Look What I'm Reading! Sarah Steed

SarahSteed is a librarian, whose house has an entire wall of bookshelves (and then some more). 

Some of the books stored on them are favourites, some are yet to be read, and most are clear indications of specific hobbies or interests. 

The librarian in her means they are usually grouped thematically, despite a creative desire to try shelving them by colour.

Which children’s book are you currently reading?

It’s not strictly a children’s book, but is connected: The Art of Winnie-the-Pooh: How E H Shepard Illustrated An Icon by James Campbell.

Can you tell us in two sentences what the book is about?

It’s a peek inside the work of artist Ernest Shepard and the collaborative relationship he had with A A Milne. It explores the development of Shepard’s Winnie-the-Pooh illustrations which are incredibly recognisable and so appealing.

How much did you enjoy/are enjoying this title?

I’ve only just started it, but it’s a beautiful book visually, and full of interesting information.

What made you choose this title? Was it a review, advertising, the cover, the blurb, the author/illustrator, or the subject/genre?

I serendipitously came across it when I was in a gift shop (not a bookshop) and it practically jumped out at me and said ‘this is for you’.

What other titles are on your bedside table /To Read Pile?

There are too many to list them all, and I often wonder if I will actually read everything I own, but in the children’s/YA stack, you’ll find books like: Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens, Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYAAnthology, The Diary of William Shakespeare, Gentleman by Jackie French, We Are the Rebels by Clare Wright, and Secret Letters by Leah Scheier.

My stack of adult books includes: These Few Lines: A Convict Story by Graham Seal, Mad Enchantment by Ross King, Fools and Mortals by Bernard Cornwell, Jane’s Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World by Claire Harman, a genetic genealogy book, and some Lonely Planet guides.

How did you come by these titles: personal choice/request, publisher’s review copy, or other?

Most have been on my ‘to read’ list for too long. I bought them myself and I really want to keep working my way through them. The genealogy book is for research, and the travel guides are because I’m going on holiday soon!

Do you have a favourite genre? If so, what is it, and why do you prefer it?

I guess have two favourites: historical fiction and mysteries, although I enjoy other genres, too. Reading history I get to explore life in other times and places from the comfort of my own home. My love of mysteries started early when I was introduced to The Secret Seven and The Famous Five when I was about eight years old. Since then I’ve read all different kinds of mysteries – I like trying to work out ‘whodunit’.

Do you read from printed books or some other medium? Please expand a little on the why of your choice.

I do read both print and eBooks, and I listen to eAudio books (which I download via the library). Print for the visual and tactile factor (plus some books simply must be read in print), eBooks for the convenience factor (especially when travelling), and eAudio for driving to and from work, while doing things around the house, or walking.