Kelly Hoppen: Which book do you still mean to read, and why has it stayed on your list? — FLAPSS

The question

Which book do you still mean to read, and why has it stayed on your list?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

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KH

Kelly Hoppen

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

All of them. I’m not someone who can sit down and read – I wish I could.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗

Others on this question

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My own biography! Being serious, there’s an Australian novel by Gregory Roberts called Shantaram that I didn’t read through.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 13 January 2024 source ↗

Siobhán McSweeney

I feel no shame about not reading a book. That’s silly.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2023 source ↗

I used to give a fantastic talk about Frankenstein and Dracula, but I’ve never been able to finish either book.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 October 2025 source ↗

Andrew Ridgeley

Joseph Conrad’s Lord Jim, which was one of the set texts for my English literature A-level. I have almost finished it.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 14 December 2024 source ↗

More from Kelly Hoppen

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Question What worries you about getting older? Time & hindsight

Nothing: I live in the now.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗

Question Which trait in yourself do you like least? Identity & self

Fear of flying.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗

Question What trait do you most dislike in other people? Values & belief

I can’t bear people who lie.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗

Question What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you? Failure & regret

“Your cooking sucks” – before I learned to cook in Covid.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗

Question Who deserves an apology from you, and for what? Failure & regret

My mum. I was horrendous growing up – I was always arguing with her.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗

Question How would you sum yourself up in three words? Identity & self

Fiercely loyal, funny, easy-going. I’m sure my daughter and stepdaughters wouldn’t agree with the last bit, but I think I am.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 September 2024 source ↗

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