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.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

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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Because it’s in one of my songs, War and Peace.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 19 April 2025 source ↗

Ulysses by James Joyce, but I might make a start next week – or the week after that …

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 26 July 2025 source ↗

I’ve never got through Ulysses.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 October 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 Kelly Hoppen

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Question When were you most embarrassed? Failure & regret

Years ago in a safari park in South Africa, and getting all dressed up for dinner. Walking across the lawn, I didn’t realise there was a swimming pool that hadn’t been lit and walked straight into the shallow end fully clothed. It still haunts me. I remember trying to get out as if no one would notice.

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 worries you about getting older? Time & hindsight

Nothing: I live in the now.

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

Question What do you believe happens when we die? Death & what remains

I don’t know and I don’t really care, because I’ll be dead, so it won’t really matter.

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

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

Living life to the full, not having regrets and not trying to plan your future too much. Just enjoy every minute.

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 ↗

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