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Chapters: A Life in Books

Chapters: A Life in Books

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Chapters: A Life in Books is a major new podcast from The British Book Awards, bringing together some of the most celebrated and bestselling authors and illustrators of our time.

Hosted by broadcaster and journalist, Hannah MacInnes, each episode invites The British Book Awards-shortlisted writers into an intimate conversation about the books that shaped them, the childhood reads that first sparked their imaginations, the novels that changed their thinking, and the well-thumbed favourites they return to time and again.

Recorded inside independent bookshops, the series pairs literary star power with the warmth and authenticity of the spaces that sustain reading culture. Alongside reflections on their formative influences, guests also discuss their shortlisted work, offering listeners a rare insight into the creative lives behind today’s most talked-about books.

Insightful, nostalgic and full of literary passion, Chapters is a celebration of storytelling and of the writers shaping the cultural conversation right now.

2026 Chapters: A Life in Books
Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Chris Chibnall | Chapters Podcast
    Jun 1 2026

    This week, Hannah sits down with screenwriter, producer and author Chris Chibnall. Chris discusses his debut crime novel Death at the White Hart, reflecting on the differences between writing prose and television drama like his hit show Broadchurch.

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    27 mins
  • Donna Ashworth | Chapters Podcast
    May 25 2026

    This week, Hannah imagines herself in Donna’s favourite bookshop, The Wee Bookshop in Dollar, Scotland. Though they’re not recording there in real life, Hannah and Donna settle into an intimate conversation about the books that have shaped Donna’s life. From the all-too-relatable Bridget Jones to life-changing reads like Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life, join Donna on a journey through the books she treasures

    Chapters: A Life in Books is brought to you by The British Book Awards. Each week we invite The British Book Awards-shortlisted writers into an intimate conversation about the books that shaped them, the childhood reads that first sparked their imaginations, the novels that changed their thinking, and the well-thumbed favourites they return to time and again.

    Contact us: awards@thebookseller.com

    Follow us on Instagram: @thebritishbookawards

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    34 mins
  • MC Grammar | Chapters Podcast
    May 18 2026

    Tap into the power of language, rhythm and rhyme with MC Grammar

    At All Good Bookshop, Hannah MacInnes sits down with MC Grammar, shortlisted children’s author, rapper and award-winning teacher. MC Grammar discusses his mission to get more kids reading, praising a range of children’s books from The Chronicles of Narnia to The Hungry Caterpillar.

    Chapters: A Life in Books is brought to you by The British Book Awards. Each week we invite The British Book Awards-shortlisted writers into an intimate conversation about the books that shaped them, the childhood reads that first sparked their imaginations, the novels that changed their thinking, and the well-thumbed favourites they return to time and again.

    Contact us: awards@thebookseller.com

    Follow us on Instagram: @thebritishbookawards

    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
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