BooksThe 40 most exciting books coming up in 2026From big-name authors Colson Whitehead, George Saunders and Maggie O'Farrell to debuts and non-fiction, these are the titles you'll want to add to your reading pile this year.See moreMore headlinesBook shop to host Charles Dickens festivalThe festival is being held to celebrate Charles Dickens and his 1858 visit to Worcestershire.'It's important children see themselves in books'An exhibition shows how black people are represented in British children's literature. Sophie Kinsella urged me to finish my bestseller, says Jojo MoyesMoyes has credited Kinsella with inspiring her when she nearly gave up after writing 20,000 words. City institution celebrates 200 year history The Hull Literary and Philosophical Society provides public lectures on a range of subjects.Miranda Hart sees old Christmas trees very differentlyThe actor and writer explains the inspiration behind the talking Christmas tree in her new book.12 books you need to read in 2026Fictional gems, debut thrillers, cracking biographies and everything in between.ReviewsThe 25 best books of 2025From a "richly atmospheric" novella to a "virtuosic" debut – this is the very best fiction of the year, as chosen by BBC journalists.See moreWatchJohn Grisham on why he still writes as trends shiftThe bestselling author on what new data reveals about America’s steep decline in reading for pleasure.BooksWhy Cher has waited until now to write her memoirCher explains why she has finally written her memoir and who it's for.BooksStriking images of women in the Black Panther PartyStephen Shames' photography offers a radically new and candid picture of the militant black power organisation.BooksBraille: What is it like to read without sight?What happens to our brains when we learn to read Braille?BooksInside the abandoned city of ancient librariesThe African town of Chinguetti is home to a large collection of forgotten ancient books. BooksHow paper is making a comebackAs the world goes digital, paper might seem increasingly obsolete – but it is anything but.BooksPreserving the ancient art of handcrafting booksIn the digital age, the beautiful and ancient art of hand-binding books is under threat.BooksElizabeth Day: 'I felt so understood in the pages'When Elizabeth Day had a miscarriage, it was the words in a book from 1936 that helped her through it.BooksHow reading can help us cope with deathLisa Appignanesi describes how reading fiction helped her deal with bereavement.BooksMichael Rosen: 'How poetry helped me to grieve'When author Michael Rosen lost his son, he found inspiration to write again in a poem by Raymond Carver.BooksThe fiction that helped Laura Freeman recover from anorexiaHow a love of reading helped one woman recover from anorexia.BooksIs this Italy’s smallest library?One retired teacher is spreading the joy of books using his tiny mobile library.BooksThe man who lives in a library with no rulesNanie Guanlao turned his home into a library for his community in Manila.BooksThe ancient library where the books are under lock and keyStep inside the world’s largest surviving chained library.BooksBiblioburro: The amazing donkey libraries of ColombiaOne man and his loyal donkeys spreading the joy of books in Colombia.BooksMore Books18 hrs agoPoems on the Underground marks 40th anniversaryIn 1986 the first Poems on the Underground appeared as part of an "art for all'" project.18 hrs ago2 days agoArtist and fashion writer Molly Parkin diesArtist, fashion designer, broadcaster and writer Molly Parkin was one of Wales' most colourful personalities.2 days ago2 days agoPoet 'flabbergasted' by London fireworks requestSonny Green says the chance to have his work used as part of the display was "mind-blowing".2 days ago3 days agoNational writing centre may open to public in 2028The centre will support community writing and reading initiatives, according to New Writing North. 3 days ago5 days ago'I took up poetry to help deal with anxiety'Steven Beattie, who works at the Royal Stoke Hospital, is to be Stoke-on-Trent's next poet laureate.5 days ago5 days agoPoems to be shown at airport in annual competitionThe deadline to enter the competition is 15 January 2026.5 days ago24 Dec 2025The Salt Path and 2025's most scandalous booksIn 2025, personal stories proved popular and powerful – but several controversies raised questions about the future of the memoir genre.24 Dec 202524 Dec 2025Literary festival announces more actsNatalie Haynes, Justin Hardy and Chris Nunn and among several names announced for the event. 24 Dec 202522 Dec 2025David Walliams dropped from Waterstones Children's Book FestivalAuthor has strongly denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour which emerged last week.22 Dec 2025...
