Isabella Milbank 

People often comment that I’ve always got my head in a book. I just find that reading is such a great way to pass idle moments; when I’m on the bus or in a doctor’s waiting room, for example. I’ll read almost anything, but on the whole, I tend to go for books that a friend has recommended. That way, you’re almost guaranteed to get a good read. I’d have to say that my favourite kinds of books are modem crime thrillers. I just love it when the plots are really cleverly constructed. The very best ones are those that keep you guessing right up until the end. It’s so disappointing if you manage to work everything out half way through.

4. Emily Hawthorne 

I used to read a lot of romantic novels, but I guess I sort of grew out of them. Now, I’m hooked on biographies. I’ve read about so many different kinds of people: historical figures, politicians, celebrities, you name it. They’re all interesting in their own way. I enjoy autobiographies, too, but I sometimes wonder how true a picture they actually paint. I mean, when you’re writing about yourself, it must be tempting to leave out anything that shows you in a baa light.

Henry'Crawford 

I guess some would say that I read a fairly narrow range of books. I do read the occasional modern novel, when something particularly catches my attention, but generally, I prefer the classics, by authors like Dickens and Eliot, for example. They are both wonderful, of course, but in my opinion, no one compares to Jane Austen! People are often surprised when I tell them that Jane Austen is my favourite author because they think she only wrote romance novels. Her books deal with love and marriage, but oh the whole, they're actually more about general relationships and human nature. I’ve read all of her books. They are like old friends you need to meet up with every once in a while!

3. Ian Reed 

I don’t usually read for entertainment; I guess it just feels like a waste of time to me. But what I do enjoy reading are books that I think I can learn something from. You know, non-fiction books about historical events or current or political issues like the environment, for example. I realise these kinds of books aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s a shame that more people don’t give them a try. I admit that in the past they, could often be a bit tricky to read, but that has all changed now. These days, plenty of them are written in quite an entertaining style and in a language that any reasonably educated person can comprehend.