Who we are and what we are reading...

Editor-in-Chief

Elsbeth Lindner: There are times, as a reader,when you can't see what all the fuss is about. I had one of those times with The Night Climbers by Ivo Stourton.

Managing Editor

Sheila Ferguson: I absolutely loved Mark Haddon's A Spot of Bother. I instantly identified with George and his anxieties, and was impressed by Haddon's ability to tackle serious, and often painful, subjects while still managing to make you laugh out loud at life's absurdities.

Feature Writer

Julie Wheelwright: I've long been a fan of Alison MacLeod's lyrical, funny and poignant writing and her new collection of short stories Fifteen Modern Tales of Attraction doesn't disappoint.MacLeod is a master at nuance with a wry sense of humour that's often tinged with the faintest hint of darkness. A delightful and disturbing commentator on the human condition.

Contributing Editor: Children's and Teenage Fiction

Helen Boyle: I'm a sucker for front covers and, in the departure lounge at Heathrow, I was drawn to The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. I wasn't disappointed either, as it's a wonderful tale that weaves fairy tales and legends together with the heart-breaking reality of a young boy struggling to deal with the death of his mother. An exciting and moving tale.

Designer

Nikki Elson: I'm currently reading Queen Camilla by Sue Townsend but if I'm honest I'm struggling to pick it back up to finish it. It has got some amusing parts but I can't say I'm really warming to the characters or wanting to find out what happens to them. It is well written and I have enjoyed her other books so I'll persevere and see what happens.

Advertising and Sales

Pien Wensing: Haven't managed much reading lately . . . but my pile at the moment includes, amongst many others, The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, The End of Mr Y by Scarlett Thomas and The Sultan's Seal by Jenny White. The latter I have bought as a result of a great review in newbooks!

Publisher

Guy Pringle: Whenever our reading group decides to read a classic I immediately volunteer Hardy's Return of the Native but the choice this time was Wilkie Collins's Moonstone - no bad thing, not least because I'd already read it once and am genuinely enjoying it all over again. Only slightly worrying that the resolution of the plotline has evaded me quite so completely!