Interview with Mr Brown: on the significance of politics, critical engagement, and perspectives.

Interview conducted by Adelheid Ye

What kind of a reader would you describe yourself as?

At the moment, my reading focuses on two types of books. I like non-fiction, mostly biographies, that focus on significant figures in history or current political events. I also enjoy fiction books where the use of language is unique and exciting.

What about biographies intrigues you?

I like to read about historical events and get an individual's perspective of current and historical issues.

Has reading about an individual's perspective or historical event changed your view of the world (or life) to a large extent? And what are some specific examples?

One of the most recent biographies I enjoyed was John McCain's last book (The Restless Wave). I appreciate his honesty and willingness to reflect on when he got things wrong and right. And I think that ability to critically reflect on yourself and be willing to acknowledge honestly when you've done something wrong or right is an incredibly important skill. It's very difficult to move forward and improve if you lack that skill.

I agree completely. Do you think that reading has helped develop your abilities to think more critically about the world around you? And Is this what you seek out in reading, to gain perspective about the society we live in?

Absolutely. It's important to expose yourself to new perspectives. For example, in that same McCain book, there was an extended discussion as to how the right decision can sometimes lead to the wrong outcome and that sometimes it is important to judge decisions independently of their outcome. That can be a curve ball to grapple with initially but there are many contexts in which that makes sense.

You seem to have developed your thinking and perception of the world quite a lot through reading. Can you give some insight on how budding readers can be more reflective whilst reading? And are there any specific reading material that you think would help us understand the world around us better?

With regards to the first question, discussing your reading with someone else is the best way to encourage reflection.

I think, on an ongoing basis, long-form journalism is the best way to engage with current issues. I enjoy The Atlantic, for example, but LongReads.com has a great selection of material. It is important for people to include this type of reading as a supplement to books etc. as it encourages ongoing critical engagement with current issues in the world around them.

Interesting. I too am a subscriber to The Atlantic, I find their articles very insightful. What are your thoughts on reading fiction other than the use of language?

I enjoy fiction; it is an escape that allows you to relax. It can offer broader insight into the lived experiences of other people which is important.

Can you elaborate on why you believe that is important? And give some examples of works of fiction which can offer such 'broader insight'?

I think we always benefit from thinking about what it is like to walk in other people's shoes. It can guard us against developing excessively insular attitudes. I was speaking to a Y7 student the other day reading 'The Boy in Striped Pyjamas' - that's a great example. I read a book recently called Sweetbitter, better for Year 12 and up, which speaks to the challenges of young women getting into the restaurant industry in New York City.

How do you actively exercise the knowledge that you retain in reading to everyday life?

I think reading allows you to store nuggets away which you will then spontaneously use when the situation presents itself.

Great tip, moving on from this interview topic. How do you find time to read?

Well I allocate time each morning to reading the news. I get up reasonably early because I like to prioritise this as part of my daily routine. A lot of my long-form reading, i.e. books etc., comes in the breaks where I have time to sit down and read continuously for an extended period of time.

Has it benefited you to a larger extent by establishing habits and allocating time for reading? In contrast to reading when you like.

Absolutely, I think it needs to be an established part of your daily routine but I would note that you do have to enjoy that time otherwise you won't keep it up.