What is a must-read book to make me laugh? With Bryony Gordon 

What is a must-read book to make me laugh? With Bryony Gordon 

Author: Penguin Books UK April 23, 2026 Duration: 47:15

How did Marian Keyes inspire Bryony Gordon’s writing? How do you write about family without falling into stereotypes? Which books capture the messy reality of life? And what is your favourite habit to fit reading into your life?  


The Ask Penguin team returns with a shelf-load of must-read book recommendations - and this week, we're joined by bestselling author, journalist, and podcaster Bryony Gordon to discuss her debut novel, People Pleaser.  


The novel follows Olivia Greenwood, a self-confessed people pleaser who, after one chaotic night out, decides it’s time to start living life on her own terms. Bryony Gordon is a columnist, author, and host of the podcast The Life of Bryony. She is the author of several bestselling books, including Mad Girl and You Got This, both Sunday Times No.1 bestsellers and British Book Award nominees, and is a passionate advocate for mental health, founding Mental Health Mates, a global peer support network. People Pleaser is her first novel. 


Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here


For more information about the National Year of Reading click here https://goallin.org.uk 



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Ever find yourself staring at a bookshelf, utterly paralysed by choice, or finishing a masterpiece only to feel that peculiar emptiness of not knowing where to go next? Ask Penguin is for that exact moment. Guided by host Rhianna Dhillon, this podcast from Penguin Books UK transforms those universal readerly dilemmas into lively conversation. Each episode tackles real questions from listeners-the quirky, the tricky, the desperately urgent-about what to read next. The answers don’t come from an algorithm, but from genuine dialogue with bestselling authors and the editors, designers, and passionate insiders who help bring books to life. You’ll find yourself revisiting beloved classics with fresh eyes and being introduced to hidden gems you might have otherwise missed. It’s a warm, insightful space that feels like having a brilliant friend in the publishing world, one who knows that a great book recommendation is about more than just plot; it’s about connection, mood, and the next perfect story waiting to crack open your world. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that celebrate the sheer breadth of literature, from page-turning fiction to groundbreaking non-fiction, all within the vibrant landscape of arts and culture. This is where curiosity meets its match, and your next favourite read is always just an episode away.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Ask Penguin
Podcast Episodes
What are the best books of the year? (2024) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:00
We round-up a year of reading with recommendations from Penguin colleagues of their favourite books of the year and a look at what they are most excited for you to read in 2025. Explore the full list of the books discuss…
What are the best Winter reads? with Jeanette Winterson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:16
Joining us this week is award-winning author Jeanette Winterson, as we explore her captivating new collection of ghost stories, Night Side of the River, and provide listeners with reading recommendations based on their w…
How do you become a published author, anyway? with Jennie Godfrey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:49
This week we unpick the publishing process, answering all of your questions from how to find an agent to what it's like working with your editor and publicity team. Joining Rhianna in the studio is the Sunday Times bests…
What are the best books to gift at Christmas? with William Hanson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:28
As the Christmas season approaches, we’ve assembled an expert panel to help you navigate your gifting dilemmas and find the ideal presents for everyone on your list. Plus, how do you politely decline a festive party? And…
Could Shakespeare have been a woman? with Jodi Picoult [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
Join us as we time-travel through our bookshelves as we recommend must-read historical fiction in answer to your reading requests. Plus, bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakesp…
Was the book better than the film? with Robert Harris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:37
What do you usually prefer: the book or the film? Or do you enjoy both? In this episode, we delve into books that have successfully transitioned from page to screen. We'll also be chatting with best-selling author Robert…
How do you plot the perfect murder mystery? with Kate Atkinson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:40
Join us as we dive into the world of crime, thrillers, and mysteries! We answer your listener questions with award-winning author Kate Atkinson and publicist Alison Barrow. Plus, Kate discusses her brand-new Jackson Brod…
Do ghost stories still have the power to scare us? with Daisy Johnson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:22
Looking for a book that will keep you up at night? If you enjoy that tingling sensation down your spine while reading something on the spookier side then you're in the right place. In this episode, we explore the best ho…
How do we define a classic novel? With Henry Eliot and Gill Hornby [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:48
What makes a book a classic? Who decided which books make it into the canon? And how long would it take to read the entire list? Join our exploration through our Classic bookshelves with author Henry Eliot who answers li…