Behind the Scenes of the Books You Love

Welcome to the Waterstones Blog. Written and edited by booksellers, discover exclusive interviews with your favourite writers, author articles and recipes as well as expert recommendations, including our monthly roundups of the latest books for adults and children.

New & Trending
Monthly Roundups
Books of the Month
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Children's
Interviews
Recipes & Activities

New & Trending Articles

S.F. Williamson’s Top 5 Alternate Reality Children’s and YA Books

The author of the dark academia YA fantasy A Language of Dragons shares her top books set in alternate worlds.

Dr Julie Smith's Top Tips for When You Feel Overwhelmed

The bestselling author of Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? talks about her new book Open When.

Top Books to Help You Manage Your Finances in the New Year

Get your personal finances in ship-shape this new year with our top pick of inspiring titles.

The Best Japanese Crime Fiction to Read After Butter

Adored our Book of the Year 2024? Discover some more spectacular Japanese crime fiction in our brilliant blog.

Great Games & Puzzles for the New Year

Perfect for all kinds of gatherings, explore our favourite games and puzzles to play this New Year.

Jonathan Coe's Favourite Political Novels

Jonathan Coe, author of The Proof of My Innocence, picks his top political novels.

Jacqueline Wilson on Friendships, Growing Up and Writing Think Again

The Former Children's Laureate talks about her new novel for adult readers.

Nick Harkaway on Writing a George Smiley Novel

Nick Harkaway, author of Karla's Choice, on his following in the literary footsteps of his famous father, John le Carré.

Best of 2024 Blogs
Best of 2024 Blogs
Author Favourites 2024
Author Favourites 2024

Monthly Roundups

The Waterstones Round Up: January's Best Books

If your new year's resolution is to read more books, you're in the right place. Check out our terrific selection of new books for January.

The Waterstones Round Up: January's Best Children's Books

Kicking the new year off in style, January's children's publishing is packed with fantastic titles.

The Waterstones Round Up: November & December's Best Books

As we enter the last two months of the year and Christmas shopping really ramps up, take inspiration from the great books published in November and December.

The Waterstones Round Up: October's Best Books

Packed with gifting opportunities and big name memoirs, take a tour of October's bumper crop of books.

The Waterstones Round Up: October's Best Children's Books

From the return of Skandar and Bunny vs Monkey to wintry romance and enchanting picture books, discover what treats October has in store.

The Waterstones Round Up: September's Best Books

As we hurtle into the busiest publishing season of the year, take a look at the literary riches on offer in September.

The Waterstones Round Up: September's Best Children's Books

As summer turns to autumn discover the phenomenal children's books coming your way this September.

Books of the Month

Jennie Godfrey on the Inspiration Behind The List of Suspicious Things

The author of our January Fiction Book of the Month on the background of her novel.

Jonathan Haidt on the Anxious Generation

The author of our Non-Fiction Book of the Month for January on the downside of phone-based childhood.

Top Thrillers Set in Russia

Discover our chillingly topical Thriller of the Month for January, The Wizard of the Kremlin, and other page-turning Russia-set tales of crime and deception.

Frances White on Writing a Fantasy Murder Mystery

The author of our Science Fiction and Fantasy Book of the Month talks about the inspration behind Voyage of the Damned.

Jordan Lees on the Inspiration Behind The Whisperwicks

Jordan Lees, author of The Whisperwicks, our Children's Book of the Month for January, describes how he created the evocative world of Wreathenwold.

Fiction

Jeff VanderMeer on Absolution and Alligators

The author talks about writing a fourth instalment to his acclaimed Southern Reach Trilogy.

Jonathan Coe's Favourite Political Novels

Jonathan Coe, author of The Proof of My Innocence, picks his top political novels.

Nick Harkaway on Writing a George Smiley Novel

Nick Harkaway, author of Karla's Choice, on his following in the literary footsteps of his famous father, John le Carré.

Jodi Picoult on Emilia Bassano Lanier and William Shakespeare

The bestselling author talks about the woman who inspired her latest novel, By Any Other Name.

Kate Mosse on the End of an Era and Writing The Map of Bones

The bestselling author of The Joubert Family Chronicles talks about the final part of her epic historical quartet.

Jacqueline Wilson on Friendships, Growing Up and Writing Think Again

The Former Children's Laureate talks about her new novel for adult readers.

Paula Hawkins on Found Objects and Writing The Blue Hour

The bestselling author talks about her new thriller set on a Scottish tidal island.

Kate Atkinson on Jackson Brodie and Writing a Murder Mystery

Kate Atkinson, author of Death at the Sign of the Rook, discusses crime fiction and how her iconic detective came into being.

Non-Fiction

Dr Julie Smith's Top Tips for When You Feel Overwhelmed

The bestselling author of Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? talks about her new book Open When.

Simon Squibb on Finding Your Dream

The author of What's Your Dream? talks about how one revelation can change your whole life.

