April 30, 2026Comments are off for this post.

Best Audiobooks May 2026: 14 Listens You Can’t Miss

Last updated: 30 April 2026

By Tristan · Arts, exhibitions and creative culture

Welcome back to the monthly audiobook roundup. The best audiobooks May 2026 has to offer span thrillers, memoirs, romance, queer apocalyptic road trips, and one absolute wildcard that's basically Hamilton crossed with a forgotten chapter of American history. Fourteen picks, one month, plenty of reasons to plug in.

Some of these will keep you up till 2am. Some will make you cry on the bus. One is full-cast theatre brilliance you can listen to in a single sitting. Here's everything we're queueing up this month.

This post contains affiliate links to Audible and Amazon. If you sign up or buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All picks are chosen independently.

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April 23, 2026Comments are off for this post.

Best Black British Music Audiobooks on Audible 2026

Best Black British Music Audiobooks on Audible

Last updated: 23 April 2026

By Tristan · Arts, exhibitions and creative culture

If you have just been to The Music is Black at V&A East Museum, or you are planning to, there is a good chance you will want to keep listening once you leave. Luckily for you, the best Black British music audiobooks on Audible UK are genuinely brilliant. We have rounded up six standouts, from grime histories to Windrush epics, for the commute home, the canal walk or a proper evening on the sofa.

Every pick below is live on Audible UK, with narrator and running time noted. Three are read by the author, which always adds something. Start an Audible free trial and your first listen is on the house.

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Prefer print? Browse the full list on Bookshop.org UK, the independent bookshop alternative to Amazon, or pick up any of the titles below on Amazon UK.

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April 2, 2026Comments are off for this post.

Best Audiobooks April 2026: 7 Top Listens Right Now

Last updated: 1 April 2026

Looking for the best audiobooks April 2026? You're in the right place. This is the second instalment in our monthly roundup series, and this time we've focused on titles you can actually listen to right now. Every pick on this list is available today on Audible UK, tried and tested by listeners, and well worth a credit. If you missed last month's edition, check out our best audiobooks for March 2026 too.

We've picked seven standout audiobooks across thriller, memoir, literary fiction, true crime, and non-fiction. At the end, there's one special mention for an April release that's generating serious buzz.

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April 2, 2026Comments are off for this post.

Bookshop.org Easter Giveaway: Win a £400 Gift Card This Weekend

The Bookshop.org Easter giveaway runs 3-6 April. Buy any book and you could win a £400 gift card. Here’s how to enter.

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January 11, 2026Comments are off for this post.

Hamnet Film Review: A Breathtaking, Heartbreaking Triumph

Last updated: 26 March 2026

This is an opinion piece. Views expressed are the author's own and do not constitute professional advice.

This Hamnet film review has been a long time coming. When Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning 2020 novel landed, it felt like the kind of book that would resist adaptation entirely. Too interior, too sensory, too delicately constructed. And then Chloé Zhao signed on to direct, Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley were cast, and suddenly the prospect became very real. The result, now available on Prime Video and on DVD/Blu-ray in the UK, is one of the most emotionally powerful films of recent years. It is not flawless, but its final minutes are nothing short of extraordinary.

Cool Factor: 4/5 — Stone cold

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August 18, 2024Comments are off for this post.

Why You Should Donate to Save The Common Press: A Queer LGBTQ+ Bookshop and Event Space in East London

In the heart of East London lies The Common Press, a beacon for the queer LGBTQ+ community, offering a sanctuary where diversity and inclusivity thrive. As the world becomes increasingly digital, spaces like The Common Press play a crucial role in maintaining physical, safe havens for marginalised communities.

We also featured their bookclub membership book club membership as a great service and great gift. This membership not only provides access to an array of wonderful books but also supports the ongoing efforts to keep The Common Press thriving. It would be sad to see that end!

Today, this beloved bookshop and event space faces financial challenges, and they need our help to ensure its survival. Here's why your donation is vital and how you can contribute to preserving this essential community hub.

A Unique Cultural and Community Space

Celebrating Queer Literature and Art

The Common Press is more than just a bookshop; it is a cultural institution dedicated to showcasing queer literature and art. By curating a diverse selection of books, from contemporary fiction to historical accounts, this space celebrates the richness of queer experiences. Donating to The Common Press means supporting authors, artists, and creators who may otherwise remain unheard.

Hosting Inclusive Events

From author readings and book signings to art exhibitions and workshops, The Common Press is a vibrant event space that fosters community engagement and learning. These events offer opportunities for personal growth, networking, and solidarity, strengthening the bonds within the LGBTQ+ community.

Why Your Donation Matters

Supporting Marginalized Voices

Spaces like The Common Press are vital for amplifying marginalized voices. By donating, you are directly contributing to a platform that elevates the stories and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. This support is crucial in a world where queer voices are often sidelined.

Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing

The importance of safe, inclusive spaces for mental health and wellbeing cannot be overstated. The Common Press provides a welcoming environment where individuals can express themselves freely, find support, and connect with others who share similar experiences. Your donation helps maintain this sanctuary, offering solace and community for many.

Preserving Local Heritage

East London has a rich history of diversity and activism. The Common Press is a continuation of this legacy, embodying the spirit of resistance and resilience. By supporting this space, you are helping to preserve an important part of local heritage that honors and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.

How You Can Help

The Common Press has launched a fundraiser to secure the funds needed to keep its doors open. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant impact. Here’s how you can help:

  1. Donate: Visit the fundraiser page and make a donation. Your financial support is crucial to the survival of this essential community space.
  2. Share: Spread the word about the fundraiser on social media, email, or by word of mouth. The more people know about the campaign, the more likely it is to succeed.
  3. Engage: Attend events, purchase books, and participate in the community. Your engagement helps sustain the vibrancy of The Common Press.

Conclusion

The Common Press is more than just a bookshop; it is a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community in East London. By donating to their fundraiser, you are helping to ensure that this invaluable space continues to thrive. Your support means preserving a sanctuary for queer literature, art, and community events, making a lasting impact on countless lives. Together, we can save The Common Press and continue to celebrate and uplift the voices that matter.

Consider giving the gift of a Common Press book club membership, a thoughtful gesture that supports the ongoing mission of this vital community space.

Donate Now and be a part of this important movement to preserve an essential community space.

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