Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

Comedian and author Dawn French joins Simon and Matt for our Q&A episode.
We learn about her writing routine, favourite snacks, her love for Kae Tempest's writing, the people she always shares her book with first - and - who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party.
We also surprise Dawn with a question from the poet, Donna Ashworth!
Remember you can email us anytime: booksoftheyear@yahoo.com

Comedian, actor and bestselling author Dawn French joins Simon and Matt for a natter about her new novel, 'Enough'.
She talks about her personal inspirations for the story, white crows, teenage crushes (Donny Osmond VS David Cassidy) and how she sees her book a as a film.
There are some deep and poignant moments too - where Dawn talks about her father's suicide, and her Mum's death - specifically the agency her mum had over the end of her life.
They also chat about a shared love of Barcelona, family recipes - and - Dean Friedman.
Here's a little more on Dawn's novel - 'Enough':
Etta is sixty-eight years old. Happy, healthy and an active participant in her world, she’s gathered her family together for an unforgettable weekend.
Tick.
At 5am that Saturday morning, Etta wakes her daughter, her granddaughter, her son and her daughter-in-law up to lead everyone down to the beach. To ‘Etta’s Hollow’, where a roaring fire has already been lit. Drowsy but delighted – the sun is just starting to rise for a glorious dawn – Etta’s family bask in the beauty of the moment. A memory to be cherished forever.
Tick.

Until twenty minutes later, when Etta announces to her assembled beloveds something as shocking as it is alarming. ‘I have brought you all down to the beach this morning to tell you something important. You see, the thing is, today is my last day alive.’
Boom.

Over the next twenty-four hours, Etta and her family are about to have the most surprising, affecting and life-affirming day of all their lives.

In our Q&A episode - international bestselling author Matt Haig talks about some of the books he's been enjoying recently (including 'Yesteryear' by Caro Claire Burke), the Brontes, how he orders his bookshelves and his favourite film adaptation of a book.
Simon and Matt also ask him about his mentor - and whether he takes risks as a writer.

Matt Haig joins Simon and Matt to talk about his new novel, 'The Midnight Train'.
They discuss the inspirations for this book, how Matt see's it as a sibling to The Midnight Library- and why he wants us to challenge the fears of getting older. Matt talks about optimism and hopefulness, wasting time (and life) on the wrong things and what we should do about regrets.
They also talk about the film adaptation of The Midnight Library, which is going to star Florence Pugh as Nora Seed - and we're very excited to see it.
Remember you can watch all our episode now on our YouTube channel!
TOP QUOTES:
'These will always be the good old days!'
'This part of the book was an exquisite type of torture'
'Sometimes happiness has the least to teach us.'
Here's a little more info on the book:

When your life flashes before your eyes, what will matter most?

For Wilbur it was his time with Maggie, the love of his life. Their honeymoon in Venice. Before he threw it all away.

Years later, on the brink of his own death, a train arrives. It can take Wilbur back in time. To relive his most important moments. Soon he realises just how much he would have changed.

An adventure through time, The Midnight Train is a story of love and second chances, from the world of The Midnight Library.

Anthony Horowitz (known for his Alex Rider series, Foyles War, Sherlock Holmes mysteries, the Magpie Murders and many more) joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams for a natter about his writing and favourite authors!
He also shares a story about working with Meryl Streep (or rather, NOT working with her) and reveals who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party.
We also surprise Anthony with a question from fellow author - Lucy Foley!
Remember you can now watch all our episodes on YouTube! Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode - you can find our channel here!