Bookclub-in-a-Box Discusses The Uncommon Reader, by Alan Bennett: The Complete Guide for Readers and Leaders

by Marilyn Herbert, Erin Balser

Bookclub-in-a-Box literary discussion guides offer interpretations and analysis of the themes, symbols, and writing styles of your favorite contemporary novels. Each guide also includes a handy plot synopsis, the author's biographical information, discussion questions, and more. They are ideal for use by book club members, teachers, students, and literature lovers.

About The Uncommon Reader:
If you were the Queen of England, what would you be reading? Important international treatises on policy and politics? Books on current and historical events? But then again, as head of state, you might only have time for magazines, journals, and newspapers. Or more likely, you would be briefed and advised by your professional staff, in the form of short “book” reports. In these scenarios, the Queen accepts other people’s viewpoints and does not have the time or luxury to develop her own. In Alan Bennett’s majestic book, The Uncommon Reader, the Queen broadens her perspective by immersing herself into a never-ending world of words and ideas: fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. Alan Bennett presents a singular sovereign next to the rest of us — the uncommon reader vs. the common ones.

We meet Bennett’s Queen as she encounters a strange van in her driveway that turns out to be a travelling library. She enters and borrows a book. One book leads to another and the Queen discovers, for the first time, the joys of reading for pleasure. As she reads more and more, and is involved in her duties less and less, her loyal servants and handlers become confused and angered by how this newfound interest has thrown the monarchy into upheaval.

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2009

About the author

As an educator, school librarian, writer, book-talk presenter and facilitator, Marilyn loves to read and talk about books. Her enthusiasm for reading and sharing led her to unite her two favorite things: people and pages. In turn, this led to the creation of Bookclub-in-a-Box, the ultimate discussion companion for contemporary works of literary fiction. Marilyn is always looking for a great debate about books and welcomes all feedback.

Reviews

[Nonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the short novel by Alan Bennett based upon the real long reign of Queen Elizabeth II of England and ii's charmingly well written. I didn't realize that she'd been Queen while all those other PM's were in office & since she's still reigning that list may be longer.
This little novel can be read in a single sitting & is well worth the time & effort.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great first book club book. My book club is at work at an assisted living facility. It was an easy read and charming. A good beginner book club pick.

[Janette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an odd sort of book but I thought it was good. Something I never thought of a Queen reading just for enjoyment. Really did not think a person in such a high office would have time.

[Traci]

I am only including this edition on my "READ" shelf because I can't find the original book. I read the hardback copy of the Bennett's novella "The Uncommon Reader" and I got it from my library.