Verity Sharp and Matthew Syed

Harriett Gilbert talks favourite books with music presenter Verity Sharp and table tennis champion turned author Matthew Syed. Their books are The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono, Anglo-Saxon Attitudes by Angus Wilson and Chéri by Colette. These spark deeply-felt argument over whether planting trees can save the earth and also insights into the ideal of getting back to the land, the process of ageing for women who've lived by their looks and the peculiar nature of British reserve as observed by the son of an immigrant. Books as the jumping-off point for ideas.. Producer Beth O'Dea.