Phoenix Cooper - of Kent Libraries fame - shares their Top Five Reads Of The Year so far (but mainly, of 2025)

They chat to Sara about their love of libraries, their role, being part of the Radio 2 Book Club panel - and give a shout out to their mum's book group too.

Phoenix's Top Five Reads:

Raven scholar by Antonia Hodgson Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison King Sorrow by Joe Hill Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Our first Book Club pick of 2026 is 'The Poet Empress' by debut novelist, Shen Tao.

The book is an epic tale of female empowerment, love and the power of words. It might also win the award for best cover of the year!

Shen talks to Sara about world building, her inspirations for the protagonist and why she loves the Fantasy genre so much. She also mentions the eight unpublished novels which went before this one, confirming that you should never give up!

We also get a book recommendation from Shen - and - play a clip from the Audiobook of 'The Poet Empress' (*please note this clip features the burying of a young child, which some listeners may find upsetting or triggering)

Here's the book blurb:

As the emperor lays dying, the once-great Azalea Dynasty plunges towards civil war. While its princes plot for power, a more hidden war - to become the next empress - occupies the imperial court.

Wei Yin - peasant girl turned concubine to the cruel Prince Terren - has already endured unimaginable suffering. Ripped from her family, she has no title, no allies, and no escape. But she does have a secret . . .

In the shadows of the palace, surrounded by enemies, she is learning a skill forbidden to women. Because when words are weapons and poetry holds an ancient magic, the fate of a girl - and a nation - can both be rewritten. All she has to do is compose the perfect poem - a tale so powerful, it can kill any man, even the next emperor.

Louisa Steel - one of our superstar librarians - joins Sara for a natter about books.

They chat about the Radio 2 Book Club panel, reading ruts and why book clubs are good for getting you out of your comfort zone.

Louisa also shares her Top Five Reads Of The Year (well, of 2025). They are:

The Offing by Benjamin Myers

James by Percival Everett

Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress and Dr Crippen by Hallie Rubenhold

Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jessie Q. Sutanto