The Uncommon Reader - Alan Bennett

I just read it practically in one go.  Loved it.   

'Of course,' said the Queen, 'but briefing is not reading.  In fact it is the antithesis of reading.  Briefing is terse, factual and to the point.  Reading is untidy, discursive and perpetually inviting.  Briefing closes down a subject.  Reading opens it up.'

Anybody else read it?

No, but I do like Alan Bennett. 

Chary, thanks for answering my lonely little thread!   

I like to watch Alan Bennett stuff performed, but am not big on reading plays.  I've enjoyed reading his autobiographical stuff.

This little book (novella really) is not a play.  It came out this year and is so "readery", subversive, and hilarious that I thought maybe it was more popular than it apparently is...    No wonder I'm not good at bookclubs.

I just found out that he's reading from The Uncommon Reader at the Ilkley Lit Festival! I wonder if MrsRobinson knows. I think she's planning on going!

I'm not familiar with Alan Bennett, but I thought I saw his name on the list of events.  I'm going for the WH Auden & Thomas Hardy sessions.

Some of the sessions are already sold out - not sure if Alan Bennett's might be one?  Also, Germaine Greer is going to be there too.

I'm jealous of the Lit fest!  Wouldn't mind going to the Auden and Hardy sessions myself.  See Alan Bennett if you can, if only to hear him read in his gentle voice and lovely accent.