Newcastle University

Why do you read? Is it primarily for pleasure?

I don’t read for work at the moment, because I’ve just retired. Work is overrated [laughs]! So I don’t read for work now, but I would have done while I was at work. So, for pleasure […] I think it’s good to be empathetic to other people’s experiences, and you only really get that through reading. For entertainment, escapism, to avoid housework! [Laughs] Or any other kind of work that I don’t fancy doing! I’ve just always been wrapped up in a book. I think I probably have that stigma, if it is one!