Why We Read

An excellently compiled anthology where Penguin has asked 70 original thinkers to answer the simple question of why we read in no more than three pages. High-profile names such as Malcolm Gladwell, Niall Ferguson, Steven Pinker and more feature. What impressed was just how diverse the responses were, even if they are clearly united in terms of passion and conviction. I found myself identifying and agreeing with the thesis developed by almost all of the contributors: to be open-minded and intellectually curious is fundamental to our development. Where learning crosses over into pleasure, it is hard not to think of a more worthwhile pursuit. A useful and essential anthology. Not rated.

By Josephine Greywoode