The Radio 2 Book Club
Books & Literature
About
The Radio 2 Book club celebrates the best in new fiction and recommends great reads. Sara will be interviewing top authors about their latest novels, and she’ll be catching up with librarians and reading groups from across the UK. Whether you’re after a summer blockbuster, a twist-filled thriller, or want to curl up with a heart-warming love story, Sara has you covered!
Episodes
- 'The Wreck' by Lizzy Stewart
Lizzy Stewart discusses her novel 'The Wreck' on The Radio 2 Book Club. She speaks about communal living, friendships changing over decades, and recommends books.
- A Comic Book Celebration - with Jamie Smart, Neill Cameron, Jess Bradley and more
Sara celebrates comics and Phoenix Fest in this special edition of The Radio 2 Book Club. The episode features creators Jamie Smart, Neill Cameron, Jess Bradley, Patrice Aggs, and Joe Brady.
- Celebrating Fairy Tales - with Dr Sharon Blackie
Dr. Sharon Blackie joins Sara to discuss the history and ongoing relevance of fairy tales. They explore her book 'Ripening' and how these ancient stories can empower women today.
- 'Yesteryear' by Caro Claire Burke
Caro Claire Burke joins Sara on The Radio 2 Book Club to discuss her debut novel, 'Yesteryear', which satirizes the #tradwife movement and social media influencer culture. The episode includes an audiobook clip and details about an upcomin…
- 'Love Lane' by Patrick Gale
Patrick Gale joins The Radio 2 Book Club to discuss his novel, 'Love Lane', a follow-up to 'A Place Called Winter'. He shares how his family history inspired the story, discusses narrating the audiobook, and provides personal reading recom…
- 'Under Water' by Tara Menon
Debut novelist Tara Menon joins the Radio 2 Book Club to discuss her novel, 'Under Water'. The author shares insights into her creative process and research, while the story follows a girl seeking closure years after being separated from h…
- Superstar Librarian Maggie Ross
Sara hosts librarian Maggie Ross from the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead libraries to talk about her role and the value of libraries. They also discuss book recommendations for the coming year.
- 'This Story Might Save Your Life' by Tiffany Crum
Tiffany Crum discusses her debut novel, 'This Story Might Save Your Life', covering her Hollywood background, the writing process, and the inspiration behind her thriller. The episode includes an audiobook excerpt and a book recommendation.
- 'Minbak' by Ela Lee
Novelist Ela Lee discusses her new book, 'Minbak', on The Radio 2 Book Club with Sara. She shares inspirations behind the story, including her family's history, and provides a preview of the book's self-narrated audiobook.
- Jamie Smart joins us for World Book Day!
Comic book artist Jamie Smart joins Sara on The Radio 2 Book Club to celebrate World Book Day. They discuss the Bunny Vs Monkey series, inspirations for drawing, and book recommendations, while pupils from a Manchester school share their t…
- The Royal Library at Windsor Castle (celebrating 500 Words)
Sara Cox tours the Royal Library at Windsor Castle, accompanied by curator Elizabeth Clark Ashby, to view historical artifacts and discuss the library's collection. The episode also highlights the Grand Final of the 500 Words children's wr…
- 'Saoirse' by Charleen Hurtubise
Author Charleen Hurtubise discusses her novel 'Saoirse' with Sara on The Radio 2 Book Club. The conversation covers the book's inspirations, the themes of identity, and the story of an artist in Ireland whose past threatens to resurface.
- Harriet Tyce on her new novel 'Witch Trial' (and The Traitors)
Author and former 'The Traitors' contestant Harriet Tyce discusses her latest novel, 'Witch Trial', with Sara on The Radio 2 Book Club. The conversation covers her shift to writing a male protagonist and whether her time on 'The Traitors'…
- 'The Keeper Of Lost Children' by Sadeqa Johnson
Author Sadeqa Johnson discusses her novel 'The Keeper Of Lost Children' with Sara on The Radio 2 Book Club. The episode features insights into the book's inspirations, the historical context of its characters, and a book recommendation.
- Cressida Cowell on the joy of reading
Children's author Cressida Cowell discusses her passion for reading and the National Year of Reading initiatives. She also shares behind-the-scenes details regarding the production of the How to Train Your Dragon 2 film.
