I have Rosemary Kaye to thank for introducing me to British author Lucy Mangan. Bookish: How Reading Shapes Our Lives is really about Mangan and how reading shaped her life. Books saw her through her college years, her jobs afterward, introduced her to her husband, saw her through COVID and her dad’s death. The loss of reading time caused some of her two year postpartum depression. While some of those events involved people, Mangan admits she’s an introvert who lives for her books.
“Books bring us joy and comfort all our lives.” That’s the overall theme of this book memoir. It’s filled with Mangan’s comments about books that helped her through various stages of her life. Because it’s written by a British author, I was unfamiliar with many of the books, and other readers probably will be, too. But, I added books to my TBR list, and there’s an extensive list called “Lucy’s Bookshelf” at the end of the book. I dare anyone who reads it not to add a book or two to their piles.
The author, who owns a library of 10,000 books, is now intimidated by the fact she won’t get a chance to read everything in this lifetime. I can identify with that. I was still young when I realized I’d never be able to read all the books in my hometown library because I realized they continued to add new ones. That was once my goal, as it often is for young avid readers.
I identified with Mangan’s comments about her childhood reading, so I’m waiting for a copy of Bookworm: A Memoir of Childhood Reading. And, I mourn along with her with this loss. “At some point over the years I had lost the ability, this gift, the mental malleability, the porousness required to be able to open up a book and vanish instantly into it.” I had that. I think the Harry Potter books were the last ones that allowed me to do that, and I was an adult when I read them. But, as a child, I could do that with every book.
I did disagree with the author about a major point. She said “Listening to an audiobook is not reading.” I disagree. I have a nephew who was never a reader of print books, but he’s found his books in audiobooks. He “reads” them all the time. I do agree with her comments about being forced to read books in school, and that it can take away some of the pleasures of books. As a librarian, I’ve seen that in kids who “had” to read books at a certain reading level or from a list. When they reached for a book for pleasure, that was sometimes snatched from them because the book wasn’t on an approved list.
There’s so much meat in this book, and so many titles for future reading. Now, I’m looking forward to the past with Mangan’s earlier book, Bookworm.
Bookish: How Reading Shapes Our Lives by Lucy Mangan. Pegasus Books, 2026. 304p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
EARLY WARNING – There will be other warnings on Thursdays. When we discussed Comfort Reads last Friday, several of you suggested we do that kind of Friday post in the future. I think that’s a great idea, so we’ll do it on the First Friday of the month. On Friday, April 3, we’ll talk about Childhood Favorites I’m lucky. Mangan’s book reminded me of some of my favorites, and I have the feeling Bookworm will remind me of others. You don’t have to participate, but I think it will be fun. Start thinking now! Those childhood favorites made us the readers we are today.
So glad I checked in before turning in! I think I might need to investigate this Lucy Mangan person – we may have a thing or two in common. AND I love that you decided to have a Childhood Favorites day – yay!!
I agree with you, Lesa, that audiobooks are, absolutely, reading. Absolutely! They do not, sadly, work for me; I find my mind wanders and I lose focus. But just because it’s not right for all of us, does not give anyone the right to be so dismissive. harumph.
I agree, Kaye. You might want to check out her books. I’m with you on audiobooks, and so is Christie. I’m kind of surprised Mangan is like that about audiobooks because she uses it in reference to her son. Granted, he was young at the time she’s referring to, and maybe he now reads more books. But, just because it doesn’t work for her, for the same reason you said, doesn’t mean it isn’t reading. Actually, I’m so pleased that my nephew listens now. He’s a thriller reader. He went through Clancy and a bunch of military thrillers. Last I knew he was reading C.J. Box. He can listen at work. And, he always wants to talk about them with me when we are together. I love that.
Lindy suggested a Top 10 discussion. We might do that, or maybe a Top 5 in May. I’ll think about it. In the meantime, I think Childhood Favorites goes nicely after our Comfort Reads.
I love audiobooks, but have trouble carting around my phone and earbuds to listen while I work. Also, if the narrator is not pleasing to my ear, I’m turned off, and try to read the paper or ebook version.
I wish I could listen to audiobooks, Harvee. My best friend loves memoirs of people like Caro Burnett and Dick Van Dyke when the author reads them. They just don’t work for me.
Sounds great. I agree that audiobooks are indeed books – look at the name! – but also that they don’t do it for me. But anything that gets people reading is good, right?
