Bookworm: A Memoir of Childhood Reading

by Patricia Craig

BOOKWORM is a memoir of childhood reading, which gives fascinating glimpses into the world of children’s books and libraries in 1950s’ Belfast. It is an engaging and idiosyncratic approach to social and literary history and the author’s lifelong involvement with books and book collecting. Patricia Craig is, as well as being a leading critic and anthologist, the co-author of the unrivalled tour de force and landmark text You’re a Brick, Angela! A New Look at Girls’ Fiction 1839-1975, which is an essential source book for anyone interested in girls’ reading and popular culture. Patricia Craig is well known as an author and book critic both in Ireland and the UK, and we are expecting considerable media attention. This book will captivate the attention of readers interested in children’s books, book collecting and Belfast history and topography.

Genres: Books About Books, Nonfiction, Ireland

206 pages, Paperback

Published December 31, 2015

Reviews

[Rebecca]

This has THE EXACT same title as the latest Lucy Mangan book, but came first, in 2015.

[Martina Lennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of nostalgia for me on so many different levels, in spite of the author's erudite leanings. Firstly I share her joy of reading and forgetting the outside world " Lost time, time passing and retrievable time are all there at the turn of a page". Secondly I was reminded of titles I had read when young, where I had found them ( school, library, grandma's) , commandeering other family member's tickets just so that I would not run out of books during a month in Donegal.(Luckily for me the brothers weren't great readers then.) Then I too spent time in some of those Belfast libraries , but as a staff member. Finally the coincidence that the author lived in St James Avenue not so far from where mum lived for a short period of time.

[Ned Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful memoir that covers children’s books, growing up in post-war Belfast and the magic of libraries

[Tarun Rattan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a memoir of author's life at Belfast as a child. It's fascinating read and an honest peek inside a child's mind showcasing the importance of books in early years of child's life. The book would also be helpful for anyone interested in knowing more about Belfast, its troubles, impact of that on younger generation and its subsequent transformation into a leading city in UK. I bought this book for my young daughter but read it as was intrigued by the title and author's link to Belfast. It has good tips on the books a child should be reading at different stages of childhood. I came to know of many writers I missed during my childhood and it would certainly help me guide my kids towards an enriched reading experience.

[T H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brought back many happy memories of childhood reading
But ultimately I found it a book of lists. I did enjoy the stories of Belfast and its libraries