Books To Last Podcast

This episode we are joined by poet and author PS Conway (@ps.conway) as he shares a his list of five books to be castaway with. This list is for readers who seek literature that blends epic storytelling with profound emotional and philosophical depth. These works explore themes of identity, memory, faith, and freedom—often through lyrical prose and innovative narrative styles. Ideal for those who...

Our guest this episode is Rachel from @bookedandbusyrach as she shares her list of books for readers who crave stories that teeter between the real and the surreal, the tender and the terrifying. Whether you're drawn to nostalgic horror, moody romantic suspense, introspective coming-of-age tales, or whimsical yet unsettling worlds, these picks will transport you—and sometimes unnerve you. Expe...

In this episode, we are joined by the author Art Bell (@artbellauthor) as we dive into a collection of books that challenge assumptions—about power, identity, reason, and reality. Whether set in the fog of war, the haze of colonial ambition, the grim clarity of existential thought, or the murky alleys of criminal underworlds, each selection forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths and ask h...

Joined by Meg from @megsreadingclub, this episode, we’re diving into a mix of stories that bring together sharp wit, big emotions, and unforgettable characters. From classic social drama to epic fantasy battles, from gritty poetry to juicy Hollywood secrets, these books show people pushing back against the rules—whether society’s or their own. If you like smart, messy, and sometimes wild stories w...

This episode dives into a seriously eclectic set of books picked by Mitch, owner of independent bookstore @vellichorbooksltd, to be castaway with. From cult classics to chaotic horror, outsider memoirs to dark spiritual manifestos, these stories all wrestle with what happens when we're pushed to the edge—mentally, morally, or cosmically. Whether it’s surviving the end of the world or losing yo...

In this episode, we are joined by co-hosts of the @likewise_pod, Sam & Isa as we dive into their castaway book picks. One list leans into rom-coms, poetry, and music nostalgia—think heart, humour, and a love for words. The other goes big on fantasy, emotional twists, and intense character journeys. Even with their different tastes, both lists circle around themes like love, identity, creativit...

We are joined by Sophie, proprietor of bookish goods and beautiful handcrafted gifts and the briliant mind behind @foxredcrafts as she joins for five books to be castaway with. This episode is perfect for readers who love crossing genre lines — fantasy romantics, nostalgic adventurers, and emotionally driven daydreamers alike. If you’ve ever wanted to live in a castle, a treehouse, or ride a drago...

This week we take an absolutely wild journey through special guest, Brooklyn Quintana's (@brooklyn.quintana) list of five books she would be castaway to. This list is perfect for readers drawn to psychologically rich, morally complex narratives that explore ambition, madness, power, and the blurry lines between fantasy and reality—this collection spans eras and genres, yet shares a haunting fa...

This episode our very special guest is author Farah Ali (@farahali.06) as she shares her castaway books. This list is perfect for literary fiction lovers who appreciate a mix of classic and contemporary, lyrical and experimental, historical and philosophical works—books that linger in the mind long after reading. Join the Books to Last Podcast, where book lovers share their top 5 must-read books f...

Our guest this week is Rali Chorbadzhiyska, from Rali Editorial (@reading.rali) as she picks her five books to be castaway with. Her picks encompass both thought-provoking and entertaining reads and a range of unconventional narrative forms. They would be perfect for readers who enjoy authors like Haruki Murakami, Jean-Paul Sartre, or Kazuo Ishiguro, with an appreciation for books that range from...

This episode's guest in Nick from over @booksunderthewoods as he shares the five books he would take with him when castaway. Each of his picks is a book that is perfect for readers who are passionate about identity, family, adventure, and the struggle to belong, whether in fantastical realms, space, or historical landscapes. Get ready to be transported to new worlds, challenge your beliefs, and di...

This episode our guest is award-winning author, Deborah Tomkins. Her list is a fascinating collection of books involving profound reflections on identity, ethics, and society, an engagement with the natural and environmental world, as well as the exploration of transformation—whether individual, societal, or cosmic. Embark on a literary voyage with the Books to Last Podcast, inspired by the BBC's...

