the_kooky_monster's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.5
nd2712's review against another edition
3.0
There's something about children's fiction- particularly books you read when you were a child- that give you, as Mangan says, 'the warm fuzzies'. A nostalgia is attached to these stories, regardless of the obvious misogyny, homophobia and just general backward thinking of the authors themselves. If I were to read my favourites now, it would probably just make me sad. This book is just the cure for that. It brings back all those sentimental memories that I have growing up as a bookworm, without me having to confront the problematic nature of those books I enjoyed so much. Some reviews have mentioned that, due to the generation Mangan grew up in, some of the novels go over their heads, but I found myself connecting massively with most of the books she mentions- Milly Molly Mandy, Enid Blyton and her ridiculous back catalogue, Little Women- the list goes on and on. It's a book filled with memories, and if you were just as bookish in your youth as you would be now, this is definitely a book that you should read.
bericheri's review against another edition
5.0
What a delight! If you spent your childhood with your nose in a book (as I did) then you will love this.
Lucy Mangan charts her childhood through books that she read that really touched her. From The Very Hungry Caterpillar to the (seemingly) endless Sweet Valley High series, she portrays the young life of a bookworm perfectly. Mangan captures what it is to be wholly consumed by a book, to enter into another world and see it through another's eyes. She effortlessly describes what it is to be alone and largely friendless, feeling different and left out, and yet, to be surrounded by friends who just so happen to be books. They are such a comfort.
Lucy Mangan charts her childhood through books that she read that really touched her. From The Very Hungry Caterpillar to the (seemingly) endless Sweet Valley High series, she portrays the young life of a bookworm perfectly. Mangan captures what it is to be wholly consumed by a book, to enter into another world and see it through another's eyes. She effortlessly describes what it is to be alone and largely friendless, feeling different and left out, and yet, to be surrounded by friends who just so happen to be books. They are such a comfort.
thisisadebut's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
melissapalmer404's review against another edition
4.0
Book #19 Read in 2019
Bookworm: A Memoir of Childhood Reading by Lucy Mangan
Mangan discusses the important role books and reading played in her childhood and talks about favorite reads. She talks about books and the love of reading and this book will be a great gift for book lovers.
Bookworm: A Memoir of Childhood Reading by Lucy Mangan
Mangan discusses the important role books and reading played in her childhood and talks about favorite reads. She talks about books and the love of reading and this book will be a great gift for book lovers.
fqzgh's review against another edition
4.0
Fun to read, and re-visit old favourites. But - no Diana Wynne Jones? No Margaret Mahy?
paulahe's review against another edition
5.0
So many books from my childhood mentioned in this book. Makes me want to go and re-read them. Such a lovely unusual book.