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No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy

Memoirs of a Working-Class Reader

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No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy

By: Mark Hodkinson
Narrated by: Mark Hodkinson
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Mark Hodkinson grew up among the terrace houses of Rochdale in a house with just one book. His dad kept it on top of a wardrobe with other items of great worth - wedding photographs and Mark's National Cycling Proficiency certificate. If Mark wanted to read it, he was warned not to crease the pages or slam shut the covers.

Today, Mark is an author, journalist and publisher. He still lives in Rochdale but is now snugly ensconced (or is that buried?) in a 'book cave' surrounded by 3,500 titles - at the last count. No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy is his story of growing up a working-class lad during the 1970s and 1980s. It's about schools (bad), music (good) and the people (some mad, a few sane) and pre-eminently and profoundly the books and authors (some bad, mostly good) that led the way and shaped his life. It's also about a family who just didn't see the point of reading, and a troubled grandad who, in his own way, taught Mark the power of stories.

In recounting his own life-long love affair with books, Mark also tells the story of how writing and reading has changed over the last five decades, starting with the wave of working-class writers in the 1950s and '60s, where he saw himself reflected in books for the first time.

©2022 Mark Hodkinson (P)2022 Canongate Books Art & Literature Cultural & Regional Journalists, Editors & Publishers Memoir
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His explanation of books he has read and their origins help to illuminate the culture of north England

Empathy shown by author toward others in the telling of his story

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I would love to hear your top 100 books. ,
Not what you think you should say, but simply what you love.

working class bibliophile

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Having grown up in a working-class home close to Rochdale at around the same time as Mark Hodkinson, I was particularly intrigued by this book, and it didn't disappoint. At times poignant and humorous, while always remaining thought provoking, this book gave a sharply-observed view of its setting. By no means did I find myself always in agreement with Mark Hodkinson's opinions - Jane Austen IS magnificent - but I was always interested in his views.

A Paean to Reading

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A nice blend of autobiography, social & local history, well written and good have the author’s narration.

An interesting narrative

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I must admit, I was a little anxious when I bought this audio book, I wasn't sure how it would work out. However I soon found myself enjoying Marks narrative of his life waymarked through books. I am sure it is because as a working class boy of Irish immigrant parents in London, I found books to be the greatest of comforts in my early life, having said that, both my Dad and Mum were avid readers, despite having left school well before they reached their full potential, and my Mum had taught me to read before I attended primary school. So I did not experience the bemused incredulity Mark found from his family. I found Mark's story interesting, and I identified with his heartfelt sentiment towards the joy derived from reading. I do feel however that the "Grandad" theme was slightly overdone, and it seemed like another narrative tacked on to the main one, and I must admit I was more often than not rather relieved when those short segments ended. On the whole a very enjoyable experience, it may not suit every one, but I was happy with it. I feel the writer has left some great recommendations which I might eventually look into myself.

Authentic voice of a Lover of Books

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