`Hobbies involved preferences and preferences had to be avoided..'

books:


	• The Uncommon Reader: A Novella Alan Bennett Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007 - 128 pages average customer review:based on 68 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Hail to the Queen!

This is a quick delightful read. Wasn't as enamoured with it as others who had recommended it, but I did find myself chuckling out loud several times. Based on a quirkly premise of the Queen's introduction to reading for enjoyment rather than duty. Disliked the ending.

Wonderful story by a true wordsmith

Since reading this book, I have purchased 3 copies to give to friends. I love books that are unique and well written and this one certainly fits the bill. If you're looking for a story that immediately grabs your attention, that is short (my sister read it on the plane from Phoenix to San Francisco)and, has a an ending that is sure to bring a smile, by all means get a copy.The Uncommon Reader: A Novella

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Short easy read - LOVED it!

Whatever you do, don't skip to the end, leave the room if a smart alek friend starts raving about this book and avoid any reviews that don't come with a spoiler warning (there are none here so don't worry!). Yes, you definitely don't want to have one of the best endings in bookdom which happens on the VERY last page of this delightful novella, spoilt for you.

The Queen discovers reading, and pursues this new passion with much gusto to the horror of her private secretary, prime minister and others. She reads everywhere and to the point where it interferes with her royal duties. Her reading choices are remarkable, guided in part by a kitchen helper who first introduces gay-themed books for Her Majesty's reading pleasure. But before long, she is onto to other authors, one book leading to the next. I was most indignant when her royal staff ganged up to stifle this new hobby, but her royal resourcefulness discovers that reading leads to an even more interesting hobby: writing. I closed it with a satisfying chuckle, wondering if someone would pass this gem to the Queen. It definitely earns the "You have no idea how much fun this is" award.

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`Hobbies involved preferences and preferences had to be avoided..'

Reading this novella was a wonderful way to spend an hour last night. Wondering about the Queen and her reading habits caused me great concern, though. Democratizing influences could prove to be so unsettling, and one does prefer one's figureheads to remain remote and untainted by populist pursuits.

I jest (well, at least in part). I could think of nothing better than discussing `A Tale of Two Cities' or the merits of `Wuthering Heights' with Her Majesty when next she visits. In fact, I think I should like to compile a reading list for her consideration.

Long live the Queen!

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

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A quiet gem of a story

An Uncommon Reader is an understated story of the self-discovery of a person who has lived a proscribed life in the public eye. Alan Bennett gives the reader the feeling of what it's like to live the life of the queen -- indeed to be inside her head -- in this brief novella.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

From the author of The History Boys and The Clothes They Stood Up In

A deliciously funny novella that celebrates the pleasure of reading. When the Queen in pursuit of her wandering corgis stumbles upon a mobile library she feels duty bound to borrow a book. Aided by Norman, a young man from the palace kitchen who frequents the library, Bennett describes the Queen?s transformation as she discovers the liberating pleasures of the written word. With the poignant and mischievous wit of The History Boys, England?s best loved author revels in the power of literature to change even the most uncommon reader?s life.

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