60 Seconds with...Kate

Written by Reading Friends volunteer, Kate
31 January 2020

Reading Friend Kate has a love of reading, so we chatted to her about her favourite authors, and all the things about her that might surprise us!

What is your favourite thing about Reading Friends?

I became a Home Library Direct volunteer at Rustington library in West Sussex. After a few visits, I soon realised that my client was probably not reading all the books I took her, but found the company I gave her more valuable. So I suggested that maybe a reminiscence group at the library might be beneficial to her, and other people in a similar position to share memories and to socialise. That’s how we became involved with Reading Friends and set up a group.

What is the best book you’ve ever read?

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I really liked Rebecca, when I first read it could not put it down. It has drama, excitement, mystery and intrigue. There are many twists and turns with an unexpected ending which I had not been able to predict.

What do you like to read?

I like to read crime thrillers and dramas. It was very difficult to choose a favourite, other than Daphne du Maurier, as I have many, so here are a few authors I enjoy: Colin Dexter, Ann Cleaves, Monica Dickens, Agatha Christie and Margaret Forster. By contrast, I also love the classics such as Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters.

If you could try something new, what would it be?

I would like to try and write a murder mystery drama set in the current day with a nautical beach setting.

What three things would you take with you to a desert island?

Paper and pencils for my book and diary, a game of scrabble and of course my dog.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us?

What might surprise you is that I enjoy both the company immensely of elderly people, and always go home smiling to myself after hearing the stories the people who come to our groups have to tell us. But, I am also very involved in Girl Guiding and have been a brownie guide leader for many years leading girls aged between 7-10. So I am very privileged to be involved with the young and the elderly!