Category: 3-BookTalkSometimeCommentary

Slate critics Stephen Metcalf, Meghan O'Rourke, and Katie Roiphe sit down at the Housing Works Used Book Cafe in New York's Soho neighborhood to discuss The Year of Magical Thinking, Joan Didion's memoir of the year following the death of her husband John Gregory Dunne, during which her daughter also came close to death.

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Kurt Vonnegut joins an audience of World Service listeners to answer questions about his novel Slaughterhouse-Five

Orhan Pamuk joins an audience of World Service listeners to answer questions about his novel My Name is Red (Benim Adım Kırmızı).

From the British Library in London, Alexander McCall Smith talks to the programme as well as an audience for a question and answer session. Presenter: Harriett Gilbert

Scott Turow joins an audience of World Service listeners to answer questions about his 1987 crime novel Presumed Innocent.

The British author, Louis De Bernieres answers questions from an audience and sent in by BBC listeners about his novel, Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Presenter: Harriett Gilbert.

(Photo: Louis de Bernieres in his study, holding a mandolin) (Credit: BBC)

Philip Pullman talks about his book and takes questions on his book The Northen Lights part of the His Dark Materials trilogy.

(Photo: Philip Pullman. Credit: Getty Images)

Maya Angelou answers listeners questions about her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Presenter: Harriett Gilbert.

Salman Rushdie talks to an audience and takes questions on his award winning book Midnight's Children. Presented by Harriett Gilbert.

Andre Brink joins an audience of World Service listeners to discuss his novel A Dry White Season.