It's a children's book special this week! Former Children's Laureate, Cressida Cowell, goes head to head with broadcaster and author Dermot O'Leary. They chat about their latest novels, their passion for getting books into children's hands, a love of history - and - world building! THE BOOK OFF 'The Power Of The Dog' by Don Winslow VS 'The Joy Luck Club' by Amy Tan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 20, 2023•44 min•Season 11Ep. 9
Authors Heidi Amsinck and Marisa Haetzman go head to head in a war of the words, just before their appearance at Bloody Scotland. Heidi discusses her latest Jensen thriller, 'The Girl in The Photo' and her love for Denmark. Marisa tells us about collaborating with her husband, Chris Brookmyre (writing as Ambrose Parry) and their new book, 'Voices Of The Dead' They also tell us what they have been reading and enjoying recently. THE BOOK OFF Mayflies by Andrew O'Hagan VS The Elements Of Style by W...
Sep 14, 2023•44 min•Season 11Ep. 8
Journalist, radio presenter and author Stig Abell goes head to head with international bestselling author and screenwriter, Jo Spain in a war of the words. They discuss the politics of blurbing books, where they get their inspirations from, hard-boiled crime and when and where they write. They also recommend us some brilliant books, which they have enjoyed recently. THE BOOK OFF 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen VS 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen (Yes! The same book pitched against itsel...
May 26, 2023•53 min•Season 11Ep. 7
Bestselling novelist, Catriona Ward, goes head to head in a war of the words with Suede co-founder, bassist and author, Mat Osman! They discuss their new novels - "Looking Glass Sound" and "The Ghost Theatre" - as well as recommending us some books they have read recently and loved. These include 'Orlando' by Virginia Wolf and 'Wide Sargasso Sea' by Jean Rhys. The authors also talk about being "shelved" in the right place, the horror genre, Stephen King, Elizabethan London and what one reads on ...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 11Ep. 6
Authors Poorna Bell and Eva Rice go head to head in a War of the Words! They discuss their love of the 90s and why it's such a rich decade to set fiction in. (*warning - Joe and Eva geek out a little on the music of the 90s just fyi!) We also get some brilliant book recommendations AND some very useful writing tips too. THE BOOK OFF 'Kitchen' by Banana Yoshimoto VS 'The Buddha Of Suburbia' by Hanif Kureishi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Apr 13, 2023•50 min•Season 11Ep. 5
Publicist extraordinaire and debut novelist Georgina Moore goes head to head with author and journalist Sophia Money-Coutts in a war of the words. They talk to Joe Haddow about siblings, sisterhood, writing women in their thirties and boats! We also delve into literary love, language and landscapes - and the importance of a setting. George and Sophia also give us some brilliant book recommendations too. THE BOOK OFF 'By Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept' by Elizabeth Smart VS 'The Five' ...
Mar 29, 2023•41 min•Season 11Ep. 4
Bestselling authors Jill Mansell and Lucy Diamond join Joe Haddow for a war of the words! They discuss the brilliance of Elly Griffiths (a previous BooK Off guest) and how hard it is to find the time to start a new series of books. They talk about their new novels ('Promise Me' and 'The Best Days Of Our Lives') as well as giving us some writing tips. The authors also talk about why 'feelgood fiction' is in such a good place at the moment, and how we all need a bit of it in our lives! THE BOOK OF...
Mar 22, 2023•37 min•Season 11Ep. 3
In this episode, bestselling crime/thriller authors Elly Griffiths and Jane Harper go head to head in a war of the words. The writers discuss their latest novels, 'The Last Remains' and 'Exiles', and give us some writing tips too. They also recommend us some books they have read recently and talk about what it means to take their research seriously. (hint - wine tasting is key) THE BOOK OFF 'Cold Comfort Farm' by Stella Gibbons VS 'Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone' by Benjamin Stevenson....
Mar 15, 2023•43 min•Season 11Ep. 2
In the first episode of our new series, authors Kirsty Logan and Laura Purcell go head to head in a war of the words... They discuss their new novels - 'Now She Is Witch' and 'The Whispering Muse' - writing processes and they give us some brilliant book recommendations. THE BOOK OFF 'Moominland Midwinter' by Tove Jansson VS 'The Circus Of Wonders' by Elizabeth Macneal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Mar 08, 2023•47 min•Season 11Ep. 1
Singer/Songwriter and Ocean Colour Scene frontman Simon Fowler goes head to head with music journalist, author longtime friend and collaborator Daniel Rachel, in a war of the words! They talk about collaborating on their new book, their friendship, lost songs, how great the 1990s were and what they have been reading and enjoying recently. The Book Off "Music And Silence" by Rose Tremain VS "The Collected Short Stories" by William Trevor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...
