The Last Book I Read

By Anna (Local Connector)

The Last book I read for was ‘Home Is Where We Start: Growing Up in the Fallout of the Utopian Dream’ by Suzanne Crossman. I would say that it’s not what I would normally read, but if I’m honest, I don’t read much these days. I’ve slipped into the easy habit of scrolling screens in the snatches of time I get between parenting, work and home life. Easily done. I could read before bed, but a quick game of block blast feels like all I have capacity for before head hits pillow and I’m out. I don’t have regular hobbies but every now and then I decide I’m going to do something brave and bold.

So last Autumn, I booked myself into a weekend writers’ course with Quay Words, hosted at Custom House. There I met a small but lovely group of budding writers for a workshop on writing memoir, taught by the wonderful Suzanne. I was instantly captivated by her stories and insight and decided to attend her promotional book reading that evening. I bought the book and couldn’t put it down, reading a chapter before bed or a page or two with a coffee before the school run. I surprised myself with how easy it was to get into and how interesting it was, revealing in ways I hadn’t anticipated. It gave me insight into my own world, and how I might not need to carry quite as much mum guilt as I do.

Since then, I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t read much, and towards Christmas I realised another easy habit we have fallen into in our house is listening to Alexa at bedtimes. I remember seeing some scary statistics from the National Literacy Trust and decided if not for myself, I could dig deep and find some books (and energy) to read to my 8 year old at bedtime, after all I don’t want his enduring bedtime memories to be of Radio DJ Greg James reading to him. So, after listening to another engaging woman on the Radio, I ordered ‘Impossible Creatures, The Poisoned King’, Kathrine Rundell’s latest book. I may have started reading for my son, but this one has really got me hooked. We read every night and I mark the page when my son falls asleep, then I read on because I have to know what happens next. I’ve already ordered the first book ‘Impossible Creatures’ because I’m engrossed in the young, brave protagonists trying to figure out the complex adult worlds that surround them, their defiance blended effortlessly with the mystical realms in which they exist…

And I’ve noticed another of Kathrine Rundell’s books from the inside cover, ‘Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise’. Although I don’t think I can claim to be wise, the suggestion that reading children’s books might be good for all of us is something I’m holding onto, because in today’s world of overstimulation and bizarre, frightening politics, a bit of escapism whilst gently connecting with my son each night is a welcome relief. Perhaps knowing what to read and where to get books is a barrier, and luckily the solution is popping up all over the place! There are already many cafes and waiting rooms with a free book swap or honesty box system. I’ve noticed one in my GP’s, but if helping yourself to a book in a café or waiting room feels a little uncomfortable, there are an increasing number of little free libraries in Exeter too.

I live in Beacon Heath and loved the little free libraries that I used to pass on the school run every day. We regularly took books, swapped books and there are a few special ones still at home waiting to make their way back. I used to wonder if there was a little cupboard tucked around the corner near to home that I didn’t yet know about. When my children outgrew the infants school and I was no longer passing every day, I wanted a little free library closer to home and asked on our community Facebook page.

I discovered that the Beacon Centre has a book exchange, and there is also a little free library in an old fridge about 15 minutes away from me. I’m a firm fan of the old adage ‘The More the Merrier’ so with a little help from our local team we arranged for a beautifully crafted little library, made locally in Exeter, and painted by a local artist to make it even more unique and noticeable. I am now part of a network of little library stewards who share books, support and information with each other. And the community is always refreshing the library too. New libraries are in the pipeline as you read. A few of our little free libraries are listed on Google now too, just put in Little free library near me and see what comes up. If it’s been a while since you took a break to read a book, why not find your local library.