Our guest this episode is the brilliant author of The Parlour Wife, Foluso Agbaje as she share the five books she would be castaway with. Her list is perfect for fans of explorative historical fiction in a range of contexts, and stories about the resilience of women, cultural identities, family dynamics, and the complexities of love, survival, and self-discovery. Embark on a literary voyage with t...

Happiest of New Years Friends! A tad later than usual but it is still January! Once again I am sharing my top five books of the year just passed and this is quite a mixed list, as my reading was a bit niche this year. Thank you so much for sticking with me for the last year, hopefully this next year will be ever so slightly more consistent on my part, but your support means the world. Embark on a...

Our guest for this episode is Rory (@rorycantead) as she shares a list that revolves around deep emotional exploration, complex identities, and philosophical introspection as well as the natural world. Embark on a literary voyage with the Books to Last Podcast, inspired by the BBC's beloved Desert Island Discs. Join us as we invite passionate book enthusiasts to reveal their top five must-have boo...

This episode we are joined by Cara from @poemsfromthepath - reader, poet, nature enthusiast, twilight connoisseur - as she share her five books. These books share common threads of personal transformation, relationships, the resilience of the human spirit, and the influence of both internal and external forces on identity and life choices, and each has their own strong sense of place. Embark on a...

We are back, and we're back with a cracking episode with author Ania Card at that - join us as Ania share her absolutely fascinating list of deeply emotional, character-driven stories set against rich historical and societal backdrops, exploring how individuals navigate love, loss, identity, and the search for meaning in a complex world. Embark on a literary voyage with the Books to Last Podcast,...

This episode we are joined by Kirsty, the Dyslexic Yogi and founder of Dook Club, the dyslexic-friendly no-pressure book club. Her castaway list is perfect for anyone seeking reflective and emotional journeys of self-discovery, relationships and emotions, through both fiction and non-fiction. Embark on a literary voyage with the Books to Last Podcast, inspired by the BBC's beloved Desert Islan...

This episode, we are joined by Flora Carr, debut author of "The Tower," as she shares the only five books she would take with her when cast away to her mysterious remote location—a rainy hut overlooking the sea. Her list is packed with stories exploring obscure niches in the historical tales we all think we know. Spanning unfamiliar gems and prize-winning favourites, this list is not to...

This episode is perfect for readers who want to explore human relationships, neurodivergent mindsets, and captivating emotional stories with dark and atmospheric backdrops. This episode we are joined by Meg from the Autistic Reads as she shares the five books she would be castaway with. Embark on a literary voyage with the Books to Last Podcast, inspired by the BBC's beloved Desert Island Disc...

This list is perfect for any reader who loves to seek information, answers and ancient knowledge told by engaging voices with humour and adventure thrown in for good measure. This episode we are joined by Thomas, host of the Highkey Obsessed Podcast as he shares the five books he would be castaway with. Embark on a literary voyage with the Books to Last Podcast, inspired by the BBC's beloved D...

This week's guest, Nic the Bookworm, shares her list filled with thrilling and historical stories exploring love, truth, resilience and acceptance. Embark on a literary voyage with the Books to Last Podcast, inspired by the BBC's beloved Desert Island Discs. Join us as we invite passionate book enthusiasts to reveal their top five must-have books for a mysterious remote adventure. Explore...

Happy New Year Folks! I hope last year was good to you and that this year is better. As January gets off to a ... start , of sorts, I wanted to share with you the best five books I read in 2023. An usually emotional list for me this year, but lots of variety in genres and stories - a bit of something for everyone! Embark on a literary voyage with the Books to Last Podcast, inspired by the BBC'...

In this, our last episode of 2023, we have a fun list full of thought-provoking social commentary blended with nostalgia and unearthly vibes (with some ghosts and haunting thrown in for good measure). Recording IRL in an actual bookstore we are joined by Ruth, bookseller and owner of Drop City Books, a fabulous independent bookstore in my home city of Stoke-on-Trent. Embark on a literary voyage wi...

The ultimate cosy reads list for your winter TBR, check out this list from across genres to snuggle up with (with your hot beverage of choice of course!) from Shauna, connoisseur of all things cosy over at @cozywithshauna. Embark on a literary voyage with the Books to Last Podcast, inspired by the BBC's beloved Desert Island Discs. Join us as we invite passionate book enthusiasts to reveal the...