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
Shahd Alshammari on how literature saved her
Her memoir Head Above Water brings a crucial female Arab voice to conversations on disability and gender
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
Shrabani Basu on journalism and historical fiction
Her novel Victoria and Abdul was later adapted into a feature film
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 on the art of storytelling
The best-selling British author says his success with the pen is a 'God-given gift'
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
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
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
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
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
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
