The joy of keeping a diary with Nina Stibbe

Best Book Forward

07-12-2023 • 1 hr 14 mins

In this episode I was delighted to be joined by Nina Stibbe; who’s latest book Went to London, Took the Dog is out 2 November and is such a brilliant read.

I loved talking to Nina, and hearing her talk so patiently about her love of diaries has inspired me to try and keep my own diary.

Nina’s Desert Island Book choices are:


Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

My Side of the Mountain by Jean George (currently out of print)

Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend

Diary of a Nobody by G&W Grossmith


Throughout the discussion, various other books and authors were mentioned and these are all listed below.


Other Books Mentioned


One Day I Shall Astonish the World by Nina Stibbe

Love, Nina by Nina Stibbe

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

Jill’s Gymkhana by Ruby Ferguson

The Snow & Works on the Northern Line by Ruth Thomas

The Adventures of Miss Barbara Pym by Paula Burn

A Very Private Eye by Julie Cooper


Authors mentioned

David Sedaris

Deborah McGogach

Alan Bennett

Claire Tomlyn

Michael Frayne

Jonathan Miller

Germaine Greer


If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more from Nina, do keep an eye out as we have recorded a bonus episode which will be coming soon.


For more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org

Best Book Forward is produced by Decibelle Creative