Summer Reading

Adrian Crowley Singer-songwriter

No matter what time of the year it is, I like to read, and rather than voracious, I would say I am quite a measured reader, steady and keen with particular tastes. Reading for work and pleasure seem to feed off each other in my case. I read only out of curiosity and to satisfy an urge to discover something new. If it strikes home with me and inspires me then at some point a book might influence something in my work.

Currently, I'm reading T here Are Little Kingdomsby Kevin Barry. I don't want the book to end so I'm taking it slowly — it's pure entertainment and pure poetry at the same time. I'm also reading Her Fearful Symmetryby Audrey Neffenegger. I like the atmosphere of it, but so far it's a bit light for my palate. I think I'll have to read something more challenging when I'm finished. I tend to try and read everything by a writer once I get hooked, though. Paul Auster, for instance – I have a long line of his novels and essays on my bookshelf.

I haven't thrown a book against the wall in disdain for many years now. If I get past the first couple of pages I usually see it through until the end, even if it's been hard going. Having said that, Glamoramaby Bret Easton Ellis is lying open and face down on my bedside table. It hasn't moved for months. What's next? The Gatheringby Anne Enright, some more JG Ballard, and at some stage I'll start Ulysses.

As told to Tony Clayton-Lea

Adrian Crowley performs at Set Theatre in Kilkenny on Sunday, August 15th, as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival