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Books of My Life

Books of My Life


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Celebrities invite you inside the library of their life

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Season two
English actor, comedian and author Ben Miller shares the books that inspired him the most when he was young.
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Ben Miller on writing from the heart

The Englishman began his career as a comedian and actor, before writing a string of bestselling children's books

Books of My Life: Shahd Alshammari on how literature saved her
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Shahd Alshammari on how literature saved her

Her memoir Head Above Water brings a crucial female Arab voice to conversations on disability and gender

Books of My Life: Explorer Benedict Allen on what he's learnt from his adventures
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Benedict Allen on what he's learnt as an explorer

The real-life Indiana Jones has written a dozen hair-raising books, recounting his expeditions from the Arctic to the Amazon

Books of My Life: Shrabani Basu on journalism and historical fiction
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Shrabani Basu on journalism and historical fiction

Her novel Victoria and Abdul was later adapted into a feature film

Bobby Chinn joins Books of My Life season two
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Bobby Chinn on the secrets to health and happiness

The celebrated chef talks about the life of Van Gogh and his favourite stories

Jeffrey Archer joins Books of My Life podcast
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Jeffrey Archer on the art of storytelling

The best-selling British author says his success with the pen is a 'God-given gift'



Other podcasts


Season one
Books of My Life
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Alexander McCall Smith's mysterious case of books

The author of 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series speaks to Books of My Life about George Eliot, 'The Odyssey' and his love of WH Auden

Books of My Life
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Irvine Welsh's literary highs

The acclaimed author tells Books of My Life how he used to sneak back into the local library after him and his friends had been kicked out, feeding his voracious appetite for reading

Books of My Life
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The story of Bryn Terfel

The famous opera singer speaks to Books of my Life about his fondness for biographies and what he has in common with Angela Ashes author Frank McCourt

Books of My Life
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Mary Beard, the books that left her spellbound

Britain's much-loved classicist tells Books of My Life about her childhood encounter with Peter Rabbit and admiration for Philip Pullman

Books of My Life
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Ian Rankin, the evil that inspired him

The best-selling crime novelist tells Books of My Life about his PhD on Muriel Sparks including a fascinating link between Robert Louis Stevenson and a criminal from the 18th century

Books of My Life
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Arianna Huffington, the books that inspired the media powerhouse

The media mogul tells Books of My Life about her passion for Marcus Aurelius and why she values the children's book 'Goodnight Moon' above all others



Spotlight

  • French President Emmanuel Macron, second from left, with Lebanon’s ambassador to France Rabih Chaer, centre, and curator Tania Zaven, far left, at Arab World Institute in Paris. AFP

    Bronze Age necropolis among 'treasures of Lebanon under bombs' brought to Paris

  • The first training session for Iraqi national team in Monterrey, Mexico, in preparation for the Intercontinental Playoff for the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Iraq National Football Team
    Camera

    World Cup play-offs: Iraq look to clinch spot as Italy aim to end 12-year exile

  • The souvenir pack contains two small Dubai-themed fridge magnets and a note. Photo: Dan Qayyum / X

    Dubai airport souvenir packs praised online as war disrupts flights

  • The upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will complete Saadiyat Cultural District. Photo: Baccarat Residences

    Why UAE’s cultural districts are becoming a model for cities worldwide

  • File photo dated 22-03-2026 of Manchester City's Carabao Cup final hero Nico O'Reilly who is "smelling blood" in the title race after delivering a major blow to Arsenal at Wembley. Issue date: Monday March 23, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read Ben Whitley/PA Wire.
    Camera

    Man City 'smell blood' in Premier League title battle with Arsenal

  • The 2026 Dubai World Cup will be held at Meydan Racecourse. Chris Whiteoak / The National

    Dubai World Cup 2026: Tickets, prize money and all you need to know

  • Palestinian Jumana Manna's contribution to the revival of Oslo's government section has drawn antipathy from some on the Norwegian right, but she chooses to focus on the work and what it can bring the city. Artwork: substitute.Photo: Koro

    Palestinian artist creates central work for Oslo area rebuilt after 2011 attacks

  • England's Sam Curran has been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a groin injury. AFP

    Unavailable star players of PSL and IPL 2026


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