Dec 21, 2022•51 min•Season 10Ep. 9
We're getting a little Christmassy in this episode, with bestselling authors Lindsey Kelk and Beth O'Leary. They discuss their latest books, their love for Marian Keyes, writing humour and what they love about Christmas. They also recommendation us some books they have been enjoying recently. THE BOOK OFF "Again, Rachel" by Marian Keyes VS "Her Majesty's Royal Coven" by Juno Dawson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 23, 2022•48 min•Season 10Ep. 8
Sally Gardner and Jamie Costello (aka Laura Wilson) go head to head in a war of the words! They discuss the importance of colour in our lives and in writing, the ever changing weather, and give us some top reading recommendations too! THE BOOK OFF "The Devil In The Flesh" by Raymond Radiguet VS "The Book Of The Most Precious Substance" by Sara Gran Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 09, 2022•46 min•Season 10Ep. 7
Bestselling author Ken Follett goes head to head in a war of the words, with playwright and debut author Greg Mosse. They discuss their new novels, a dystopian future, how they approach writing and give us some brilliant book recommendations too. The Book Off "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe VS "Opening Night" by Ngaio Marsh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 02, 2022•51 min•Season 10Ep. 6
On the latest episode of Book Off we welcome short story writer Wendy Erskine and novelist Anthony Mara, who get head to head in a war of the words. They discuss their latest work, Hollywood, the impact of short stories...and they give us some great book recommendations as well. The Book Off: "We Are The Animals" by Justin Torres VS "The Age Of Innocence" by Edith Wharton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 26, 2022•44 min•Season 10Ep. 5
Author, broadcaster and comedian Graham Norton goes head to head in a war of the words with writer, director and television presenter Dawn O'Porter. They discuss freeze drying cats (yep), writing strong supporting casts, writerly looks and pet grief. They also recommend some books that they have read and enjoyed recently. The Book Off: "Kindred" by Octavia E Butler VS "Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 12, 2022•48 min•Season 10Ep. 4
This week, the brilliant authors Kamila Shamsie and Tahmima Anam go head to head in a war of the words. They discuss their novels "Best Of Friends" and "The Startup Wife" as well as their own friendship, Seinfeld and bum injections! Plus, they recommend some books they have been reading and enjoying recently. ("A Manuel For Cleaning Women" by Lucia Berlin and "How We Read Now" by Elaine Castillo) THE BOOK OFF "The Skin Of A Lion" by Michael Ondaatje VS "Interior Chinatown" by Charles Yu But who ...
Sep 28, 2022•45 min•Season 10Ep. 3
The amazing authors and children's literature champions, Jason Reynolds and Joseph Coelho, go head to head in a war of the words. They discuss the importance and brilliance of libraries, the role of the Children's Laureate, the beauty of tower blocks and much much more. Both authors recommend us some books they have been reading and enjoying recently - as well as talking about their brilliant new books. THE BOOK OFF "Me, Moth" by Amber McBride Vs "Stories Of Your Life And Others" by Ted Chiang B...
Sep 22, 2022•46 min•Season 10Ep. 2
Singer/Songwriter Ricky Ross goes head to head with screenwriter and novelist Emma Forrest in a war of the words. They discuss their new memoirs ("Walking Back Home" and "Busy Being Free"), living in LA, touring, families, good memories and what they have been reading and enjoying recently. In the Book Off, they put "Eve's Hollywood" by Eve Babitz against Blake Morrison's "And When Did You Last See Your Father?" - but which one will win???? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...
Sep 13, 2022•49 min•Season 10Ep. 1
Author, actor and comedian Charlie Higson goes head to head with bestselling screenwriter and author, Alex Michaelides, in a war of the words! The guests discuss their new novels, writing for screen, the crime genre, finding ideas and how much of yourself you should put in a book. They also give us some brilliant book recommendations, including a deep dive into some Hollywood biographies. In the Book Off, they pit Ruth Rendell's "A Judgement In Stone" against "From The City, From The Plough" by ...
Jul 07, 2022•46 min•Season 9Ep. 17
Screenwriting legend David Koepp (Jurassic Park / Death Becomes Her / Carlitos Way / Panic Room) goes head to head with international bestselling author Karin Slaughter (Pieces Of Her / The Silent Wife / Last Breath / Blindsighted) in a war of the words. They discuss adapting books for the screen, picking apart twists, their new novels and their writing process. They also give us some great book recommendations! In the Book Off, they pit "Booth" by Karen Joy Fowler against Richard Matheson's "I ...
