Helen Skelton: 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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HS

Helen Skelton

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

My new year resolution is actually to read all the classics and I’m ashamed that I haven’t read everything by the Brontë sisters.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 January 2026 source ↗

Mentioned in this answer

Person Brontë sisters not yet on FLAPSS

Others on this question

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I’ve never read any Salman Rushdie.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 29 August 2026 source ↗

Natalie Imbruglia

None. I’m not ashamed. I’m dyslexic so I don’t read a lot of books.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 18 July 2026 source ↗

Loads. All the greats.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 9 September 2023 source ↗

Ulysses – I’ve tried many times and never got through it.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 13 June 2026 source ↗

More from Helen Skelton

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Question What lesson has mattered most in your life? Time & hindsight

That you get out of life what you put in. When you grow up on a farm you literally reap what you sow.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 January 2026 source ↗

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

Jealousy. It’s the thief of joy.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 January 2026 source ↗

Question What one change would most improve the quality of your daily life? Daily life

More sleep – my children do not sleep.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 January 2026 source ↗

Question What worries you about getting older? Time & hindsight

Losing my eyesight – I live for the view, and the sunset and the sunrise.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 January 2026 source ↗

Question How would you want people to remember you? Death & what remains

As someone who made you think that anything’s possible. I did three marathons in a day once but walking the high-wire at Battersea Park station was the challenge I loved most because I had to master a skill.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 January 2026 source ↗

Question What would you most want to leave your children? Death & what remains

Good memories. When I’m gone, I want them to feel that they were always my No 1 priority.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 January 2026 source ↗

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