by Carolyn Thomas.
Since ruining my eyesight by reading under the covers as a 10-year-old wielding a torch, I’ve loved books. I can’t really remember a time when there wasn’t a pile of TBRs (to be read) next to my bed – although the topics and authors have naturally changed considerably over the years.
I also loved writing stories – and rather ambitiously for a child, even the odd (and they were) book – so it was probably no surprise at all to my family that I’d make my living as a writer.
Throughout my working life as a journalist, I’ve been lucky enough to cover a wide range of subjects from computers to jewellery, telecoms to soap powder and, most recently, lots about education.
Currently I write books about music and its makers, dead or alive, ranging from the young stars of K-pop and country through to legends like Elvis and Elton.
But despite staring at words day in, day out, I still love to read for pleasure. Because I write factual stuff and read so much non-fiction for research, I turn the pages of fiction to relax. Anything with some social history goes down well. I also have massive FOMO about new releases so read lots of those, alongside the odd classic for balance.
So with my inner book worm always hungry for more words, I snapped up the chance to take over the books column for In Common. Although I’ve generally kept my literary opinions to myself and my book club, I couldn’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get more involved with local publishing.
So what can you expect from the new monthly Under the Covers column?
I’ll try to introduce as wide a range of reads as possible, with an obvious bias towards local authors, topics and settings.
In the interests of full disclosure, I have to declare that I’m old-fashioned and when I say ‘turn the pages’ please take that literally. I don’t thank you for an e-book and I’ll generally fall asleep listening to an audio book.
For me it’s all about the physicality of actual books, the tactile experience of their proud spines, decorated endpapers and eye-catching covers.
The finger-licking and flicking, the caressing of embossing where I can find it, the sheer weight of the tome – it all adds to the emotional connection with a story.
I’d love to make the books section as interactive as possible. Please get in touch with any ideas and suggestions. Also let me know if you’d be interested in reviewing books too – I can’t do them all myself! Email: editor@in-common.co.uk
So, reading glasses at the ready (a consequence of those childhood reading habits) off we go….
Upcoming events
25 November
Book signing.
Presenter and comedian Robin Ince will sign pre-ordered copies of his new book Bibliomaniac which details his tour of over 100 of the UK’s bookshops, including P&G Wells in Winchester. NB register to attend. 4pm
Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9LZ
26 November
Book signing,
Supervet Professor Noel Fitzpatrick signs copies of his new memoir, Beyond Supervet: How Animals Make Us the Best We Can Be. Tickets required £22 includes a copy of the book.
1pm Waterstones, West Quay, Southampton
26 November
Author talk. Kabir Kareem-Bello exploring the ongoing quest for identity.
10.30 am October Books 189 Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2NF
3 December
Celebrate local authors and shop local this Christmas. October Books will be showcasing the best of Southampton’s creative community between 10am and 5.30pm.
October Books 189 Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2NF
8 December
Author talk.
Exploring art school creativity which blurred the lines between art and music from punk to new wave, Dr Simon Strange talks about his new book Blank Canvas.
6.30pm October Books 189 Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2NF
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