Reader 21: Penny L

Penny L is 48 and lives in Dorset in the U.K.

Describe yourself.

Happy,kind,disorganised,positive, sarcastic.


How important do you think art is?

Vitally important-what would the soul do without beautiful objects, buildings, paintings, music? I also see nature as art.

Do you do anything creative?

I knit, crochet, sew, think, bring up my children, create a home.

What are you working on at the moment?

My whole life is a work in progress. When it comes to "things" I am very good at starting things and rarely finish anything so the list includes patchwork quilts, a granny throw for my daughter, cross stitch pictures, appliqued wallhanging......

What's the best advice your parents gave you?

"You can't take it with you".


If you could live your life again, what would you do more/less of?

More running/less procrastinating.


When were you happiest?

I had a very happy childhood. I loved travelling just after we got married, I loved having small children, I love bits of now. I'm hoping I haven't had my happiest yet!

What is your favourite book?

Very difficult. I love The Secret Garden by F Hodgson-Burnett, All Passion Spent by Vita Sackville West, all of Miss Read's books, Richard Carlson's Don't sweat the Small Stuff books, Harry Potter.........


What have you learnt from books?

That I get very very twitchy if I don't have one about my person !

What's your guiltiest pleasure?

I really enjoy watching The X Factor and am happy that it's on Sunday as well this year.


What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

A better memory.


Who would you invite to a dream dinner party?

President Obama, my friend Sally, Mother Theresa of Calcutta, Queen Victoria, Michael Mackintyre, Huw Fearnley-Whittingstall and my husband.

What did you think of The Blue Handbag?

I genuinely loved reading it and managed to finish it in a couple of days. Holding it whilst stirring custard, reading it in the car whilst waiting for children... etc. I liked the characters, finding them very genuine and I liked that it reflected the fact that people's lives are never as they present themselves to the world.

How do you know the person who passed the book on to you?

I read Lucy's blog and she mentioned the book and the 100 readers project so I emailed her!!



(Fiona says: I'm still waiting for Lucy's answers and so we've cheated and skipped a person to get to Penny - I'll post Lucy's answers when they come through!)


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Thank you Penny - fine advice from your parents, and I liked your X-factor confession ; ) And I'd definitely have Hugh F-W at my dinner party too...