Sara Cox: I need to be left alone! How to take your holiday reading seriously

Sara Cox: I need to be left alone! How to take your holiday reading seriously

Author: Fearne Cotton August 21, 2025 Duration: 40:30

Are you obsessed with finding the best books – yes, multiple – to read on holiday? Broadcaster Sara Cox is!


Welcome to The Happy Place Guide To Holidays! In this chat – brought to you by British Airways Holidays – Fearne and Sara share their thoughts on how to take your holiday reading more seriously. They natter about the joy of reading a novel set in the country you’re holidaying in, and whether the vivid descriptions of a location have inspired them to travel there themselves.


They also swap their own experiences of writing books, and reveal the beautiful locations that have informed elements of their own novels. Plus, Sara explains why she’s trying to stop writing about characters who are useless and dysfunctional in her books, and why she’s re-living her party-girl days...


You can find a list of all of Fearne and Sara’s recommended reads below!


British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected, offer a 24hr holiday helpline, and allow you to book with a low deposit. All holidays include a generous baggage allowance per person. Go to Ba.com/holidays to find out more.


Fearne and Sara’s reading list:


Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby Van Pelt

Girls – Kirsty Capes

Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden

Butter – Asako Yuzuki

The Convenience Store Woman – Sayaka Murata

The Island – Victoria Hislop

Daisy Jones And The Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid

Carrie Soto Is Back – Taylor Jenkins Reid

Girl On A Train – Paula Hawkins

The Compound – Aisling Rawle

Ma’am Darling – Craig Brown

Lady In Waiting – Anne Glenconner

Chocolat – Joanne Harris

The Thousand Lights Hotel - Emylia Hall


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In a world that often feels loud and demanding, Happy Place offers a different kind of conversation. Here, Fearne Cotton sits down with a wide range of fascinating people-from artists and athletes to experts and everyday heroes-to explore the nuanced realities of human experience. These discussions gently peel back the layers on topics like mental resilience, physical well-being, cultural shifts, and the complexities of our relationships, moving far beyond simple soundbites. The core of this podcast lies in its authentic curiosity about how individuals navigate life's inevitable highs and lows. Rather than prescribing a single path to joy, each episode uncovers personal definitions of contentment and peace, often found in unexpected moments or hard-won perspectives. Listening feels like being part of a thoughtful, intimate dialogue where vulnerability is welcomed and stories are shared without pretense. Whether the conversation touches on overcoming loss, finding creative inspiration, or building a healthier society, Fearne guides it with empathy and a genuine desire to understand. This collection of interviews provides a quiet space for reflection, reminding us that happiness is not a constant state but a deeply personal and evolving journey. Tune in for a sincere exploration of what it means to live fully across all facets of life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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