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Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
Genre: Memoir / Biography / Books About Books / Literary Criticism / Humor

Book Review:

Lucy Mangan's ''Bookworm'' is a pure, unadulterated joy for anyone who has ever loved to read. It is a memoir, yes, but it is also a celebration, a witty and warmly nostalgic journey through the books that shape a childhood and, in many ways, a life.

Mangan takes us back to her own childhood, a time when ''stories were everything.'' With her characteristic humor and sharp intelligence, she revisits the books that populated her early years—from the comforting rhythms of picture books to the thrilling discoveries of Enid Blyton, the angst of Judy Blume, and the classic worlds of E. Nesbit and C.S. Lewis. She doesn't just list titles; she captures the experience of reading itself—the immersive joy, the quiet companionship, the way a story can make sense of a confusing world.

Jacqueline Wilson's praise on the cover—''passionate, witty, informed, and gloriously opinionated''—is perfectly apt. Mangan is not afraid to have strong opinions about the books she loves (and those she doesn't), and her passion is infectious. She writes with the authority of a lifelong reader and the warmth of a friend sharing cherished memories.

''Bookworm'' is more than just a personal story; it is a tribute to the power of children's literature and a reminder of why reading matters. It will make you want to immediately revisit your own childhood favorites and discover new ones. This is a perfect gift for any book lover and a comforting, delightful read for anyone who remembers the magic of getting lost in a story. Highly recommended.