In reading Wilson’s memoir, I was reminded of a comment from the English writer Mark Haddon: ‘Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens as well.’ It was apparent as I was reading The Jane Austen Remedy, that novels such as Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Persuasion have done just that for Ruth Wilson. I found myself considering the question, How does a good book listen? What makes a book establish a dialogic relationship where the reader feels recognised, connected, and heard? Then I recalled a response written by a Year 8 student some years ago now after he had read Gary Paulsen’s novel Hatchet. Stephen was quite a character who found school challenging. At the time of composition, I decided that the staff would benefit from reading Stephen’s response and I asked his permission to share it. Whilst he seemed surprised that anyone would want to read his writing, I knew he was secretly pleased.

“I find this story very interesting and here is why. It kind of tells you that you should pay attention in class, otherwise if something doesn’t go to plan, you’re stuffed. The book Hatchet leaves you with a lot of wondering such as what is going to happen next.

The main character, Brian, is very smart at times but dumb at other times. It is a great technique to make the character do something not too clever because it makes the reader think about their own stupid actions. It attracts them to the book much more also and is a great life lesson.

At times Brian could have chosen options a whole lot worse, too. Reading gives you a lot of adrenalin and your heart beats fast at times. This is when you feel really connected. Brian is as fast as a cheetah chasing its prey when he needs to get out of trouble and get some help.

I love the backstory. I put myself in his position and could see what I would do. Notice how he refers to his parents and their divorce. I think he knows something about his mother having an affair. That made me very sad.”

Stephen’s thoughts here should make us all appreciate the power of books to both ‘talk’ and ‘listen’.