In this new series, we will be meeting each of the various book groups throughout the Norwich School, with words from staff and pupils about how these groups have shaped their reading habits and furthered their love of reading. 

Today, we hear from 8 members of the Staff Book Group: Rachel Brown, Bex McIntosh, Amber Scott, Louise Elphick, Hannah Seago, Jonas Niksch, Catherine Pywell and Glyn Manton...

When and why did you join the Staff Book Group?

Rachel Brown: “I joined this time last year with the intention of reading more books, and a wider variety of books.”

Bex McIntosh: “Trinity 2023, just after joining the school, was recommended by colleague”

Amber Scott: “I initially joined because I was interested in reading The Disaster Tourist and love a chat!”

Louise Elphick: “To read more widely”

Hannah Seago: “To meet new people and to have an excuse to read more books.”

Jonas Niksch: “Michaelmas Term 23, interest in literature, fun to talk about books and stories”

Catherine Pywell: “I joined a couple of years ago. I wanted to get some new reading recommendations.”

Glyn Manton: “5 years ago.”

2.What's the best thing about coming to the Staff Book Group meetings?

Rachel Brown: “It's really interesting hearing that people can have such different opinions of a book and the food of course!”

Bex McIntosh: “Reading something that is different from my normal choice, getting to know members of staff from other areas of the school”

Amber Scott: “Getting to hear everyone's different views on the books and learning from everyone's interpretations.”

Louise Elphick: “Reading books I wouldn't normally read!”

Hannah Seago: “Discussing books with a diverse group over a cheese straw or two!”

Jonas Niksch: “Sense of community, looking at things in different angels, sharing/discussing themes connected to one’s own emotions, problems, etc”

Catherine Pywell: “New reading recommendations! And getting new perspectives on the same book from others in the group.”

Glyn Manton: “Trying books I would never have read”

Has being in the Staff Book Group changed your reading habits at all? If so, how?

Rachel Brown: “Yes, I read twenty books last year - a mix of non-fiction and fiction of a variety of genres. I probably read about four books at the most the previous year.”

Bex McIntosh: “It’s definitely broadened by horizons a bit!”

Amber Scott: “Yes, I have read books that I would otherwise not, and it has made me more open to a wider range of genres.”

Louise Elphick: “Reading probably a lot more than I previously did.”

Hannah Seago: “Absolutely, I read more fiction now.”

Jonas Niksch: “It meant I picked up reading again after having nearly stopped while studying at university.”

Catherine Pywell: “I work well to a deadline and can read quickly when needed! When I'm busy, if I know book group is coming up, I'll make time to read the book. I know that it's both enjoyable and relaxing for me, so is a good way to 'switch off' at the end of the day.”

Glyn Manton: “I read more fiction now!”

Give us a book recommendation!

Rachel Brown: “Robert Harris is my favourite author and I particularly enjoyed 'Pompeii'. I have always been interested in volcanology and have also visited both Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. I enjoyed his mix of historical fiction and facts from the actual eruption in 79 AD.”

Bex McIntosh: “Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell.”

Amber Scott: “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin”

Hannah Seago: “The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak.”

Jonas Niksch: “All quiet in the western front, Remarques; (German) Alte weiße Männer (Old White men), Sophie Passmann”

Catherine Pywell: “Miss Smilla's Feeling For Snow - Peter Høeg (anything that totally transports you elsewhere is a good book, in my opinion).”

Glyn Manton: “Where the Crawdads Sing.”