The Gifts of Reading, Robert Macfarlane
The Gifts of Reading, Robert Macfarlane
List: $27.99 | Sale: $19.59
Club: $13.99

Synopsis

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

About Candice Carty-Williams

Candice Carty-Williams is a journalist, screenwriter, and author of the Sunday Times bestselling Queenie, a book described as 'vital', 'disarmingly honest' and 'boldly political'. In 2016, Candice created and launched the Guardian and 4th Estate BAME Short Story Prize, the first inclusive initiative of its kind in book publishing. She can be found on Twitter and Instagram at @CandiceC_W.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Ilse on August 19, 2021

The way I was introduced to this lovely brief essay on friendship and the art of gifting – and of gifting books in particular - now feels the only right way: it was given to me by a fellow book loving friend. Nothing would illustrate the meaning of this essay more eloquently than the act of passing......more

Goodreads review by Sean Barrs on March 29, 2022

"Reading kept him alive right till the end" Reading is a gift and words are a gift. We should never underestimate their power and we should never underestimate their ability to alter our lives. Reading is so vital, and I feel like this book understands this crucial point perfectly because reading......more

Goodreads review by Cindy on October 07, 2022

I would try to find a free version of this long article as it is hardly a book. That said, it will increase your TBR pile and hit on a few crucial ideas about gifts and ideas. “Gifts give on, says Hyde, this is their logic. They are generous acts that incite generosity. He contrasts two kinds of ‘prop......more


Quotes

Perfect for book lovers. RED MAGAZINE