I'm pretty far on with So Much to Tell, Valerie Grove's excellent biography of Kaye Webb (from which I quoted the other day). I've now reached the Puffin years where our subject is shown as something of a force of nature, sweeping all before her (though sadly the same could not be said of her personal life). Her charm, enthusiasm, extensive connections, and instinct for what makes good literature meant that she was able to build a list of children's authors that was second to none and a byword for quality.
I'm greatly enjoying the book, and you'll get a flavour of it from this talk by Valerie Grove.
A question if I may concerning reading habits - when do you do all your reading?
Posted by: Anne B-A | 10 February 2018 at 10:40 AM
'As and when' is probably the best answer I can give, Anne!
Without fail, I read in bed last thing at night, and otherwise I use any odd moment, but that apart - and this is perhaps the crucial element - I make sure that I pick up a book for at least twenty minutes or so at some point in the day, and that focus helps.
I never feel as though I have enough reading time, but then I choose to do other things as well so that's my own fault!
Posted by: Cornflower | 10 February 2018 at 01:32 PM
Thanks Karen - reading habits are always interesting. I find I nod off too quickly at night and never seem to get up much momentum. Day time reading for me is of much higher quality re concentration/thinking etc but its finding the discipline to make it happen regularly.
Posted by: Anne B-A | 12 February 2018 at 08:36 AM
Yes, it's all too easy to put everything else first.
Posted by: Cornflower | 12 February 2018 at 02:14 PM
Fond memories of th Puffin Club. The arrival af it’s magazine by post was always a thrill. Within it’s zesty, bright covers were well written informative articles, many about the authors I read avidly in the ‘70’s. How I envied the children photographed at events, mostly London based, laid on by Penguin Books. Still have several copies and my membership,badge. I read and enjoyed the biography a few years ago; as you say her private life so different from her public one.
Posted by: Fran | 14 February 2018 at 05:52 AM
The events sounded marvellous, and the holidays unthinkable (largely for health and safety reasons) nowadays!
It is sad that someone who clearly had a gift for friendship and took a delight in people had a less than happy and fulfilling private life.
Posted by: Cornflower | 14 February 2018 at 07:43 AM