Our interviewee for May is Frederica Joseph. Frederica is a long term member of the African Caribbean Literature Reading Group,
which meets at West Greenwich Library on the first Thursday of the month.
What was your favourite book as a child?
Oh dear! We’re talking about going back some years. I don’t recall having a favourite book, but I recall, in my teens, enjoying reading 'Tolkien' -now referred to as the Lord of the Rings. I had the 3 books in 1 and, despite a daunting start, was determined to read it regardless of the complex language.
Also 'Brave New World' by A.Huxley.
If I was a child of today, it would be 'So Much' by T. Cooke.
Do you remember the first book you read?
Sadly no I don’t. Learning was an important aspect in my family and I was encouraged to read and create my own stories as a child.
Where do you do most of your reading?
Hmm ... usually as means to end my weary day!!!
Some people have unusual habits whilst reading. Is there anything you do while you read?
On occasions I have had a tendency to nod off! Does that count?
Which author would you most like to meet and why?
I have to confess that there isn’t an author as such that I would really like to meet, but it would be nice to speak with Merle Collins and Jean Buffong for producing black literature with a Caribbean twist, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to congratulate her on her award winning book.
Also Malorie Blackman and Roddy Doyle who have penned a number of amusing children’s books.
What sort of books do you like to read?
Fictional books with elements of factual events interwoven. Books that challenge my thinking, develop my learning, make me laugh and transport me to another place entirely.
If you were washed up on a desert island, which eight books would you want to have with you?
Hmm, that’s tricky! Probably books that I’ve read and enjoyed some time ago such as 'No Black Sparrows' by N. Roy, 'Jump Up and Kiss Me' by J. Buffong and N. Payne, 'Isis Papers' by Dr. F C Welsing, 'The Blacker the Berry' (author escapes me) and 'The Colour of Forgetting' by M. Collins.
Also books that I haven’t got around to - 'Small Island' by A. Levy, 'Give Me My Father’s Body' by K. Harper and a friends work in progress novel/play.
Is there one book that you couldn’t be without?
A dictionary comes to mind!!
What was the last book you read?
'The Hangman’s Game' by K. King-Aribisala.
What do you do with a book when you have finished reading it?
I usually put it on a shelf or return it to the library, eagerly anticipating the next read!
Do you belong to a reading group?
Yep! Joined the African Caribbean Reading Group approximately 2 years ago. It provides a great opportunity to share your thirst for reading with others in an all to often jovial atmosphere. I highly recommend it as there are different styles to suit most people of all ages.
Do you buy or borrow books?
Both. I really do love bookshops, particularly the ones that entertain my endless minutes of browsing. I also a library member and regular visitor through their doors.
Find out about library reading groups