I read this thanks to Netgalley. It's an interesting read, and I came away with a reading list (a good thing, I think). Rentzenbrink is a compulsive reader, a lover of books. She becomes a bookseller, and eventually becomes part of the Quick Reads project - a project aimed at producing books for adults who are learning to read. Her insight into the joy of reading comes from her own childhood love of reading, but also seeing her father learn to read in his 30s, and the joy he finds in books. For a booklover, it's a very comforting read.

i feel like i am one of few who hasn't read cathy rentzenbrink's 'the last act of love', but rest assured, after 'dear reader' i am definitely going to pick it up.

'dear reader' gives us the opportunity to peer into cathy's life and see how books have helped her, and why she's found herself wrapped up in them during times of loss and hardship in her life. seeing how much cathy has grieved in her life, and how so much of her life has become about reading, is something that i could see myself in so much. i'm only 21, and my dad passed away last year, which has left a massive hole that only reading has helped to fill. right after he passed i found myself reading books that were mostly focused on loss of a father, and seeing that cathy found solace in books on grief and siblings makes me feel less alone in consuming narratives that should only cause more heartbreak to outsiders looking in.

cathy's writing is to the point, yet thorough, and i can't help but feel that's in part due to her experience working with prisoners on reading programmes, and her dad's experience learning how to read and write later on in life. her writing is so incredibly accessible and i couldn't stop reading, i just wanted to keep discovering what books have helped her and guided her, and which books she just plain enjoyed. she includes lists throughout of books oriented around a specific theme or occupation that relates to the place she was at in her reading journey, and it was so fun getting to read about what she loves.

while this is in no means a political book, there's definitely an undercurrent of classism being challenged. cathy was deemed 'too posh' in the places she grew up because of her mixed accent, but when she moved to leeds university, she was nothing special. this is something that i could relate to and understand deeply, and cathy touches so much upon my own fears of how other people see me-- how education can be seen as snobby in the places we grew up, in spite of how hard we try to stay true to our roots, and yet those who are 'educated' can look down their noses at you for not having the same upbringing as them. it's a lifetime of straddling the line between two worlds, and while it isn't the focus, i found it strangely soothing to see another person has experienced this, and has come out the other side still compassionate and true to themselves.

ultimately, 'dear reader' is a love letter to reading, to the things it offers those who are patient and willing to learn from what they read, and to how books can bring people of all different backgrounds together.

This book was amazing. Reading about her passion for books was an absolute pleasure. It was also really interesting hearing about her career, particularly in Harrods. I read the Last Act of Love so found it particularly rewarding reading this as well.

This was a love story to books. One to read in small bites. This is definitely a book to gift and enjoy over and over again.

Really enjoyed this book.

This is a book about books by a book lover.
Pays homage to the books that have inspired, interested, comforted and consoled the author during the various major events throughout her life, and how her tastes and interpretations of books have changed with reading and rereading at different ages.
Also gives insight into the author's work in a number of bookshops, book launch events, becoming an author herself and involvement in a literacy outreach programme.

I wish it included a list of books mentioned, as it's full of inspiration and recommendations.

This book was such a lovely way to spend my afternoon; I was immersed in it right from the first page. The author writes in such a way as to make you feel like you’re having a conversation with a friend - the flow between book recommendations and heart-rending personal anecdotes feels so natural that you don’t even realise it’s happening. I got a very open look into someone’s life and understood how reading had shaped them - it was charming and endearing. Her passion for reading seeps through the pages; it’s a love letter to reading - not just the books she’s read but the actual art of reading as a lifeline and not just a hobby. I related to so much of what the author shared that I found myself devouring page after page willing my son not to wake up from his nap before I could finish!

Two particular quotes that stuck out for me are:

"Reading built me and always has the power to put me back together again.”

And

“People can be a bit snooty about the idea of books as a form of escapism, but I believe this is one of the great powers of literature: to comfort”

The first quote served to make me realise that I have neglected my own bookworm tendencies too much since the birth of my son a couple of years ago, and reminded me that I should prioritise that thing that brings me comfort and peace like no other (particularly now in a challenging season in my life), so this book has served to give me a lifeline in the way the author described so many other books helping her out in a tough spot.

