The Penguin Podcast

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.

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 at by clicking this link: The Penguin Podcast Waterstones Special Follow 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.

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.

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: The Penguin Podcast Special: How Penguin turned the UK into a nation or readersSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.ukWebsite: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the final episode of this series of the Penguin Podcast, Marble Hall Murders author Anthony Horowitz tells us how, when a famous actress asks you to write another novel, you do as you're told! Plus things heat up as we discuss and recommend the best books for summer reading.Explore the full list of books discussed on this episode and read the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 6: Summer ReadsWant to have your say on what's next for Ask Penguin? Click here!Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.ukWebsite: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastThe Books That Shaped Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 LiteratureSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.ukWebsite: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastCharlie's Nova Scotia House playlist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 4: Book Club BooksSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.ukWebsite: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastYrsa's Substack: the utter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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.

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 the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 2: Love and RomanceAnd you can download the audiobook here: Great Big Beautiful Life AudiobookSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 1: Children's BooksSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

For our final bonus episode, join us for a snippet from our Historical Fiction episode featuring Jodi Picoult as she discusses the questionable authorship of some of Shakespeare's most beloved plays.Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting Bonus Episode 5Send 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 4Send 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 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 3Send 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 2Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 1Send 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 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.

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 ReadsSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.