Bookish blasts
A weekly column looking at a question, quirk or reflection about the way we read, inspired by our community of book lovers
Has a book ever changed your view of an artist?
Biographer John Richardson inspired a love of Picasso while novelist Somerset Maugham demolished Gauguin. Which writers have changed your opinion?
Bawling for books: which titles make you cry?
Which books have you welling up, weeping or wailing? Now’s your chance to share it with others, and tell us why they moved you
The best books-and-music pairings
Listening to music and reading not only can go together, but can make fantastic partners and intensify both experiences. Here are your favourite pairings – with couples like Stephen King and Petshop Boys, sci-fi and Aphex Twin or Atwood and Beach House
The 100 best nonfiction books of all time: what should make the list?
The Observer has embarked on a two year quest to come up with a list of books that have shaped the Anglo-American imagination. Which are your top titles?
The best music to listen to while reading – or is it sacrilege?
Tune into our crowdsourced playlist of great background music for your reading – or don’t, as some of you hate the idea of mixing both arts. Where do you stand?
What is the best music to listen to while reading?
And what are the best specific music-book pairings? Share your favourites to contribute to our crowdsourced playlist
Which are the best books to read on your commute?
Nothing can ease the pain of travelling to work better than an engrossing read. Which books would you recommend?