- 'This Book Made Me Think Of You' by Libby Page
Author Libby Page discusses her new novel, "This Book Made Me Think Of You," and its inspiration with Sara. The episode covers themes of grief and recovery, the research behind the book's international settings, and includes an exclusive a…
- Superstar Librarian Phoenix Cooper shares their Top Five Reads Of The Year (well, 2025)
Phoenix Cooper from Kent Libraries discusses their role and joins the Radio 2 Book Club to share their top five favorite books of 2025 so far. During the conversation with Sara, Phoenix also touches on their passion for libraries and highl…
- 'The Poet Empress' by Shen Tao
Author Shen Tao discusses her debut novel, 'The Poet Empress,' including her inspirations and writing process. The episode also features a book recommendation from Shen and an audiobook excerpt from the story.
- Superstar librarian Louisa Steel picks her Top Five Reads Of The Year
Librarian Louisa Steel joins host Sara to discuss book recommendations, the benefits of book clubs, and how to overcome reading ruts. Steel also shares her top five book picks for 2025.
- The White Octopus Hotel by Alexandra Bell
In this episode of The Radio 2 Book Club, author Alexandra Bell discusses her 2025 novel, The White Octopus Hotel. She shares insights into writing time travel narratives, balancing a writing career as a busy mother, and provides a book re…
- Celebrating Jane Austen
Sara hosts Rachel Parris and Jessica Bull on the Radio 2 Book Club to discuss their shared love for Jane Austen and their respective Austen-inspired novels. The episode also features a reading from a new audio abridgment of Pride & Prejudi…
- 'The Merge' by Grace Walker
Grace Walker joins Sara on the Radio 2 Book Club to discuss her debut novel, 'The Merge.' The book, a dystopian page-turner, explores an experimental merging process for Alzheimer's patients, prompting discussions on ethical dilemmas and t…
- The Radio 2 Book Club Christmas Special
Sara is joined by Simon Savidge for The Radio 2 Book Club Christmas Special. They discuss his favourite books of the year, including fiction, younger readers, and non-fiction selections, as well as his top Christmas gift ideas.
- Superstar Librarian, Karen McPherson, shares her Top Five Reads of the Year
Karen McPherson, head of the Radio 2 Book Club, shares her Top Five Reads of the Year with Sara, discussing library experiences and the selection process for book club titles.
- 'The Shapeshifter's Daughter' by Sally Magnusson
Sally Magnusson joins The Radio 2 Book Club to discuss her novel 'The Shapeshifter's Daughter,' a reimagining of the Norse myth of Hel. The episode delves into the challenges of rewriting myths, Magnusson's interest in Scandinavia, and the…
- 'King Sorrow' by Joe Hill
Joe Hill joins Sara on The Radio 2 Book Club to discuss his novel 'King Sorrow', a decade-long project. They explore his inspirations, family's writing influence, and the novel's plot about students making a deal with a dragon.
- 'The Eleventh Hour' by Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie discusses his new collection of stories, 'The Eleventh Hour,' on The Radio 2 Book Club. The stories explore themes of mortality, identity, and belonging, drawing inspiration from India, England, and America.
- Halloween Special
The Radio 2 Book Club's Halloween Special features recommendations for spooky and chilling books. Six horror authors joined to discuss their latest novels and favorite scary reads, including works by Gemma Amor, Daphne Du Maurier, Tobi Cov…
- 'The Murder At World's End' by Ross Montgomery
The Radio 2 Book Club features Ross Montgomery discussing his debut adult novel, The Murder At World's End. The episode includes a preview of the audiobook, read by Sir Derek Jacobi, and a book recommendation from Montgomery. The novel is…
- Superstar librarian Kelly Greenwood picks her Top Five Reads Of The Year
Librarian Kelly Greenwood joins Sara to discuss her career and children's books. She shares her Top Five Reads Of The Year, featuring books by Manjeet Mann, Holly Bourne, Jason Reynolds, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, and Theo Parish.
- 'Artificial Wisdom' by Thomas R. Weaver
Thomas R. Weaver, author of the debut techno-thriller 'Artificial Wisdom', joins Sara to discuss his thoughts on AI, his entrepreneurial past, and his transition to novel writing. The episode includes a preview of the audiobook and book re…
- Maggie O'Farrell on Writing
Maggie O'Farrell joins The Radio 2 Book Club to discuss a new writing prize honoring Hilary Mantel, her personal writing routine, and her top five reads of the year. She also shares details about her upcoming novel and the film adaptation…
- A 500 Words Special: with Charlie Higson
This episode features a special on the 500 Words writing competition with judge Charlie Higson. They discuss the competition details, offer writing advice, and talk about Higson's new book, 'Willie Willie Harry Stee'.
