播刻岛
打开 App
Ask Penguin
books
reading
literature
fiction
non-fiction
creativity
recommendations
publishing
penguin
interviews
writing
stories
BookTok
novel
murder mystery
Arts
Arts
Books
Society & Culture

Ask Penguin

作者: Penguin Books UK
最近更新: 7天前
What should I read next? Ask Penguin is the podcast where your quirkiest, trickiest, and most urgent...

Recent Episodes

What makes a setting feel so vivid it becomes a character? With Paula Hawkins

What makes a setting feel so vivid it becomes a character? With Paula Hawkins

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 herePaula Hawkins worked as a journalist for fifteen years before writing her first novel. Born and brought up in Zimbabwe, she moved to London in 1989. Her first thriller The Girl on the Train became a global phenomenon, selling over 23 million copies. Published in over fifty languages, it was a No.1 bestseller around the world and a box-office-hit film starring Emily Blunt.Paula's subsequent thrillers have all been instant Sunday Times bestsellers. In 2021 A Slow Fire Burning was nominated for Thriller of the Year at the British Book Awards, and in 2025 The Blue Hour was voted the Good Housekeeping Good Books winner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7天前
50:39
What is the best translated fiction to read? With Karl Ove Knausgaard

What is the best translated fiction to read? With Karl Ove Knausgaard

What are the best new books in Korean fiction? What is the process of translating a book into English? And how do you evoke a sense of place you haven't visited?This week we sat down with award-winning and internationally best-selling author, Karl Ove Knausgaard to discuss his latest novel, The School of Night.The School of Night is a Faustian-inspired meditation on art and creativity, the 4th novel in The Morning Star series, and the first in the sequence that can be read as a standalone novel. Discover all the books mentioned on this episode: Click hereKarl Ove Knausgaard's My Struggle cycle has been heralded as a masterpiece all over the world. From A Death in the Family to The End, the novels move through childhood into adulthood and, together, form an enthralling portrait of human life. Knausgaard has been awarded the Norwegian Critics Prize for Literature, the Brage Prize and the Jerusalem Prize. His work, which also includes the Seasons Quartet and the Morning Star sequence (The Morning Star, The Wolves of Eternity, The Third Realm and The School of Night) is published in thirty-six languages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3周前
51:30
Why are generations at war with each other? With Zadie Smith

Why are generations at war with each other? With Zadie Smith

Which multi-generational novels inspired White Teeth? Where does Zadie Smith turn for her next great read? And our Penguin team is back to solve your reading dilemmas - whether you're after fascinating memoirs, this year's pick of prize-winning books, or stories perfect for Autumn. Discover all the books mentioned on this episode: Click hereZadie Smtih is one of the most distinctive, exciting and widely loved writers of her generation: she’s the twice shortlisted, once winner of the Women's Prize, also shortlisted for the Booker and has been twice named among Granta’s Best Young British Novelists. Her debut, White Teeth, blazed onto the best-seller lists, and established her as a defining generational voice. Her follow-up work includes the critically and commercially acclaimed NW, On Beauty, and Swing Time. Zadie Smith’s latest work is Dead and Alive: the keenly awaited new collection of essays, in which she brings her unique skills and observations to bear across a dazzling range of subjects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2个月前
56:01
Is never growing up the secret to great storytelling? With Philip Pullman

Is never growing up the secret to great storytelling? With Philip Pullman

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 Lights. The two reflects on a lifetime of storytelling and returning to Lyra’s world one final time in the conclusion of The Book of Dust series, The Rose Field.Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here: hereTo put a question to future podcast guests, and for exclusive content and book giveaways, join our Broadcast channel on Instagram: @PenguinUKBooks  Philip Pullman is one of the most highly respected children's authors writing today. Winner of many prestigious awards, including the Carnegie of Carnegies and the Whitbread Award, Pullman’s epic fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials has been acclaimed as a modern classic. It has sold 17.5 million copies worldwide and been translated into 40 languages. In 2005 he was awarded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. He lives in Oxford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2个月前
42:11
Is Jane Austen's legacy more than just romantic love? With Andrew Hunter Murray and Gill Hornby

Is Jane Austen's legacy more than just romantic love? With Andrew Hunter Murray and Gill Hornby

