Well, that’s the festive season done and dusted. And my first Editor’s Diary of 2021 begins with the news that we’re back in lockdown once more here in the UK.
So I am even more grateful than usual that Santa gave me plenty of books for Christmas!
Seven in total, in fact.
Everything from Barack Obama’s autobiography to the latest crime novel set in Ancient Rome by the fabulous Lindsey Davis. That stack in the picture should keep me going for several months.
In addition, it doesn’t include the book I bought for myself (“The Ninth Child” by Sally Magnusson, our Book Club pick for January). Or the pristine, unread copy of “Becoming” by Michelle Obama which a downsizing neighbour gave me!
And I’m not alone in turning to reading for escape, entertainment and enlightenment.
It gladdens my heart to hear that book reading surged in popularity in 2020.
Since lockdown began in March, people in the UK have almost doubled the amount of time they spend reading books.
I recently read an interview with Tony Mortimer, former member of boy band East 17. Now aged 50, he had never read a novel all the way through before the start of lockdown.
Then he discovered the joys of fiction! He has already read his way through an impressive 70 books. Which puts my tally of 27 titles for 2020 to shame, really.
Must do better this year.
Now that’s my kind of New Year resolution — to read even more books!
Happy New Year to you all.
For more from Angela’s Editor’s Diary, click the tag below.
To read the latest book reviews from the “Friend” team, click here.
Angela Gilchrist I am the former Editor-in-Chief of “The People’s Friend” magazine. My passions include cats, Highland ponies, good books, vegetarian food and long walks in the Scottish countryside. My favourite place to get away from it all is the magical Isle of Skye.