The second quote spoke to me on such a personal level, because escapism is exactly why I read and I often feel that it’s not ok to admit that because it detracts from me identifying myself as a reader. It was lovely, not only to read that someone else struggles with that too, but to have them affirm that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with approaching reading in that way.

My only quibble is that I would have liked a more in-depth discussion on some of the books she covered. I found myself able to acknowledge some of them that meant more to her than others, but that wasn't always reflected in how much time she spent talking about them and I’m curious to explore that further (her writing made me want to know more). Despite that, my enjoyment of this book was still absolutely complete, so much so that I enthused about it to my husband and starting quoting bits to him (this is rare as he is not bookish, so we don’t normally discuss what I’m reading).

Would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in reading; it’s perfect for inspiring conversation about that eternally loved pastime with anyone who’ll listen.

I absolutely loved this book! Cathy's passion for reading was super inspirational and her love of books infectious - and I'm saying that as an obsessive bibliophile myself! I especially enjoyed all the book recommendations and my TBR list has multiplied considerably. I find it fascinating how what you read and when can reflect so much of who you are, and I felt that this book uses that history to write a heartfelt and inspiring memoir. Full of comforting advice to just keep reading, through the highs and lows, and see where life takes you. On that note, Dear Reader, get yourself a copy and start reading!

This is an absolute must-read for book lovers. Cathy Rentzenbrink takes us through her own literary life journey from her first bookselling job and introduces her favourite reads along the way. Her writing is engaging and friendly, this is the perfect comfort read. Thanks NetGalley!

There is little to dislike in these types of books, especially when they don't include many unpopular opinions. They serve as a great source of recommendation with an author's personal story attached which makes them stand out the next time you come across them.

Cathy Rentzenbrink arranged her book memoirs based on the chronology of her life. I enjoyed it, as it kept the logical structure between the books mentioned and the author's life. I was intrigued by her recommendation for Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively that I will definitely pick up soon.

I liked reading about the different ways books influenced the author's free time and even became her lifelong career. I particularly liked her mentioning that books are her main hobby and she is prioritizing them her whole life. I think it nicely shows that reading huge amounts of books is achievable, but you need to give it proper time, it doesn't just happen.

I think Dear Reader is an interesting read for anyone who enjoys books about books and is looking for new recommendations.

This is a wonderful read, like a heartfelt hug from a friend when you need it most. A memoir peppered with great book recommendations, Cathy Rentzenbrink perfectly describes the joy and plight of being a bibliophile, especially as an early reader in a scholastic environment that doesn’t support it, which I could personally identify with. The book also does give so many suggestions of lovely reads that my list of books to read has increased all of a sudden, but all fabulous recommendations, rather like going to a bibliotherapy session! The warmness of how she describes not only her beloved reads but also her relationships with family adds to the general delight of how this beautifully written book is like a friend chatting over a hot cup of tea. Thoroughly recommend to anyone needing a validation of being a book worm, or for anyone who enjoys a memoir . Thank you to Net Galley for the free advance readers’ copy of this title.

A glorious rainy afternoon of a book. I saw myself in so much of what Cathy wrote about how books comfort, console, invigorate, and thrill us. A gift of a book for anyone who identifies themselves as A Reader.

Oh what an utter joy this gorgeous book was to read ! I finished it in two sessions and wanted to start reading it all over again when I’d finished. This is definitely a book I will go back to and I found it to be a real comfort in these difficult times.
This book is part memoir ( I loved hearing about Cathy’s work as a bookseller) and part a celebration of books. Reading it, I felt that I was in the company of a chatty, funny friend who shared my taste in books. From Narnia to Harry Potter to the Cazalets this book took me on a journey through many of my favourite reads. I found my own feelings about books shared by Cathy on these pages from how books are her retreat when real life is hard, how books have the power to put her back together and how being a reader defines her identity.
I would highly recommend this book and plan to give it as a present to many of my friends.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC.

This was a lovely book to read cooried up on the sofa over the weekend. It's a memoir, with Rentzenbrink's love of reading being the thread running through. She recommends her favourite reads as well as books for all different occasions through life, as well as telling her story of grief, overcoming low self-esteem, the power of reading and books, and 'getting by' in life. It's a nice easy read - one for a chilled Sunday with a cup of tea in tow.

