Turn Up for the Books

Latest Episodes:

Crime And Conflict with Nancy Pearl and Angie Thomas Mar 16, 2022

Bestselling author Angie Thomas and librarian, writer and tv host Nancy Pearl join Dan, Irenosen and Simon to talk about the Novels That Shaped Our World list. Nancy discusses the final category of the list, Crime and Conflict, and which of the books she loves. And Angie Thomas tells us about how important libraries were for her growing up, and also talks about the Coming Of Age category - which features lots of books she loves.

We also hear from Professor Sebastian Groes, of the University Of Wolverhampton, about the study he has been conducting around the Novels That Shaped Our World.

Adventure with Vick Hope Mar 09, 2022

Dan, Irenosen and Simon are joined by broadcaster and author Vick Hope, to discuss books, libraries and much more.

They look at the "Adventure" category of the Novels That Shaped Our World list, whilst also hearing about Vick's love of libraries and why they are important to her.

Coming Of Age with Frank Cottrell-Boyce Mar 02, 2022

Hosts Dan, Irenosen and Simon are joined by author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce to look at the "Coming Of Age" category in the BBC's Novels That Shaped Our World list. This list of 10 books includes the Twighlight Saga, the Harry Potter Books and Sue Townsend's classic "The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4"

Frank discusses his writing and inspirations, how important libraries are to him and what he thinks is missing from the list. We also hear from Professor Sebastian Groes, on some findings that his research unearthed about the Coming Of Age novels in this list.

Class and Society with Jenn Ashworth Feb 23, 2022

Former prison librarian turned author, Jenn Ashworth, discusses the category of Class and Society from the Novels That Shaped Our World list. Our hosts also find out more about this list from research conducted by the University Of Wolverhampton and discuss which books they think are missing.

Family And Friendship with Bobby Seagull Feb 16, 2022

Dan Smith, Irenosen Okojie and Simon Savidge are joined by Libraries Champion and author Bobby Seagull, to discuss the Novels That Shaped Our World list. On this episode, they look at the category of Family and Friendship, which includes books by Roald Dahl, George Eliot, Dodie Smith and Armistead Maupin.

They also discuss the joy of libraries, the power of reading on memory and just how many library cards it would take to get to the moon, if they were all stacked on top of each other.

We'll also hear from Professor Sebastian Groes, from the University Of Wolverhampton, about their findings from research they have conducted into the Novels That Shaped Our World list.

Power, Politics, Protest with Jed Mercurio Feb 09, 2022

In this episode of Turn Up For The Books, the creator of Line Of Duty - Jed Mercurio - discusses his love of graphic novels and libraries. He explores the category of Power, Politics and Protest - from the Novels That Shaped Our World list - and gives us an insight into his writing and collaborative processes.

Dan Smith, Irenosen Okojie and Simon Savidge also talk to Jed about the importance of libraries, which books they think are missing from this category and whether Line Of Duty will be coming back...

Love, Sex and Romance with Juno Dawson Feb 02, 2022

Bestselling author, Juno Dawson, joins Dan, Irenosen and Simon to talk about her writing, acting and love of libraries. She also gives us an insight into what it was like being on the panel for the Novels That Shaped Our World list. From Jilly Cooper to Jane Austen, there's something in this category for everyone.

Life, Death and Other Worlds with Rev Richard Coles Jan 26, 2022

Dan, Irenosen and Simon are joined by broadcaster, author and former Communards member, Reverend Richard Coles. He talks honestly about the loss of his life partner David, and how grief affected him, which he decided to write about in his latest book. Richard also discusses his love of libraries and dissects the Novels That Shaped Our World category of Life, Death And Other Worlds.

Identity with Elizabeth Macneal Jan 19, 2022

Elizabeth Macneal, author of The Doll Factory and Circus Of Wonders, joins Dan Smith, Irenosen Okojie and Simon Savidge to discuss her love of libraries and writing influences. She also talks about her pottery, and how the tragedy of her cat deleting 10,000 words of her book draft was actually a positive thing.

The hosts also discuss the Identity category from the BBC's Novels That Shaped Our World list, including which books stand out and which they think are missing.

Rule Breakers with Skin Jan 12, 2022

Singer, songwriter, DJ and model - Skin joins Dan Smith, Irenosen Okojie and Simon Savidge to chat about reading, libraries and the joy of audio books. She discusses her memoir, It Takes Blood And Guts, and teases us with some exciting news of upcoming projects.

The hosts also discuss the Rule Breakers category, taken from the BBC's Novels That Shaped Our World List.

Welcome to Turn Up for the Books Jan 05, 2022

Bastille singer Dan Smith, award-winning author Irenosen Okojie and library guru Simon Savidge guide you seamlessly through the sometimes daunting world of book recommendations.

Using the Novels That Shaped Our World list of 100 titles as their starting point, this trio give the low down on what your next book choice could be.

With the help of fellow book lovers such as Skin, Bobby Seagull, Vick Hope and others, let this warm bath of book recommendations bathe you in the delightful world of classics and new titles, libraries and the pleasure of reading. Expect light-hearted and conversational chat which is for book aficionados as well as reading newbies but most importantly never, ever scary.

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