As part of Bedford Borough Council’s Year of Reading, we are asking every councillor to tell us about one of their favourite books.
And we’re starting with Councillor Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families, Children's Services who had no hesitation in picking out Small Great Things, the 2016 novel by Jodi Picoult.
“It’s got a bit of everything,” she said. “I read a lot, and whilst I don’t know if you’d call Small Great Things a modern classic, I think it’s great. I love books which are driven by their characters, and that’s exactly what this is.
“It’s about a nurse who is accused of killing a baby, there’s themes of racism, but that’s all the context for how these characters react to the world and the events around them.
“The way that Jodi Picoult develops the characters, gives an insight into their lives and how they feel, that’s what makes it my favourite.”
But while Councillor Walker picked out a modern tome, her favourite author growing up was a name familiar to generations of readers: Jane Austen.
She said; “I loved Jane Austen growing up. I used to absolutely eat them up, and I still do.
“They were like the Mills & Boon of their time, but 200 years later people still relate to them. I went to Bath before Christmas to have tea in the tea rooms, and I felt like I was in a Jane Austen book!”
Bedford Borough Council’s Year of Reading will take place throughout 2025, with a wide range of events and initiatives to celebrate and promote reading across the Borough, including town centre performances, literary trails, and author readings.
There will also be a range of volunteering opportunities, such as the chance for adults to volunteer in local primary schools, helping to improve children’s reading skills and life chances.
To find out more or to get involved visit www.bedford.gov.uk/yearofreading or email yearofreading@bedford.gov.uk