I simply adore this book. A memoir through books read in a life, told chronologically, is a fascinating way to tell ones own story and Rentzenbrink pulls it off magnificently. This is a book is going to be an absolute must have this Christmas.

I love reading books about books and seeing others write about why they love books & how they have helped shape their life (even if they didn't realise it at the time!) and this didn't disappoint. The author weaves her life story throughout a selection of books (each with a short summary & why she loves them) and she shares how her love of books grew and changed as she worked in the industry & then in roles supporting literacy for others.

She is reflective throughout about what she has learned from being a reader, the books themselves as well as how she has much joy she gets from sharing her love of reading with others (including those who initially thought reading wouldn't be for them). I enjoyed seeing what she has learned from being a reader and what she learnt from specific books which made me reflect upon my own reading life as well as getting ideas of other books I should read!

I had read the author's previous two books and found them heartbreaking and beautiful. I think she writes honestly and poignantly about love, grief, joy, family and books in all three.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3310981199

'Reading has saved my life, again and again, and has held my hand through every difficult time'

This really is the ultimate book for book lovers. Cathy Rentzenbrink takes the reader down a rabbit hole of books from childhood to motherhood and loss, recommending some of her favourite and most memorable stories along the way. It’s a strange book to categorise really – part memoir, but also just part general chat about books, it feels as though the reader is talking to a friend, one who just happens to share a passion for reading, and reads a lot of books.

I think what I took away most from this is really just how transformative books can be. In the hard times in our life, they’re always there - the quiet friend who can help take your mind off things and ease you out of the real world for a while. They can also help change how you view the world, expand your horizons and outlook on life, right from your comfy reading chair.

Told chronologically, I really enjoyed the way this was set out- with book recommendations scattered within Cathy’s life to compliment her experiences. There are lists of books set in and around pubs for example, to coincide with her time spent living in a pub. We also get to see how her reading taste has changed as she has changed as a person – such as moving away from her love of thrillers etc. when she became a mother. Cathy manages to bring life into these books and stories, making it feel almost like an organic, every changing and expanding experience – which I suppose reading is. I also loved the inclusion of her work on quick reads, as it brought a whole new perspective on how privileged I am to be able to read so widely, and voraciously, as I do. I’ve never loved being a bookworm more, and I have a whole host of new books to add to my list to read.

The love that Cathy Rentzenbrink has for reading absolutely jumps from the pages of this delightful book. Reading it has bought back many happy memories of books I’ve read and loved in the past and nudged me to return and re-read some old favourites.
*Thank you to the publishers for allowing me to read a copy in exchange for an honest review*

"Last night I dreamt I went to Narnia again"

A wonderful memoir of life as a bookworm. We track her life through the books she reads, a lot of the books she read as a child were familiar to me, though I have never read the Adrian Mole books. I began to feel I should remedy this.
When tragedy strikes she talks very honestly about how books helped her deal with grief. She goes to work for Waterstones and talk of bookselling with such warmth, I thought that would be my perfect job.
A warm and very easy read about a love of books that had me looking up many of the titles to add to a teetering TBR pile.

*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*

Sorry to say, but this was a disappointment, especially for a book lover! As the author herself, I don´t like to give negative reviews, especially to authors still living. As Rentzenbrink is no debutant and obviously famous, I make an exception.

This book consists mostly of book lists with short descriptions of the contents, and a bit of a story around it, though even sad events in her life are only skated over. It´s badly written, and the substance could well fit into an essay. Not touching in any way either. If I hadn´t read it for a review I´d have given up on finishing it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is an absolute treasure, and must read for anyone who loves books. Rentzenbrink writes like a friend chatting to you about the books that have shaped her life, and I believe anyone who doesn’t consider themselves a reader may well be tempted after reading this.
I have read essays by authors in the past about books which have felt condescending and at times difficult to understand, but Rentzenbrink never does this. You can really see how important it is to her that no reader feel excluded - she mentions that books should be accessible to everyone regardless of education, and this is a perfect example. The writing is warm, friendly and open, and had me both smiling and crying - no doubt I will pick this book up again and again for comfort, like a favourite sweater.