BooksTaxi driver pens novel inspired by passengerCenk Sözen picked up a German student after a bomb scare in Cambridge which inspired his book.See moreMore headlinesMountain festival announces first poet laureateHelen Mort will be an integral to Kendal Mountain's book festival, which is marking its 10th year.How John le Carré's spy novels were shaped by his con-man fatherThe author's childhood was rocked by bankruptcy and deceit. In 2008, he told the BBC that his "hectic background" trained him to be an author – and a spy.The surprising objects found in Finnish librariesFinland's libraries are increasingly being valued not by how many books they lend, but how they help societies function.How the dark, violent medieval origins of Robin Hood were erasedRobin Hood began as an oral tradition in the 12th Century before morphing into a heroic, family-friendly stereotype – here's how new takes are restoring his dark side.WAtchJohn Grisham on why he still writes as trends shiftThe bestselling author on what new data reveals about America’s steep decline in reading for pleasure.BooksWhy Cher has waited until now to write her memoirCher explains why she has finally written her memoir and who it's for.BooksStriking images of women in the Black Panther PartyStephen Shames' photography offers a radically new and candid picture of the militant black power organisation.BooksBraille: What is it like to read without sight?What happens to our brains when we learn to read Braille?BooksInside the abandoned city of ancient librariesThe African town of Chinguetti is home to a large collection of forgotten ancient books. BooksHow paper is making a comebackAs the world goes digital, paper might seem increasingly obsolete – but it is anything but.Books