- 'A Splintering' by Dur e Aziz Amna
Dur e Aziz Amna discusses her novel 'A Splintering' with Sara on the Radio 2 Book Club. The book follows Tara's desire to escape her past and village life, seeking wealth and freedom in the capital, against a backdrop of political violence…
- Dawn O'Porter (recorded at Radio 2 In The Park)
Broadcaster and author Dawn O'Porter joined Sara for a special edition of The Radio 2 Book Club, recorded live at Radio 2 In The Park. They discussed O'Porter's books and writing, and she shared her top five reads of the year.
- 'The Two Roberts' by Damian Barr
Damian Barr joins Sara on the Radio 2 Book Club to discuss his novel 'The Two Roberts,' inspired by the lives of artists Bobby MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun. The conversation touches on their relationship, artistic journey, and the histori…
- 'Katabasis' by R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang joins The Radio 2 Book Club to discuss her novel 'Katabasis,' which follows grad student Alice Law and her rival Peter Murdoch on a journey through a topsy-turvy Hell to retrieve a deceased professor. The story explores their co…
- Listener reviewer Chantelle picks her Top Five Books of the year
Listener reviewer and librarian Chantelle Tijhaar joins Sara to share her top five books of the year so far and discuss her upcoming reading list on The Radio 2 Book Club.
- 'Dead Lucky' by Connor Hutchinson
Debut novelist Connor Hutchinson joins Sara on The Radio 2 Book Club to discuss his book 'Dead Lucky'. Hutchinson shares insights into the novel's working-class setting, inspired by his own upbringing, and explores the protagonist's strugg…
- A Summer Reads Special (with Simon Savidge)
Simon Savidge joins Sara to recommend his top five Summer Reads, featuring books like Passiontide, The Safekeep, and Dusk. He also highlights previous Radio 2 Book Club selections suitable for holidays and shares details about his recent i…
- 'The Compound' by Aisling Rawle
Aisling Rawle joins Sara on The Radio 2 Book Club to discuss her debut novel, 'The Compound.' The book, described as 'Lord Of The Flies meets Love Island,' follows a young woman competing on a reality show set in a desert compound, explori…
- Lee Child, Kate Mosse, Abir Mukherjee and more join Jeremy Vine for a crime fiction special
Jeremy Vine hosts a special episode of The Radio 2 Book Club from the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival. Guests include authors Lee Child, Kate Mosse, Abir Mukherjee, and Chris Chibnall, discussing their work and the festival.
- Listener reviewer Rose picks her Top Five Reads of the year so far
Rose Kooper Johnson discusses her book group and top five reads of the year so far with Sara. The reviewed books include 'Disappoint Me,' 'Agatha of Little Neon,' 'Some Strange Music Draws Me In,' 'The Original,' and 'The Safekeep.'
- 'The Art Of A Lie' by Laura Shepherd Robinson
Laura Shepherd Robinson joins Sara on The Radio 2 Book Club to discuss her latest Georgian-era crime novel, 'The Art Of A Lie.' The episode explores the book's plot, the author's fascination with the 18th century, and the Harrogate crime w…
- Celebrating Pride Month: with the Queer Girls Book Club
The Radio 2 Book Club episode celebrates Pride Month by featuring the Queer Girls Book Club. Ayse Huseyin discusses their group, shares her top five reads of the year so far, and their positive reception to the book 'Ordinary Saints'.
- 'Atmosphere' by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid joins Sara to discuss her new novel "Atmosphere," which explores 1980s space travel and the experiences of women in a male-dominated field. The conversation delves into her inspirations, love for the night sky, and incl…
- 'The Rush' by Beth Lewis
Beth Lewis discusses her novel 'The Rush' with Sara on the Radio 2 Book Club. The book is set in the Canadian gold rush and focuses on female protagonists navigating survival and danger.
- The Carnegies 2025!
Ros Harding, Head Of Judges for The Carnegies children's book awards, discusses the significance of the awards for writers and illustrators, and the importance of encouraging children to read. She also shares her top five reads for the yea…
- 'Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil' by V.E. Schwab
V.E. Schwab discusses her new novel 'Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil' on The Radio 2 Book Club. The conversation covers fantasy, reading diversely, queer love stories, and vampires, referencing her previous novel 'The Invisible Life Of…
- Superstar Librarian Luke shares his Top Five Reads
Luke Burton, a librarian from The Radio 2 Book Club, shares his Top Five Reads and discusses the significance of libraries. His selected books include titles by Jo Callaghan, Bella Mackie, Ben Aaronovitch, Roy Carroll, and Jeanine Cummins.