I love books about books and dropped everything else I was reading when I got approved for this. I've loved Rentzenbrink's other books and this disappoint. Our reading and working lives seem to be very similar in many ways which led to a very cosy feeling as I was reading. I've still come away with a long list of new books to look for and like Mangan' Bookworm this will be a book I return to time & time again.

I love books and I love books about books! This one is partially a series of book recommendations, part autobiography of Rentzenbrink's life around books and part meditation on the function of books in our lives.

Rentzenbrink intersperses elements of her own life story with discussion of the books that helped her to get through or make sense of it all. Some of that life story is sad, especially the event of her brother's death which became the focus of her own book. However, it's also uplifting as she finds meaning and support and inspiration from the pages of the books she reads which, ultimately, sees her rising through the ranks at Waterstone's and into a writing career. The books she discusses are varied and interesting, from the childhood comfort of an Enid Blyton book to the Julian Barnes books that inspired her to take a new path in life.

Overall, if you love reading then there is much to enjoy here. Reminders of books that you have read and enjoyed. An interesting autobiography.
Recommendations on books by genre. Lots of bits that will make you nod in recognition. The sense that you have found one of your book tribe! Personally, I found this a comforting and engaging read that made me reflect on the books in my own life.

I received this book yesterday and couldn't put it down until I finished. All the while, I sat with a notebook and pen alongside me to write down all of the wonderful recommendations that form part of this beautiful homage to all things reading.

'Dear Reader' is such a treat for book-lovers like me, interweaving the author's poignant personal stories and experiences with thoughts on the wider significance that books and reading can play in our lives. I particularly loved the insights into her time working as a bookseller (especially the less glamorous parts of the job) and initiatives to widen access to reading for those who had few opportunities to fall in love with books in early life.

Reading this book is also like having a lovely conversation with a knowledgeable and intelligent bookseller. I shall be returning to it again and again to pick up some of the books mentioned and will be gifting / recommending it to all my bookish friends!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have enjoyed Cathy Rentzenbrink’s previous books so when I saw there was this new one available I jumped at the chance to read it. She explores what it means to be a reader, a bookseller, a writer and how books can help you navigate your way through life.