Bookclub

This month's choice is Antony Beevor's Stalingrad; a gripping account of the horrors of the battle that was Hitler's big mistake and the turning point of World War II. James Naughtie and readers discuss the book with the author.

James Naughtie and a group of readers discuss the novel Fasting, Feasting with its author, Anita Desai, who also reads an extract from the book.

James Naughtie and a group of readers discuss the novel In The Springtime Of The Year with its author Susan Hill, who also reads an excerpt from her book.

The author Philip Pullman discusses his fantasy novel Northern Lights with James Naughtie.

Author Charles Frazier discusses his bestseller Cold Mountain with James Naughtie and a group of readers. Recorded at the Politics and Prose book in Washington DC.

Pulitzer prize-winning author Carol Shields discusses her book Larry's Party with presenter James Naughtie and a group of readers. She also reads an excerpt from the novel.

Author Isabel Allende discusses her novel The House of the Spirits with presenter James Naughtie and a group of readers, and reads an excerpt from the book.

In a special edition of the programme, James Naughtie and a group of readers talk to author Douglas Adams about his classic world-wide bestseller The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Julian Barnes, an award-winning novelist and essayist, shares his insights on his unconventional novel, Flaubert's Parrot, and his fascination with Gustave Flaubert. He discusses his experimental approach to narrative and the surprising popularity of his work. Barnes delves into the complex relationship between his character Geoffrey Braithwaite and Flaubert, tying it to themes of grief and love. He also highlights the significance of a stuffed parrot and defends the value of passionate amateur readers against critical analysis.

James Naughtie and a group of readers talk to author Dava Sobel about her international bestseller Longitude.