The Gifts of Reading
ByPublisher Description
With contributions by: William Boyd, Candice Carty-Williams, Imtiaz Dharker, Roddy Doyle, Pico Iyer, Robert Macfarlane, Andy Miller, Jackie Morris, Jan Morris, Sisonke Msimang, Dina Nayeri, Chigozie Obioma, Michael Ondaatje, David Pilling, Max Porter, Philip Pullman, Alice Pung, Jancis Robinson, S.F.Said, Madeleine Thien, Salley Vickers, John Wood and Markus Zusak
'This story, like so many stories, begins with a gift. The gift, like so many gifts, was a book...' So begins the essay by Robert Macfarlane that inspired this collection.
In this cornucopia of an anthology, you will find essays by some of the world's most beloved novelists, nonfiction writers, essayists and poets.
'You will see books taking flight in flocks, migrating around the world, landing in people's hearts and changing them for a day or a year or a lifetime.
'You will see books sparking wonder or anger; throwing open windows into other languages, other cultures, other minds; causing people to fall in love or to fight for what is right.
'And more than anything, over and over again, you will see books and words being given, received and read - and in turn prompting further generosity.'
Published to coincide with the 20th anniversary of global literacy non-profit, Room to Read, The Gifts of Reading forms inspiring, unforgettable, irresistible proof of the power and necessity of books and reading.
Inspired by Robert Macfarlane
Curated by Jennie Orchard
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Candice Carty-Williams
Candice Carty-Williams was born and raised in south London, by way of Jamaica. She is a novelist, showrunner, culture writer, and author of Book of the Year Award winning and Sunday Times bestselling Queenie, as well as the young adult novella Empress and Aniya, and the Sunday Times bestselling People Person. She adapted Queenie for Channel 4 and Hulu in 2024, and wrote and showran original drama, Champion, for Netflix and BBC One in 2023.
In 2016, Candice created and launched the Guardian and 4th Estate 4thWrite Prize for underrepresented writers, the first inclusive initiative of its kind in book publishing. Candice is the ex Guardian Review books columnist, has interviewed and written for i-D, Vogue, The Face, the Sunday Times, BEAT Magazine, Black Ballad and many more publications.
Queenie received global acclaim, and was described as vital, disarmingly honest and boldly political. It was adapted for Channel 4 and Hulu in 2024, and her original drama, Champion, aired on BBC One in the UK, and on Netflix globally, in 2023, receiving five stars across the board.
Other books by Candice Carty-Williams
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