The Penguin Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What makes a book a classic? Who decided which books make it into the canon? And how long would it take to read the entire list? Join our exploration through our Classic bookshelves with author Henry Eliot who answers listener questions with reading recommendations from all eras. Plus, we delve into the world of Jane Austen with Gill Hornby, whose novel Miss Austen is being adapted into a four-part drama by the BBC.Books and authors mentioned in this episode:The Penguin Classics Book by Henry EliotThe Penguin Modern Classics Book by Henry EliotMiss Austen by Gill HornbyFor the full list of recommended reads visit: Episode 3: ClassicsSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastFollow Henry's substack by clicking here

Joining us in our book-filled studio is broadcaster and author Zeinab Badawi, who shares her journey chronicling Africa's spectacular history through the voices of African historians, archaeologists, and local storytellers. Plus, we put your reading requests to award-winning author Derek Owusu to top up your reading pile with books by Black authors to celebrate Black History Month. Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Explore all the books discussed and a transcript by visiting: Episode 2: Black History MonthWebsite: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastBooks mentioned in this episode: Noughts and Crosses by Malorie BlackmanGiovanni's Room by James BaldwinThat Reminds Me by Derek OwusuHomegoing by Yaa GyasiAn African History of Africa by Zainab BadawiThe Confessions of Franny Langton by Sara CollinsBlack Cake by Charmaine WilkersonThe Lonely Londoners by Sam SelvonGhana Must Go by Teiye SelassieThe Terrible by Yrsa Daley-Ward