Jones, Nichol and Baddiel pen WHSmith books of the year

Ruth Jones, John Nichol and David Baddiel have been announced as WHSmith’s 2018 Books of the Year, the retailer announced this morning (15th November).

Jones’ Never Greener (Bantam Press), the actress and screenwriter’s debut novel, is the ‘fiction book of the year’ and a new edition, with an exclusive book jacket, is now available to buy at WHSmith stores

Mike Ford, trading controller of fiction at WHSmith, said: “We are delighted to have Never Greener as our Fiction book of the year for 2018. It is such an impressive debut and shows what a special talent Ruth is at capturing the wide range of emotions we go through in life.”          

The non-fiction book of the year is Nichol’s Spitfire (Simon & Schuster UK), about the fighter aircraft, whilst Baddiel’s Head Kid (HarperCollins Children’s Books) is the children’s book of the year.   

Stephen McEntee, WHSmith non-fiction buyer, said Nichols’ book “packs such an emotional punch”. “If you don't believe an object can bring you to tears and instil such passion - read this book,” he said. “This book will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.”

Speaking about Baddiel’s book, senior buyer of children’s books Rachel Airey said: “Baddiel is a brilliant voice in children's fiction and we’re proud to recommend his books to young readers. Humorous and engaging, Head Kid encourages children to creatively use their imagination and teaches important life lessons. What could go wrong when the naughtiest kid in the school swaps bodies with the strict and no-nonsense headmaster?”               

All three books will be promoted in WHSmith high street shops across the UK and online.