books to help aspiring writers. Books and author...
