As national attention turns to books and reading, the University of Northampton (UON) is taking part in celebrations marking the third National Year of Reading.
This year’s theme, Go All In, encourages people to connect reading with their wider passions – from football to food, travel and the arts – and enrich their everyday lives.
University staff have been blogging to help people ‘engage with the page’ and revealing their literary passions:
- Lucy Brazier, Student Outreach and Engagement Officer, shares a light‑hearted rant about the internet’s favourite reading debates, from audiobook snobbery to battered paperbacks.
- Kayleigh Willis, Student Experience Assistant, explores how Katabasis became a standout read and why journeys to the underworld feel strangely comforting.
- Dr Claire Allen, with help from students and colleagues, explores what World Book Day means to us and its importance during the Year of Reading.
- Dr Phillippa Bennett provides a sharp, insightful reflection on director Emerald Fennell’s bold new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic Wuthering Heights.
Dr Drew Gray, Head of School, Culture and Creative Industries, has been coordinating the Year of Reading staff blogs. He said: “Lots of us enjoy a good read but with so much choice, how do you know what ones to select from the bookshelves?
“For the National Year of Reading, our staff and students will help you navigate the world of literature as they share their personal stories about how to get the most out of books.
“These articles give food for thought in just a few paragraphs and we hope you enjoy reading them as much as we are.”
There are other articles about reading coming up; keep an eye on our blog page.