The Uncommon Reader: A Novella

Funny & Engaging with Serious Underlying Themes

Whether or not you buy the dramatic twist at the end, this little book is engaging, original and surprisingly funny. I found myself smiling and nodding throughout and on several occasions laughing aloud. The book can be enjoyed on several levels, as Bennett covers serious, timely themes about the value, pleasure and role of reading and the way that fits into the modern world. You can derive from it what you will. It's an easy, fun read, well worth the rather minimal time required for the 120 page novella.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Must read this witty book!

Alan Bennett has brilliantly crafted a creative testimonial to the life-changing power of reading. This captivating novella cleverly imagines the happenings following Queen Elizabeth II's accidental discovery of the library's bookmobile on the castle grounds. She reads one book...then another...and soon she is more deeply devoted to her books than she is to her public duties. Excuses are made to accomodate her passionate reading habit, and staff members began to resent her literary pursuit. Eventually, she begins recording notes and musings in a notebook. A laugh-out-loud ending completes this charming book. Mr. Bennett has written a delightful tale about discovering the wonderful world of literature and how it can happily change lives, even the Queen of England's! He has beautifully portrayed a passionate reader...always yearning to get back to one's book. I could certainly relate to the Queen's obsession with books. As with her, finding the time to read is a priority and very often reading interferes with my everyday duties. I have also experienced resentment from others when I branched out to do something different. I absolutely loved this delightfully entertaining book. It left me reflecting on how reading has influenced my life.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

the perfect gift for a reader

I have given this book as a gift at least six times, always to rave reviews. It has laugh-out-loud moments, it's engrossing, and for the two hours it takes to read one finds oneself very much elsewhere. Good for anyone who really loves to read.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A reviewer

This delightful modern fairy tale casts HRM Elizabeth II as the heroine who, while pursuing an errant corgi, stumbles late into a mobile library and a life of reading, thereby disconcerting her husband, relatives, the powers that be in the palace, and the Prime Minister to name a few. Easily gulped in one happy sitting, this book is the perfect gift for the truly addicted readers in your life. I suspect many will have the same reaction as the first person I gave a copy, who said, 'Don't you wish it were true?' Well, yes. One does.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I would give it a high 4.Very different from my normal read but have suggested it to friends. My sister read it first and glad she sent me in the right direction for a stay awake all night read.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Interesting - But Missing Something

This is the story of the Queen of England and what would happen if she became obsessed with reading. You find her reading on her way to parliament and sneaking books into meetings. You also would find that she would have sent servants to select books for her. What I found lacking from this story was what does it all mean? Yes it is interesting to think of the Queen in this manner and to even see what she would expect from meeting authors, but what in the world would it effect? Would it change how she addresses world hunger or any other issue? You never find out and the story just ends. Great start, but poor finish.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Interesting premise.

A well written, good, fast read.

different

It was just OK for me.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

She who must be Obeyed

I thought this little book was cleverly crafted. One could not see the punch coming at the end. WOW! One must read these sorts of witticisms often. It keeps things in perspective. The lesson being: One never knows what is going to happen next!

Modern fantasy

The Uncommon Reader is a surprisingly good novella. Although based on real characters the story is a fantasy. As one who believes that books can change a person's life, it's a believable fantasy, or at least one would like to believe. It's a quick and pleasant read and highly recommended.

Different in a Good Way

I found this book to be really intriguing. It was quite unique and I found myself thinking about books and their importance in one¿s life. I also loved the insights into the monarchy and what it means to be ¿in service.¿ This book definitely made me think, but it was also enjoyable and easy to get through, which is an unusual combination. Hard to put this one down.

Uncommonly good!

This slim little novella takes about a minute and a half to read, and is the most delightful story I've read in a long time. When Her Majesty, out on walkies with her corgis, stumbles upon a traveling library, she checks out a volume to avoid seeming rude. Her following transformation into a reader and, in the process, into a better human, is laugh-out-loud funny and touching at the same time, an experience this particular very common reader absolutely loved.

Such a Delight!

I read a lot of mysteries and thrillers, so it is fun now and then to lighten things up. This book was perfect for that. Whether you like the Queen or not, you will enjoy this delightful little romp. So if you are looking for just pure fun reading, by all means don't pass this one up.

Is that all there is?

This would never have been published if it didn't carry Alan Bennett's name. There's nothing to it. His observations about reading are obvious and trite.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Uncomon Reader - Superb.

The Uncommon Reader is a superb quick read. It's easily read on a short connection flight, and is one of the better novellas out there. Chronicling the Queen of England's somewhat accidental interest in reading and writing, it's full of epigrams. However, to understand the humor, you have to be really well versed with Monty Python/ BBC style humor. If you're British or know Brit humor, you'll love this and literally roll on the floor laughing. If you have never seen a single episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus, you'd mainly stare. I thought it was very funny, and the writing is great. It's well worth the cost. So, what are you waiting for? Go buy it before I get my killer rabbit on you!

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