Q&A with Nicola Moriarty on the Australian Reading Hour

Thursday 14th September 2017: pick up a book and read for an hour.
Find out more about the Australian Reading Hour here.

What is Australian Reading Hour?

Australian Reading Hour is a fantastic initiative encouraging people everywhere to read for at least one hour during the day or night on the 14^th of September.

What are some of the benefits of reading?

The benefits of reading are countless! Immeasurable! Extraordinary!

It’s a way to escape if the real world is getting you down. It expands your vocabulary and ignites your imagination. It feeds your brain and fills your heart. Reading is the ultimate way to relax and recharge.

When and where is your favourite place to read? 

In the evening in the bath with a glass of wine. Late at night tucked up in bed. In the afternoon on the couch with a cup of peppermint tea. Outside on the deck in the morning sunshine with a piece of vegemite toast. Whilst pushing the trolley through the supermarket! While waiting in the car to pick up the kids from school! Anywhere and everywhere.

Where will you be reading on Thursday, 14 September?

Perhaps I’ll take the kids and the dog for a walk around to the park and sit down on the grass to read a book after school. The last time we walked around to the park, both my girls had their noses in their books for the entire walk, I had to keep guiding them around trees and stopping them from walking headlong into street light poles.

Why are Australian stories and Australian books important?

Australian stories play an important role in keeping Australian culture alive and teaching Aussie history and Aussie idioms. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to read a book featuring familiar settings and to learn more about your own country.

What is your favourite Australian book?

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by May Gibbs. It was an absolute favourite growing up.

What will you be reading on 14 September?

The Greatest Gift by Rachael Johns is next up on my TBR pile. I can’t wait to dive into it!

Why are bookshops and shopping centres such important community hubs?

They’re a place to connect over shared interests. A place to converse face-to-face in a world where so much interaction has moved online. And a place to support local businesses – especially indie book stores!

Nicola Moriarty’s latest book, The Fifth Letter, is published by HarperCollins Publishers Australia.