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 provide some regency-inspired book recommendations.   Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here: Jane Austen EpisodeVisit Jane Austen’s home: janeaustens.houseTo put a question to future podcast guests, and for exclusive content and book giveaways, join our Broadcast channel on Instagram: @PenguinUKBooks  Gill Hornby is a writer and journalist. Her novels Miss Austen and Godmersham Park were Sunday Times bestsellers, and Miss Austen was adapted into a four-part BBC drama starring Keely Hawes as Cassandra Austen. She is also the President of the Jane Austen Society. Andrew Hunter Murray is a writer, broadcaster and comedian. His first novel, The Last Day, was a Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller, and one of the top 10 fiction debuts of 2020; his second, The Sanctuary, was a Waterstones Thriller of the Month; and his third, A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering, was shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for comic literature. in 2011, Murray was a founding member of the West End comedy show Austentatious.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2个月前
50:10
Why do we still laugh when times are hard? With Ocean Vuong

Why do we still laugh when times are hard? With Ocean Vuong

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 American novels have inspired him? The author and poet also reflects on the themes and inspirations behind the book, from small-town Connecticut to intergenerational friendships. Discover all the books mentioned in this episode hereTo ask a question and for exclusive content and giveaways join our Broadcast channel on Instagram: @PenguinUKBooks  Ocean Vuong is an award-winning poet, essayist and novelist. He is the winner of the T. S. Eliot Prize for his poetry collection Night Sky with Exit Wounds, and his debut novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous was a literary sensation, going on to sell more than a million copies. Amongst many other accolades, he was a recipient of the MacArthur ‘Genius Grant’ in 2019 and The Whiting Award in 2016. The Emperor of Gladness, Vuong’s latest novel, explores themes of chosen family and the ways in which our lives can be changed by the most unexpected people. Sarah Howe is Poetry Editor for Chatto & Windus an imprint of Penguin as well as an award-winning author. Sarah’s first collection, Loop of Jade won the T. S. Eliot Prize in 2015, and the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year award the same year. Her follow-up collection, Foretokens, continues to explore ideas and complications of belonging, identity and inheritance.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3个月前
53:40
Which Penguin books shocked society and became cultural icons? With Jack Edwards and Penguin Editor, Simon Prosser

Which Penguin books shocked society and became cultural icons? With Jack Edwards and Penguin Editor, Simon Prosser

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 and became pop culture phenomena in this special episode, recorded live at Waterstones PicadillyFind all the books mentioned in this episode and more by clicking this link: The Penguin Podcast Waterstones SpecialFollow our dedicated Broadcast channel on Instagram for exclusive content and giveaways: @PenguinUKBooks Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.ukWebsite: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4个月前
1小时5分钟
Youth culture, love and music with Irvine Welsh and Derek Owusu

Youth culture, love and music with Irvine Welsh and Derek Owusu

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, award-winning author and Penguin colleague Derek Owusu joins the panel, providing personalised book recommendations to audience members. We also speak to readers at the festival and ask them: what is the book that defined your youth? Find all the books mentioned in this episode and more at by clicking this link: The Penguin Podcast: Latitude specialFollow our dedicated Broadcast channel on Instagram for exclusive content and giveaways: @PenguinUKBooks Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.ukWebsite: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5个月前
47:30
How Penguin Books turned the UK into a nation of readers

How Penguin Books turned the UK into a nation of readers

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.  Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: 90th Birthday special: How Penguin turned the UK into a nation of readersSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.ukWebsite: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5个月前
55:26
S2 E3: Debut Books with Catherine Airey, William Rayfet Hunter and Fiza Saeed McLynn

S2 E3: Debut Books with Catherine Airey, William Rayfet Hunter and Fiza Saeed McLynn

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 read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 3: Debut BooksSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8个月前
42:03
S2 E1: Children's Books with Greg James and Chris Smith

S2 E1: Children's Books with Greg James and Chris Smith

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 BooksSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk Follow our dedicated Broadcast channel on Instagram for exclusive content and giveaways: @PenguinUKBooks Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9个月前
36:11
Ask Penguin Series 2 Trailer

Ask Penguin Series 2 Trailer

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 authors.If you’re looking for a book recommendation, follow us on Instagram @penguinukbooks or send us your questions for a chance to be featured by emailing: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Don't forget to follow the show, so you never miss an episode!Find out more: https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9个月前
0:59
Episode 12: Best books of the year

Episode 12: Best books of the year

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 a message via the email address below. We return in the Spring with a new series. Until then, Happy Reading! Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12个月前
12:00
Episode 10: History Special with Al Murray, James Holland and Terry Deary

Episode 10: History Special with Al Murray, James Holland and Terry Deary

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 DearyFor the full list of books plus transcript visit: Episode 6: History SpecialBooks and authors mentioned in this episode:Arnhem Black Tuesday by Al MurrayCasino ’44 by James HollandA History of Britain in Ten Enemies by Terry DearyThe Cauldron by ZenoScoop by Evelyn WaughMary Queen of Scots by Alison WeirThe Go-Between by L.P. HartleySwords of Honour by Evelyn WaughSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024/12/5
48:46
Episode 9: How to Get Published with Jennie Godfrey

