On discovering a travelling library on the grounds of Windsor Castle, the Queen borrows a book. A few books later, she is hooked. As a result, HRH embarks on an awsome literary journey, through the works of writers from Ivy Compton-Burnett to Beckett, from Ian McEwan to Proust. Bennet is hilarious and has created a wonderfully believable and loveable character of the the Queen and this book is a delightful read for everyone who knows the joys (and dangers) of getting lost in a good book!

Rarely does a book induce me to say, 'an absolute delight', but this one did. A sumptuously appointed narrative revolves around the Queen's abruptly acquired, all consuming passion for reading, and the ensuing miscellany of court antics, equerry interactions and other deliciously humorous situations. The clever, understated, sure-footed prose and dialogue is so believable, so real, you feel as if you are actually there; observing silently, unnoticed in the corner of the room. His bold, seemingly nerveless decision to choose and emphatically capture our monarch as the lead character, is matched by an ability to carry it off so effortlessly. Personally, I thought it had the feel of a classic. A classic in conception, originality and execution. And definitely classic Alan Bennett - a master of his craft. Being a rather slim volume its easily devoured in a session or two; time simply whizzing by. And yes, I wanted more, much more, more of the same. Please. What does the Queen herself think of the book I wonder? One can only guess, but I'm sure this author knows the real answer.

This is a highly entertaining and witty read about what happens when one discovers the joy of reading. It follows the Queen as she discovers a mobile library that visits Buckingham Palace and out of politeness she takes a book out and begins her journey through the literary world with the advice and guidance of Norman, a kitchen hand she promotes to a page. The views of her advisors and servants and of the public as a whole are entertaining and raise some interesting questions about how readers and reading is perceived, however incorrect these views are. And Her Majesty's varies techniques to squeeze in a bit more reading are highly entertaining and scarily familiar in places. This is a must read for any and all book and readaholics, and maybe for non-readers too, to show that us readers aren't the scary standoff-ish individuals they perseive us to be.

It must be a funny old business being the Queen, you can't even take the corgis for a walk to the local bookshop without finding yourself popping up there in fictional form. In this latest literary outing for the Queen, her public life and official duties quickly lose their charm after a chance encounter with a mobile library in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. A quick and charming read as quintessentially English as a cup of tea.

I really enjoyed the witty lines and light hearted homage to reading and books. It made me laugh out loud a few times and cemented my thoughts on how important reading is to living. It also made me realise that I should get on with my own writing too. An interesting, amusing and thought provoking little book.