National Year of Reading: Staff Favourites - Claire
As you may already be aware, 2026 is the National Year of Reading!
The National Year of Reading is a UK-wide campaign designed to help more people rediscover the joy of reading. As a library, it only felt right to celebrate by asking some of our lovely staff to share their favourite books or magazines and why they love them.
Claire, who works at the Campus Library, has chosen The Collector by John Fowles as her favourite. She explains:
“I first read The Collector as part of my final assignment when studying for my English Literature A Level (which is longer ago than I care to admit here!)
The first of Fowles works, it is a psychological thriller told from two perspectives – that of a kidnapper and his captive. So well written that it is easy to start sympathising with the main protagonist, and it skilfully weaves in narrative around social class of the time (1960s Britain). I suppose beyond my appreciation of this work, part of the appeal that also takes me back to read this book repeatedly is that it reminds me of being 18 again (I still feel like I am in my head!) and discovering great joy in literature that I had the freedom to choose for myself.”
Feeling inspired as part of the National Year of Reading? Visit Libby to explore a wide range of ebooks and audiobooks, including staff favourites and new discoveries. Wherever and whenever you’re reading, Libby makes it easy to celebrate the joy of reading all year long.
Join us in making 2026 a year of reading!