Episode 9: How to Get Published with Jennie Godfrey

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 authors mentioned in this episodeThe List of Suspicious Things by Jennie GodfreySonny Boy by Al PacinoCreation Lake by Rachel KushnerFor more information on how to get published visit: Getting PublishedFor the complete list of books mentioned in this episode and the transcript visit: Episode 9 - How to get publishedSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024/11/28
40:49
Episode 8: Christmas gifting with William Hanson

Episode 8: Christmas gifting with William Hanson

As the Christmas season approaches, we’ve assembled an expert panel to help you navigate your gifting dilemmas and find the ideal presents for everyone on your list. Plus, how do you politely decline a festive party? And is bending the spine of a book the approved way to read it? We find out with etiquette expert, and Help I've S*xted my Boss podcaster, William Hanson as we discuss his new book Just Good Manners. For the complete list of books mentioned in this episode and the transcript visit: Episode 8: Christmas giftingEnjoy 20% off your order at Penguin Shop using the discount code PENGUINPODCAST. T&Cs applySend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024/11/21
47:28
Episode 7: Historical Fiction with Jodi Picoult

Episode 7: Historical Fiction with Jodi Picoult

Join us as we time-travel through our bookshelves as we recommend must-read historical fiction in answer to your reading requests. Plus, bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakespeare's plays that inspired her new novel, By Any Other Name. Sign up to our Booksmarks panelBooks and authors mentioned in this episode:By Any Other Name by Jodie PicoultThe Warm Hands of Ghosts by Catherine ArdenThe Glass Woman by Caroline LeeJane Eyre by Charlotte BronteFirebrand by Elizabeth FreemantleThe Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre DumasAct of Oblivion by Robert HarrisIn Memoriam by Alice WinnMaurice by E.M. ForsterMy Policeman by Bethan RobertsFor the full list of books and the transcript visit: Episode 7: Historical FictionSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024/11/14
42:35
Episode 6: Books to Screen with Robert Harris

Episode 6: Books to Screen with Robert Harris

What do you usually prefer: the book or the film? Or do you enjoy both? In this episode, we delve into books that have successfully transitioned from page to screen. We'll also be chatting with best-selling author Robert Harris about his gripping thriller, Conclave, which has been adapted for the silver screen this November, starring Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and Stanley Tucci. So grab your books and your popcorn, and get ready for another book-filled episode.Books and authors mentioned in this episode:Conclave by Robert HarrisPrecipice by Robert HarrisMiss Austen by Gill HornbyRomantic Comedy by Curtis SittenfeldAtonement by Ian McEwanThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottFor the full list of books and the transcript visit: Episode 6: Books to ScreenSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024/11/7
26:37
Episode 5: Crime and Mystery with Kate Atkinson

Episode 5: Crime and Mystery with Kate Atkinson

Join us as we dive into the world of crime, thrillers, and mysteries! We answer your listener questions with award-winning author Kate Atkinson and publicist Alison Barrow. Plus, Kate discusses her brand-new Jackson Brodie novel, Death at the Sign of the Rook. Get ready for some killer reads!Books and authors mentioned in this episode:Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate AtkinsonThe Secret History by Donna TarttThe Cloisters by Katie HayesGone, Baby, Gone by Dennis LehaneThe Thursday Murder Club series by Richard OsmanThe Blue Hour by Paula HawkinsCharles Paris series by Simon BrettYellow Face by Rebecca F.KuangHelen FieldsGone Girl by Gillian FlynnThe Christmas Appeal by Janice HallettFor the full list of books and transcript visit: Episode 5: Crime and MysteriesSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024/10/31
24:40
Episode 4: Spooky reads with Daisy Johnson

Episode 4: Spooky reads with Daisy Johnson

Looking for a book that will keep you up at night? If you enjoy that tingling sensation down your spine while reading something on the spookier side then you're in the right place. In this episode, we explore the best horror and ghost stories perfect for Halloween. Alongside filling your book pile with terrifying but page-turning recommendations, we sit down with Booker-shortlisted author, Daisy Johnson to talk about her new collection of ghost stories, The Hotel. Books and authors mentioned in this episode:The Hotel by Daisy JohnsonHeads Will Roll by Josh WinningThe Night House by Jo NesboThe Terror by Dan SimmonsFor the full list of books plus transcript visit: Episode 4: Scary readsSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024/10/24
30:22