Culture in Quarantine marked World Book Night 2020 with book discussion, author interviews and an all-round celebration of reading
World Book Night took place on 23 April 2020
The Reading Agency asked the nation to join a #ReadingHour between 7pm and 8pm
Explore the response on social media using #WorldBookNight and #ReadingHour
As part of #WorldBookNight, we're revisiting some of the highlights from our archives. Find out what happened when writer Jay McInerney came face to face with a first edition of The Great Gatsby, first published on 10 April 1925 and now worth $150,000. The clip was first broadcast as part of The Culture Show in May 2013.
Jay McInerney meets book dealer Glenn Horowitz with a first edition of The Great Gatsby
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From Philip Roth's Nemesis to Daniel Deronda, author Maggie O'Farrell reveals her recommendations for reading. She spoke to Will Gompertz from her home in Edinburgh specially for World Book Night. Look out for Maggie's beach reading tip too!
The author speaks to Will Gompertz ahead of World Book Night.
Quote MessageIf you want to face the pandemic, and see how previous populations have dealt with such a situation, you should really try Philip Roth's Nemesis.
Maggie O'Farrell on Roth's Newark-set novel
We'd like to hear your suggestions for novellas and short stories you can finish in sixty minutes. Let us know at #ReadingHour
Image source, Public domainWhich stories can you finish in an hour?
Speed-reading champions can clock up between 1000 and 2000 words a minute, meaning they could finish an average length novel in under an hour.
For the rest of us, speeds of around 250-300 words a minute are more common. However, there are plenty of short texts you can finish in tonight's #ReadingHour. Here are a few suggestions – all available online for free.
A woman is driven to the brink of madness when she is forced to undergo a ‘rest cure’ after the birth of her child.
A visitor arrives at a dark and gloomy country house in this classic gothic horror.
Bertha Young organises a dinner party for her friends. Mansfield's story explores layers of emotion beneath everyday events.
Think you know your Bennets from your Bingleys? We recruited one of the world's foremost Austen experts to put your knowledge to the test.
Image source, Incamerastock / AlamyJane Austen
Author and Women's Prize founder Kate Mosse on her choice for #ReadingHour tonight.
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Here are ten top tips to help you turn over a new leaf.
Image source, Getty imagesCheck out our advice for becoming a regular reader
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Great to see what you're all reading today:
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Image source, Public DomainThe #ReadingHour takes place between 7pm and 8pm on World Book Night
To mark World Book Night, The Reading Agency are asking the nation to join the #ReadingHour between 7pm and 8pm. You can celebrate reading any way you like. Share a story with your children, take part in a virtual book group, or simply curl up in the corner with a favourite novel.
We'll be marking World Book Night with you, sharing resources and swapping recommendations. We'd love to hear what you're reading and who you're reading it with.