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The Abstinence Teacher - Tom Perrotta
By Stephanie · 3 posts · 22 views
By Stephanie · 3 posts · 22 views
last updated Jun 16, 2009 08:52PM
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What Members Thought
What a delightful novella about the Queen of England happening upon a bookmobile and discovering reading. Books, books and more books and how they relate to her "job", her relationship with her husband, the prime minister, and her time. There are many quotes about reading that hit home. Her large library comes into play as does the questions of reading for knowledge vs. pleasure. Many authors are mentioned as is the pursuit of writing. I read this over Labor Day weekend in my hammock, ahhhh. Tha
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I enjoy any book about reading and books, and this hypothetical story of the Queen discovering reading is a delightful read. She realizes, as do many of us, that "one book led to another, doors kept opening wherever she turned and the days weren't long enough for the reading she wanted to do." And she is warned, like many of us, that "to read is to withdraw...to make oneself unavailable...one would feel easier about it if the pursuit itself were less selfish." Ah, but the Queen, uninhibited in h
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Feb 05, 2009
Bookmarks Magazine
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Any common reader will enjoy a good laugh from British playwright Alan Bennett's The Uncommon Reader, which can be consumed in a few spare hours. But readers expecting a work as brilliant and scathing as Bennett's plays The History Boys (2004) and The Madness of King George (1991), or even his other short stories, should expect something completely different. A political and literary satire, it pokes fun at the British monarchy while revealing the lasting power of literature. Reviews suggest tha
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I have never used the word "charming" in a book review before, but this one totally qualifies. This quick read is a captovating one for anybody who enjoys books and the discussion around them.
The basic premise is that the Queen of England takes up reading books from a local bookmobile, with the help of a poor, but knowledgeable, servant. While the Queen's tastes interests take her into new genre's and authors her advisors become scared and suspicious of effects the books are causing in the Queen ...more
The basic premise is that the Queen of England takes up reading books from a local bookmobile, with the help of a poor, but knowledgeable, servant. While the Queen's tastes interests take her into new genre's and authors her advisors become scared and suspicious of effects the books are causing in the Queen ...more
Cleaver. Cute. Funny.
Recommend to any book lover/avid reader. I think we can all relate to 'this obsession' that the Queen finds herself part of.
(for SBC 'GLT author or character' category) ...more
Recommend to any book lover/avid reader. I think we can all relate to 'this obsession' that the Queen finds herself part of.
(for SBC 'GLT author or character' category) ...more
I enjoyed this quirky book- it was a novella and might have become tedious if it was longer but this was the perfect length. It was a tongue in cheek story about the Queen (UK) suddenly becoming interested in reading. Included lots of tiny details that felt realistic (such as ignorant remarks from her husband that were not unlike those of the real Duke of Edinburgh). It follows the small aspects of her everyday life rather than the formal occasions that we get to see. Witty and amusing.
If you enjoy dry British humour, Alan bennett has a book for you!
"...she felt about reading what some writers felt about writing: that it was impossible not to do it and that at this late stage of her life she had been chosen to read as others were chosen to write."
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Such a perfect little book, especially for book lovers. An imaginary look at Queen Elizabeth II, the pressures she lives under, and how she learns to educate herself and escape from her sheltered life. It's wonderful to see her personality and intelligence develop as her reading becomes more advanced.
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My favorite line (on page 21) is "Reading is untidy, discursive, and perpetually inviting."
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What a fun quick read! I loved the story and what it had to say about being a reader.
Cute little story about the queen discovering reading late in life.
Can't say a thing..until after Book Club... but.....
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Oct 03, 2008
Laura Ellis
marked it as to-read
Mar 01, 2009
Nancy Motto
added it
Jan 01, 2012
Vanessa
marked it as to-read
