The Uncommon Reader: A Novella by Alan BennettBook 41 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don't think anyone can deny that this book is clever, intellectual, and witty. I read this book over two evenings and actually laughed out loud.
Queen Elizabeth is wandering by the kitchen in Buckingham Palace one day when she notices a mobile library outside. She steps out to have a look, and feels compelled to check a book out. She enjoys reading so much, that she turns into a voracious reader, much to the dismay of palace officials and the public at large.
This is a book about readers. It's a book about what reading does for those who read, and how it impacts others. I could relate how suspicious people became of the Queen for reading. I could relate with her feelings that there would never be enough time to read everything she wanted. I could relate with her finding out that reading makes us learn more about humanity and how she found herself changed because of how reading shaped her thoughts and desires.
I actually wish I had read this book with a pencil to underline my favorite parts. I do think that at just 120 pages, I may tempted to pick it up again someday. I should warn that some parts dragged a little for me and there was a couple instances of crude humor that just seemed out of place with the rest of the book. I also found Bennett's style a little reminiscent of his playwright self. I could almost read the stage directions: Enter Queen stage left. Exit Kitchen Servant stage right.
But overall, this is a book any serious reader should pick up.
Also reviewed by:
- It's All About Books
- Bloggin' 'bout Books
- Books on the Brain
- Page After Page
- Books of Mee
- paper diet books
- just add books...
- book-a-rama
- The Bluestocking Society
- Melody's Reading Corner
- 1morechapter.com
- ReadingAdventures
- The Hidden Side of a Leaf
- Reader for Life
- Stuff As Dreams Are Made On
- Rebecca Reads
- Bermudaonion's Weblog
- Book Chase
- A Reader's Respite
- Shelf Life
- Reading and Ruminations
- Confessions of a Bibliophile
- Lesa's Book Critiques
- Outlandish Dreaming
- Booking Mama
- Savvy Verse & Wit
- The Family With Three Last Names
- booklit
- Under a Blood Red Sky
- Linus's Blanket
- Behold, the thing that reads a lot
- A Comfy Chair and a Good Book
- One Literature Nut
5 comments:
I really enjoyed this book too. I found it to be delightful. Thanks for the link love.
I thought this book was really cute! I did post a review of it as well, but no need to add me. I just thought I'd add a ditto to this one. :)
I really enjoyed this book as well...its a very fast read. I've added your review to my post.
Thanks for the link. I will link to your review as well.
I agree with you on a lot of these points. I wanted to underline so much. I loved the little notes that she made about reading and how people react too readers.
Thanks for the link. I read a library book for this one and I'm hoping to own it so I can go back to see all the books mentioned in it.
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