What is that old saying? You are every age you have ever been. In this spirit, I still ADORE beautifully illustrated picture books, middle grade fantasy and adventure stories bring me immense joy too. Regarding grown up fiction I gravitate towards magical realism, 'slice of life', translated fiction gets a good look in, and I do try to revisit my most loved classics as often as possible. One thing I absolutely require of my fiction is a loveable protagonist. Nonfiction is a bit of a blind spot for me, though looking over at my bookshelf there seem to be few subjects I have glommed on to with some tenacity; I see many books on maps, trains, lighthouses, how people live elsewhere in the world as well as plenty of nature writing. I love the rhythm of the days in a bookshop. Unpacking and putting away stock (new release day is always a bit extra exciting!), writing reviews, assisting customers, setting up for book clubs and author chats... these processes do not vary greatly as such, but they always feel a bit different because the books and people constantly change. Each day is made up of many micro-quests and I find this very enjoyable.

Whenever possible I try to take my books outside. I love to read in a park, at the beach or in a garden, but a bus stop will do in a pinch. I am also a 'read one chapter before bed' person. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit would be my desert island read. For nostalgia, but also because of a long term, needless, but fun project I've been working on. I not only own multiple copies of this book but a recitation over six records my Dad found for me at a garage sale. Due to copious re-reads and re-listens, I think I'm on my way to being able to recite the whole book like the bards of old!