meet Hazel
Best book you’ve read… don’t overthink it
A Place of Greater Safety, Hilary Mantel.
What’s a book you pretend to have read but have never finished?
The Iliad (and the Odyssey haha) which is pretty shameful seeing as I did study History and Classics. One day.
What’s better – the book or the movie?
Usually the book. Unless we’re talking The Princess Bride, which is probably the best film ever made and I will die on this hill. Same goes for Stardust.
Where do you read most often?
In bed probably? Or on the train.
What do you struggle the most with when you’re reading?
Attention span, definitely. Getting distracted by my phone/surroundings/general thoughts.
Most used emoji?
Probably the double pink heart or the extra smiley face, just so people know I am Very Friendly and Not Mad At Them.
Favourite thing to do (when you’re not reading of course)
Getting outside and going for a walk or a swim in the sea. Preferably followed by a pint of some kind.
What would your friends say about you?
Hopefully something nice? ‘Bit useless but means well’?
Describe yourself in three words
Absent-minded, yet amusing
What’s something everyone should try at least once in their life?
The wraps from Nile Valley in Edinburgh.
What’s on your nightstand?
Candle (from Rare Birds, obvs), a book or two, many many old glasses of water. Most likely other miscellaneous items. I’m not the tidiest person.
Why did you join Rare Birds?
I’m super passionate about great books, especially those written by women, and it’s so nice to be able to do a job which promotes them, as well as working alongside a lovely team every day.
Would you like to write a book? What would it be about?
I am actually writing one, albeit incredibly slowly, which I don’t think I’m meant to say too much about haha. But after that I have plans for a folk-horror novel, and also something set in ancient Rome!
Invent the title of a self help book you’d most benefit from reading
Just Do It: How to Stop Procrastinating and Do the Thing
What would be the title of your biography?
‘I Didn’t Mean To’: an Accident-Prone Existence