Tj Power's Top Tips for Boosting Happiness Through Brain Chemistry

The acclaimed neuroscientist and author of The Dose Effect shares easy, scientifically proven ways to improve your mood and resilience.

Jimmy Anderson on Why the Ashes Are So Special

Jimmy Anderson, cricket legend and author of Finding the Edge, explains the particular magic of the Ashes.

Kate Summerscale on 10 Rillington Place 

The award-winning author of The Suspicions of Mr Whicher and The Haunting of Alma Fielding discusses the most famous British murder scene.

Ben Macintyre on the Iranian Embassy Siege and the Role of the SAS

The acclaimed author of Agent Sonya and A Spy Amongst Friends discusses his new book The Siege.

Dan Jones' Five Most Exciting Monarchs

Dan Jones, author Henry V: The Astonishing Rise of England's Greatest Warrior King, reveals his top thrilling sovereigns.

Yuval Noah Harari on the Power of Artificial Intelligence

Yuval Noah Harari, author of Nexus, issues a stark warning about the dangers of AI.

Children's

Jordan Lees on the Inspiration Behind The Whisperwicks

Jordan Lees, author of The Whisperwicks, our Children's Book of the Month for January, describes how he created the evocative world of Wreathenwold.

S.F. Williamson’s Top 5 Alternate Reality Children’s and YA Books

The author of the dark academia YA fantasy A Language of Dragons shares her top books set in alternate worlds.

MC Grammar's Top Tips for Reading

The rapping teacher is passionate about literacy and in this exclusive blog he shares his top tips for reading enjoyment.

Alexander Armstrong on Why Children's Fantasy Books Matter

Alexander Armstrong, author of Evenfall: The Golden Linnet, discusses writing his debut children's novel and why children's literature is so important for kids and adults alike.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce on Becoming Waterstones Children's Laureate

Congratulations to Frank Cottrell-Boyce on becoming the 13th Waterstones Children's Laureate. Here's what the position means to him.

Moira Buffini on Moving from Screenwriting to Penning a Novel

Moira Buffini, author of YA dystopia Songlight, on the challenges and benefits of switching from writing for the screen and stage to writing a book.

Emma Carroll on the Famous Figure Behind The Houdini Inheritance

Emma Carroll, author of The Houdini Inheritance, on legendary escapologist Harry Houdini and his influence on the novel.

The Waterstones Children's Book Prize Blog: Pari Thomson

The author of Greenwild, the winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2024, talks about the book that made her a writer.

Interviews

An Exclusive Q&A with Jenny Erpenbeck on Kairos

The winner of the International Booker Prize 2024 discusses her novel set in 1980s East Berlin.

An Exclusive Q&A with Ferdia Lennon on Glorious Exploits

The winner of the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize 2024 discusses his novel.

An Exclusive Interview with Orlando Whitfield on All That Glitters

The author discusses his fascinating book on friendship and fraud in the art world.

An Exclusive Q&A with Andrew O'Hagan on Caledonian Road

Andrew O'Hagan, author of Caledonian Road, answers questions about his acclaimed novel.

An Exclusive Q&A with Alice Winn on In Memoriam

The Winner of the Waterstones Novel of the Year 2023 discusses her emotional masterpiece.

An Exclusive Q&A with Patric Gagne

In an exclusive Q&A with her editor Melissa Flashman, the author of Sociopath discusses the complexities of the condition and the importance of her memoir.

An Exclusive Q&A with Daniel Mason of North Woods

The award-winning author of The Piano Tuner discusses his new novel.

An Exclusive Interview with Max Porter on Shy

The author of the former Waterstones Book of the Year Lanny discusses his new novel.

Recipes & Activities

A Delicious Vegan Recipe from Christina Soteriou

The author of Big Veg Energy shares a stunning dish for Veganuary (and beyond).

A Mouthwatering Recipe from Rick Stein's Food Stories

We're delighted to share a delicious recipe from the beloved chef's new book.

Jamie Oliver on the Changing Face of British Food Culture

The beloved chef and bestselling author reflects on the developments in the British Food scene in the course of his 25-year career.

Jay Rayner on the Curious Life of a Restaurant Critic

The renowed critic and food writer talks about his new book Nights Out at Home.

An Indulgent Recipe from Meera Sodha's Dinner

Learn to make Meera Sodha's delicious baked butter paneer with this easy-to-follow recipe.

A Mouthwatering Recipe from Marie Mitchell

The author of Kin shares a delicious curry dish from her new book.

A Sumptuous Recipe From Nicola Lamb

The popular food blogger and pastry chef shares a gorgeous recipe from her new book SIFT.

A Love Letter to Hero Ingredients and a Delicious Recipe from Anna Jones

The beloved cook and author talks about the inspiration behind her new book Easy Wins and shares one of its stunning recipes.