If you didn’t manage to purchase a copy of The Gifts of Reading already, don’t forget that this is an anthology curated by Jennie Orchard, with all royalties donated to Room to Read. Inspired by an essay of the same name by British writer Robert Macfarlane, it includes 23 essays of which 20 were written especially for this collection. One of the remaining two was probably the last piece published by the iconic travel writer Jan Morris before she died late last year. Three were written by Australians: Sisonke Msimang, Alice Pung and Markus Zusak.
WA journalist Bron Sibree wrote this: ‘Books, it is often said, are the gifts that never stop giving. And if ever there were a testament to that epithet, it is this inspired and inspiring anthology. Featuring essays from 23 of the world’s most beloved authors, including Michael Ondaatje, Philip Pullman, Jan Morris, Chigozie Obioma, Salley Vickers and Madeleine Thien, this collection, conceived and nurtured in a spirit of altruism, is freighted with such wonder and generosity it is also a testament to the best that resides in the human soul.’
The Gifts of Reading
Essays on the joys of reading, giving and receiving books
Inspired by Robert Macfarlane, curated by Jennie Orchard