I wrote this about how to read and why. Books remain the best technology ever invented to understand life and the world. There is no alternative. Every book you read helps you build a richer picture of the entire world. substack-proxy.glitch.me/articles/open-…

This is fantastic news; I am so, so proud of Graham Watson! His passion for the Brontës is extraordinary, and he is such a wonderful writer.

The reality of this is so sad. I remember loving books so much as a child; silent reading was amongst my favourite activities at primary school. The decline in children enjoying literature is so disheartening. Reading teaches critical thinking amongst so many skills.

When you were doing an undergrad, you wanted to do a masters. When you did a masters, you wanted to do a PhD. Now you’re doing a PhD, you want to be a cat.

Oh Ozzy, bless you. RIP to the Prince of Darkness🦇🖤

I really love University English’s #EnglishCreates campaign. English has been such a significant part of my life. 10 years ago, I never would’ve pictured myself studying for a PhD, but here I am, and it’s all because I chose to study English. It’s such an amazing discipline.

Just renewed my Dickens Fellowship subscription. It’s good to be back!🎩📚

Just booked my ticket for An Evening with Jacqueline Wilson, hosted by Waterstones Notts. I’m so excited! I grew up reading Jacqueline Wilson’s books; she is a massive part of why I love literature so much.

Happy 207th birthday to my favourite Brontë sister, Emily, and happy 67th birthday to one of my favourite musical artists, Kate Bush! Two amazingly talented women born on the same day, 140 years apart. ‘I will walk where my own nature would be leading.’ - Emily Brontë

So sad to hear of Allan Ahlberg’s passing. I grew up reading his books; they gave me so much joy throughout my childhood. Thank you for your words, Allan📚

This is fantastic news! Ida B. Wells’ work was so important, and her story needs to be told to the future generations. I felt honoured to write about Ida and her life as part of my PhD thesis; she was an incredible woman.

I have a new research assistant…