The Candle Problem

‘The Candle Problem’ is a classic experiment created by the Austrian psychiatrist Karl Duncker in 1945.

We ask science writers Jonah Lehrer and Daniel Pink to explain what this exercise can teach us about creativity, motivation and decision making.

This Valentine’s Day, say it with Bookhugger… [closed]

The most romantic day of the year is fast approaching, and what better way to win over the one you love than with flowery verse, delicious chocs, sparkling wine and romantic prose. Win them all in our great competition – the winner will have them in time for the big day!

100 Stories for Haiti

100 Stories for Haiti is a collection of short stories sold to raise money for relief efforts in disaster-striken Haiti. All proceeds go to the Red Cross.

Independent Bookseller of the Month: Camden Lock Books, Old Street Station, London

Every month we feature a different bookshop – we ask them to tell us what makes them special and what they like most about what they do. This month it’s the turn of Camden Lock Books, located in Old Street Station in London.

Bookhugger sponsors YARNfest – celebrating story and storytelling

We are proud to announce that we are sponsoring the first YARNfest, a festival of storytelling that will take place in London between February 20th and 24th at The Book Club and the Queen of Hoxton, East London.

The January Competition

Win great new titles from Faber, Simon & Schuster, Canongate, Hodder & Stoughton and Gallic Books in January’s fabulous competition!

Read the first chapter of The Devlin Diary, by Christi Phillips

London, 1672: A vicious killer stalks the court of Charles II, inscribing his victims’ bodies with mysterious markings. Are these the random murders of a madman? The deadly consequence of a personal vendetta? Or the grisly result of a hidden conspiracy?

Catcher in the Rye author JD Salinger dies, aged 91

Reclusive novelist JD Salinger died of natural causes at his home.

Read full details on the BBC website

The Book Doctor is in the house

Bookhugger’s mystery medic is back to answer more of your cries for help – just what should you read next after you finish a book you have loved?

January Non-fiction Round-up

If you’re looking for a good read this January, let these books transport you – from the shores of South America to the Middle East during the Crusades; from journeys of self-discovery to journeys through the lives of some remarkable people; from Hollywood to family hell and back again.

David Peace on Occupied City

George Miller talks to David Peace about the background to and writing of his latest novel, the second in his Tokyo Trilogy, Occupied City, and we have clips of David Peace reading from the novel too.

January Reading Groups Round-up

If you’re looking for a new book for your reading group look no further – here are a selection of titles with discussion questions ready and waiting.

Andy Beckett on the 1970s

Andy Beckett’s new book When the Lights Went Out takes a fresh look at the 1970s, a much-maligned decade. Was it really so bad? The author, who writes for the Guardian, reveals more in conversation with George Miller.

Listen now

The Booklist – Winter Warmer

Curl up in front of the fire, and spend some time with a loner in the woods, his cabin insulated by his books; explore the Canadian Northwest with an anthropologist gone native; warm yourself with a wonderful tales from WWII and the Napoleonic Wars; then witness explorers pushing themselves to the limit, all from the comfort of your armchair!

Best of the Web: Inspector Pekkala

It is the time of the Great Terror. Inspector Pekkala – known as the Emerald Eye – was once the most famous detective in all Russia, the favourite of the Tsar. Now he is the prisoner of the men he once hunted.

January Contemporary Fiction Round-up

The best of this month’s exciting new releases, and new paperback editions from Canongate, Faber and Hodder & Stoughton.