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Books of My Life

Books of My Life


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Celebrities invite you inside the library of their life

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Season Two
English actor, comedian and author Ben Miller shares the books that inspired him the most when he was young.

Ben Miller on writing from the heart

The Englishman began his career as a comedian and actor, before writing a string of bestselling children's books

Books of My Life: Shahd Alshammari on how literature saved her

Shahd Alshammari on how literature saved her

Her memoir Head Above Water brings a crucial female Arab voice to conversations on disability and gender

Books of My Life: Explorer Benedict Allen on what he's learnt from his adventures

Benedict Allen on what he's learnt as an explorer

The real-life Indiana Jones has written a dozen hair-raising books, recounting his expeditions from the Arctic to the Amazon

Books of My Life: Shrabani Basu on journalism and historical fiction

Shrabani Basu on journalism and historical fiction

Her novel Victoria and Abdul was later adapted into a feature film

Bobby Chinn joins Books of My Life season two

Bobby Chinn on the secrets to health and happiness

The celebrated chef talks about the life of Van Gogh and his favourite stories

Jeffrey Archer joins Books of My Life podcast

Jeffrey Archer on the art of storytelling

The best-selling British author says his success with the pen is a 'God-given gift'



Other podcasts


Season One
Books of My Life

Alexander McCall Smith's mysterious case of books

The author of 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series speaks to Books of My Life about George Eliot, 'The Odyssey' and his love of WH Auden

Books of My Life

Irvine Welsh's literary highs

The acclaimed author tells Books of My Life how he used to sneak back into the local library after him and his friends had been kicked out, feeding his voracious appetite for reading

Books of My Life

The story of Bryn Terfel

The famous opera singer speaks to Books of my Life about his fondness for biographies and what he has in common with Angela Ashes author Frank McCourt

Books of My Life

Mary Beard, the books that left her spellbound

Britain's much-loved classicist tells Books of My Life about her childhood encounter with Peter Rabbit and admiration for Philip Pullman

Books of My Life

Ian Rankin, the evil that inspired him

The best-selling crime novelist tells Books of My Life about his PhD on Muriel Sparks including a fascinating link between Robert Louis Stevenson and a criminal from the 18th century

Books of My Life

Arianna Huffington, the books that inspired the media powerhouse

The media mogul tells Books of My Life about her passion for Marcus Aurelius and why she values the children's book 'Goodnight Moon' above all others



In focus

Emirati mum-of-two Asma Almenhali says while it's impossible to avoid screentime, she does not expose her children to overstimulating content. Photo: Asma Almenhali

How Gen Z parents in the UAE are reimagining modern motherhood

Pupils are thrilled with top marks scored in the IB examinations with a clear pathway for many to prestigious universities around the world and in the UAE. Photo: Raha International School

High achievers in UAE praised for stellar IB performance

Laurie Fersing in Churchill Tower, Business Bay. Antonie Robertson/The National

My Own HomeDistressed sale ends in bargain for French entrepreneur

Mathieu van der Poel, left, after beating UAE Team Emirate-XRG rider Tadej Pogacar to the finish line on Stage 21 of the 2025 Tour de France. AFP

Tour de France 2025: Pogacar edged out of 100th career win by Van der Poel

India's Akash Deep, second right, celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of England's Jamie Smith on day five of the second Test at Edgbaston. AP

Akash Deep leads India to crushing second Test win against England

In Old Damascus, the Shiite community has gathered to mark Ashura amid a strong security presence. Hasan Belal for The National

DispatchSecured but subdued: Muted Ashura in Damascus

McLaren driver Lando Norris celebrates with the trophy after winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire. Picture date: Sunday July 6, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Norris enjoys 'beautiful' British GP win as Piastri pays penalty in wild race

Season three of Squid Game got 60.1 million views in only three days. Photo: Netflix

Loved Squid Game? Here are six other TV shows to watch like it


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