What is a must-read book to make me laugh? With Bryony Gordon

What is a must-read book to make me laugh? With Bryony Gordon

From Ask Penguin by Penguin Books UK

April 22, 2026 · 47 min · Season 4 · Episode 1

About this episode

Bryony Gordon joins the Ask Penguin team to discuss her debut novel and share must-read book recommendations that inspire laughter.

How did Marian Keyes inspire Bryony Gordon’s writing? How do you write about family without falling into stereotypes? Which books capture the messy reality of life? And what is your favourite habit to fit reading into your life?   The  Ask Penguin  team returns with a shelf-load of must-read book recommendations - and this week, we're joined by bestselling author, journalist, and podcaster Bryony Gordon to discuss her debut novel,  People Pleaser.    The novel follows   Olivia Greenwood, a self-confessed people pleaser who, after one chaotic night out, decides it’s time to start living life on her own terms. Bryony Gordon is a columnist, author, and host of the podcast  The Life of Bryony . She is the author of several bestselling books, including  Mad Girl  and  You Got This , both Sunday Times No.1 bestsellers and British Book Award nominees, and is a passionate advocate for mental health, founding Mental Health Mates, a global…

People in this episode

Host: Ask Penguin team

Guest: Bryony Gordon

Topics covered

  • humor in literature
  • writing about family
  • book recommendations
  • mental health
  • debut novels

Keywords

  • Bryony Gordon
  • People Pleaser
  • book recommendations
  • humor
  • writing
  • family
  • mental health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mental Health Mates

Books & works: People Pleaser, Mad Girl, You Got This

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