Gemma Hayes, Singer/Songwriter
I wouldn’t say I’m a voracious reader at all, but when I do settle into reading a book, I absorb it totally. Because of this I’m very careful about what I read as I feel the effects of the words immediately. It’s the same with films – I steer clear of gratuitous violence, for instance.
At the moment I'm reading two books. One is Conversations With Godby Neale Donald Walsch. I wouldn't normally read something that sounded so religious – as opposed to spiritual – but I kept hearing about this book so I decided to surrender. One has to read it with an open mind, that's for sure.
The second book is Sense and Sensibilityby Jane Austen. I love her mind and her heart, and I get transported when I read her books.
Am I a serial reader? Not really. I’m more of an “earner”, in that I have to earn the time to sit back and read a book.
I can’t read if I see dirty dishes or a messy room. I need space and quiet, and I don’t read in bed as I usually fall asleep after the first sentence. What I do enjoy is planning a busy day so it ends with a book and a cup of tea. That way I get these fits of joy during the day knowing how lovely it will end.
What's next? Well, I keep seeing Outer Darkby Cormac MacCarthy. It's been on the shelf for ages, though – I bought it years ago and still haven't managed to read it.
I love Haruki Murakami, and would like to read his latest book, 1Q84. I can't think of anything else that's floating my boat at the moment.
- As told to
TONY CLAYTON-LEA
