At Manchester Literature Festival, I listened to Kate Mosse talk everything from writing fiction, to social media, to the pressures of querying your debut novel

Whether this is your first time hearing the term asexuality or you identify as asexual, Ace by Angela Chen is essential reading

Motherwell was published in 2020 following the death of the Guardian journalist Deborah Orr in 2019. The memoir is a reflection on Orr’s upbringing in Scotland and relationship with her mother.

David Baddiel’s new book is a must-read for any progressive thinking person who considers themself to be on the right side of history when it comes to racism

Just Kids by Patti Smith is a testament to New York, art, and Robert Mapplethorpe, and is the perfect escapism for the winter lockdown

Ruby Opalka reflects on Three Women by Lisa Taddeo and discusses sexuality, feminism and desire.

Science fiction can be difficult to access, but these picks will help you into a thoroughly enjoyable genre