You’re right, Jeff. I enjoy and remember the words on a page, not words I listen to.
I was able to reserve a copy on the Cloud Library. At home, they have only the “real” book.
It’s funny, but the two books I did listen to as audio books were both books I had read first: Frank McCourt’s ANGELA’S ASHES, because it was read by the author; and MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL.
I like the idea of discussing childhood favorites. I’m not much for audiobooks unless we’re on a long car trip but Roger loves them. He was never a reader until he tried reading Pillars of the Earth. He liked the story but was struggling with the paperback so I got it on CD from the library and he’s been hooked ever since.
Isn’t it wonderful to see someone who you love read, Sandy? In whatever format!
I’m glad people seem interested in Childhood Favorites.
Lesa, thank you for choosing childhood favorites for our next special discussion. I just hope I can remember them all! I’d better start making my list now.
As for audiobooks, I’ve never “read” one. I think I might be more attracted to the ones with a group of narrators, each playing a particular part. Or possibly a celebrity reading their own memoir or another book (it still bothers me a little to use the plural pronoun “their” instead of singular his/her–which was annoying anyway–because there are more than two genders now). Maybe someday, when my eyes give out!
You have plenty of time to make your list, Margie. No hurry! I hope your list brings back fond memories.
Yes, I think maybe a memoir read by the author. Otherwise, they’re not for me.
I agree with you, what about people without sight, audiobooks are a treasure to them. I love them but they of course they are so expensive. As my glaucoma gets worse, at least I have that oprion!
That’s right, Carol! I’m glad you don’t lose books if you lose your eyesight. My grandfather lost his before they had audiobooks, but he got books via records through what was then called the National Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. He and my grandmother could listen together.
I agree that a day of discussing childhood favorites is terrific. I’m lucky to still own a lot of my favorites from my childhood. Also, from reading my comments here over the years, you know that I listen to almost as many books as I read, and my life would be poorer if I couldn’t “read” while I cook, clean, run errands, weed my balcony, and do many more daily tasks that require little or no thought. In fact, it’s through audiobooks that I can lose myself in a book almost as thoroughly as I did as a child. For me, they are a blessing. Which doesn’t mean I don’t read traditionally every day, especially when I’m on vacation.
Totally agree, Kim, that every audiobook counts as one read. Just because they’re not for me doesn’t mean others shouldn’t enjoy them. And, if they make your life richer, that’s wonderful.
I think we’ll have fun with childhood favorites.
I’m so glad you liked Lucy Mangan’s book Lesa! I’m sure it’s going to be one of my top reads of 2026 – even though I do absolutely agree with you about audiobooks; I don’t know why Lucy has such a bee in her bonnet about those.
I only listen to audiobooks when I’m out walking, but just in that time I have read many of the classic that I had never managed to get through on paper – Wuthering Heights was a very satisfying achievement! I’ve also read The Turn of the Screw, Ethan Frome, some Cadfael mysteries and many more in this format. I’ve tried listening indoors but I’m far too easily distracted. I get most of my audiobooks free on the BBC Sounds app. I know I can download them from the library website but somehow I never do.
I’m looking forward to the childhood favourites day! I’ve already made a list, and I’m going to have another look at Bookish and Bookworm, as I know Lucy mentions many of the books I loved as a child. I also have a great book called THE ULTIMATE BOOK GUIDE, which is full of great suggestions for children’s reading. Its companion, THE ULTIMATE TEEN BOOK GUIDE, has also led me to some wonderful discoveries over the years.
I love it that we’re already thinking about books and making lists for the next Friday, Rosemary.
I have no idea why she was upset that her son liked audiobooks. I’m a visual reader and learner, but learned by observing others in college that we don’t all grasp ideas the same way. She should just be happy he loved books!
Lesa, Jackie is already making a list too.
Great! Mom and I were talking about Jackie tonight. I was saying I love that you always include what Jackie’s reading and her comments.
I love the discussion re: audiobooks. I too, enjoy audiobooks, but interestingly, that is how I re-read books. I read the entire Harry Potter series, but have “re-read” them multiple times listening to the Jim Dale narrated versions. Same with the Cormoron Strike series. Thoroughly entertaining as the narrators are outstanding! Those are my comfort reads when I need them….and probably do that every couple years.
Tracy, I think I would really enjoy listening to Jim Dale read the Harry Potter books. I’ve heard a few snippets, and he sounds wonderful. That’s interesting that it’s how you reread books. I can see that.