[Eurytus]

I found the Big Read to be inspiring and depressing at the same time. Inspiring because the numbers do suggest that more kids have been reading the shortlisted books and given reading levels today this has got to be good news. Also to have a series of programs about books on primetime, on a mainstream channel is also good news.

It was depressing because some of the presenters seemed to believe their slots were an opportunity to talk about themselves. Ruby Wax, I am talking to you.
And depressing because in the final program the BBC seemed to encourage the kind of crowd reactions you would get at a sporting event. Whooping their champion and booing the others. Totally ludicrous.

Also slightly depressing due to the books featured. Although I was very pleased to see His Dark Materials finish so high. In fact I would consider it to be the success of the night. It was just another poll win for LOTR but I do not think anyone expected HDM to chart so high before it began. Especially with no film or TV adaptions to raise the profile.

[Leiali]

I didn't see Ruby Wax but I did hear from a friend who's favourite book The Catcher in the Rye was being 'sold' that she did not do a very good job.

I agree that His Dark Materials did well, and I think it will still stand a giant in the years to come, but I also would say that it was a really good night for the Hitchhikers Guide as it was a surprise hit. Good stuff!

[Beleg]

The best thing for me in this read was the position of To Kill a Mockingbird and Birdsong, two very very good books. They ended up inside the first 10 and showed that good mainstream literature still captivates.