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The Uncommon Reader

Alan Bennett

Discussion: January/February 2008

Discussion leader: Lisa Hickman

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January/February 2008

An Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
By Lisa · 5 posts · 25 views

last updated Oct 17, 2010 07:23AM

The Abstinence Teacher - Tom Perrotta
By Stephanie · 3 posts · 22 views

last updated Jun 16, 2009 08:52PM

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What Members Thought

Jan 27, 2018 Kate rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: acob, 2018-books, 2018-tbr

I needed a light interlude this week and this slim volume was a great break. Queen Elizabeth II, or Queenie as my dad refers to her, takes up a new hobby: reading. She starts easy and soon enough is buried in Proust. The staff and family surrounding her are all quite dismayed, as her reading becomes all encompassing and so many details that previously mattered, no longer do. An excellent choice and thanks to Thomas of The Readers who mentioned it on an episode.

3 likes · Like · see review

Mar 31, 2019 Antonia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2019

What a charming little book! A novella, I’d say. And it’s funny! I couldn’t put it down, so it’s nice that it’s a one-sitting read. And one that will appeal to every book lover. Even more so if you’re a fan of Queen Elizabeth. With a stroke of genius and tongue in his cheek, Bennett has given Her Majesty a beloved pastime and made her a most remarkable, shrewd, and delightful character.

1 like · Like · see review

Aug 30, 2017 Kathy rated it it was amazing

What an ending! A simply delightful little book.

1 like · Like · see review

Apr 14, 2009 Betsy rated it liked it

Shelves: british-authors, recommended-by-a-friend, books-on-books

This is a light and easy read with a surprisingly powerful message about reading and the importance of understanding others and their perspective. And I liked the little self-depracating dig that Bennett includes about how books are much more interesting than their authors. Fun!

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Jan 16, 2011 Catherine rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-liked

I enjoyed this quirky book- it was a novella and might have become tedious if it was longer but this was the perfect length. It was a tongue in cheek story about the Queen (UK) suddenly becoming interested in reading. Included lots of tiny details that felt realistic (such as ignorant remarks from her husband that were not unlike those of the real Duke of Edinburgh). It follows the small aspects of her everyday life rather than the formal occasions that we get to see. Witty and amusing.

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