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Today, at the end of a year in which fictional journeys had to stand in for sun-soaked summer holidays, and we settled for curling up with the latest bestseller instead of coffee

dates with friends, We celebrate the books that

kept us company during a global pandemic and a summer of protests. Many of us have been left

with renewed appreciation for the writers, publishers and booksellers who worked hard to ensure

we were still spo spoiled for choice.

Joining me now to discuss just how delightful some of this year's choices were,

as well as looking ahead to what bookish offerings we'll be enjoying next year,

are writer Naomi Alderman, who is with me here in the studio,

and critic and blogger John Self, down the line from Belfast.

A really warm welcome to you both. It has been the most extraordinary year, hasn't it?

It's a bit of an understatement to say we've had a number of new demands on our time and attention. So let me ask you, and I'll start with you, John. I know you read for work, but apart

from that, were you one of the lucky ones who were able to read steadily and pleasurably through

lockdowns? Were books your salvation? I'm afraid I think I was, sorry, yes. And it may well just

be virtue born out of a necessity, because as you say, it's by living and I have to do it.

...