Jun 22, 2022•50 min•Season 9Ep. 16
Have you heard the one about the priest, the vicar and the podcast host? Comedian and writer Ardal O'Hanlon goes head to head with popstar vicar and author Rev. Richard Coles in a war of the words. They discuss their new novels, their writing, getting the tone right, the perks of wearing a dog collar and #taskmaster. They also give us some brilliant book recommendations as well... In the Book Off they pit "Whereabouts" by Jhumpa Lahiri against Robin Jenkins' "The Changeling" - but which one will...
Jun 15, 2022•48 min•Season 9Ep. 15
Two brilliant songwriters, Jarvis Cocker and Baxter Dury, go head to head in a war of the words. They talk about how their books came into being, holding on to things from childhood, their writing processes and recommend us some books they have read and enjoyed recently. In the Book Off, they pit Haruki Murakami's "Hard Boiled Wonderland And The End Of The World" against "A Swim In A Pond In The Rain" by George Saunders, but which one win!? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...
May 31, 2022•43 min•Season 9Ep. 14
Bestselling thriller writers Ruth Ware and Gillian McAllister go head to hear in a war of the words. They discuss their latest novels and writing, as well as sharing some fabulous book recommendations. In the Book Off, they pit Oyinkan Braithwaite's "My Sister The Serial Killer" against "Impossible" by Sarah Lotz, but which one will win...??? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 18, 2022•33 min•Season 9Ep. 14
Authors Tara M Stringfellow and Dolen Perkins-Valdez go head to head in a war of the words. They discuss Memphis, writing in anger, music on the back porch, making readers think, the importance of women's stories, poetry and lyrical prose. In the Book Off, they pit Octavia Butler's "Kindred" against "Oh, You Thought This Was A Date?" by C Russell Price. But which one will win??? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 11, 2022•49 min•Season 9Ep. 12
Actress, singer and author Carrie Hope Fletcher goes head to head in a War Of The Words, with bestselling novelist Joanna Cannon. They discuss their new books, the joy of fantasy novels, writing whilst doing other jobs, the importance of character led fiction and also recommend us some books they have read and enjoyed recently. In the Book Off, they pitch Daphne du Maurier's classic "Rebecca" against Alice Hoffman's "Green Angel" - but which one will win??? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
May 04, 2022•33 min•Season 9Ep. 11
Debut novelist Kasim Ali goes head to head with author and teacher Okechukwu Nzelu in a war of the words... They discuss their publishing journeys, how they approach rejection, "messy" romcoms, queerness and the joy in "simple writing". They also recommend us some books they have read and loved recently - and give us some tips for getting books back from friends you've loaned them to! In the Book Off, they pit "The Incarnations" by Susan Barker against John Paul Brammer's "Hola Papi" - but which...
Apr 27, 2022•43 min•Season 9Ep. 10
Authors Harriet Tyce and Amy Mcculloch go head to head in a war of the words! They talk about mountaineering, foxes, the Marathon des Sables, Edinburgh, long baths and give us some brilliant reading recommendations. In the Book Off, they pit Andrew Kurkov's "Death And The Penguin" against Lizzie Pook's "Moonlight And The Pearlers Daughter" - but which one will win??? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Apr 13, 2022•55 min•Season 9Ep. 9
Bestselling authors Sarah Pinborough and Sarah Vaughan go head to head in a War Of The Words. They discuss their Netflix adaptations, writing for TV, lack of sleep in lockdown, the genius of Marian Keyes and...their new novels. We also get some great book (and TV) recommendations - and in the Book Off, they pit Hilary Mantel's "Bring Up The Bodies" against "A Tidy Ending" by Joanna Cannon, but which one will win??? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Mar 30, 2022•53 min•Season 9Ep. 8
Authors Ruth Ozeki and Cathy Rentzenbrink join Joe Haddow for a war of the words and to discuss their new novels. Ruth explains how she came to stare at her face in a mirror for 3 hours and then write a book about it, whilst Cathy talks about the joys of sea swimming and how anyone can write a book if they want to. They also talk about the joy of libraries, their writing processes and recommend some books they have been reading and enjoying recently. In the Book Off, they pit Lemn Sissay's "My N...
Mar 23, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 9Ep. 7
Booker Prize winning author Damon Galgut goes head to head with author and translator Adrian Nathan West in a war of the words. Damon discusses his Booker winning novel, The Promise, and how he reached a point in his career where he didn't care what anyone else thought. Nate talks about the relationship between author and translator, and how he navigated writing a fictional memoir. In the Book Off they pit "Kaputt" by Curzio Malaparte against J.R. Ackerley's "My Dog Tulip" - but which one will w...
Mar 16, 2022•38 min•Season 9Ep. 6
