Reading Matters is edited by me, Kim Forrester (aka kimbofo), a self-confessed book addict, freelance journalist/editor and blogger.
I am an expat Australian and have lived in London, UK, since 1998. I reside with my long-term partner, an Irishman called T (but often referred to here as "Mr Reading Matters"), in a pokey flat in which there is never enough room to store all my books!
I created this site in 2004 to share my love of books and all things bookish with a wider audience, but there are reviews on Reading Matters dating from 2001, which were originally published on a personal website.
What sort of books do you read?
The site's main focus is modern and contemporary fiction, although I'm not averse to reading the odd classic or two.
My special interest is Irish literary fiction, but I also have a penchant for Australian fiction, anything set in New York, Venice or China, books in translation, true crime, crime fiction, narrative non-fiction and memoirs (by writers).
To get a flavour for the types of books I like to read, check my list of 40 of the most memorable books I’ve read. And you can visit my Top 10s for other suggestions.
Who are your favourite authors?
My two favourite authors are the late John McGahern and Jennifer Johnston.
You can visit my favourite authors page to see a full run down of other writers I admire. These include everyone from MJ Hyland to Sebastian Barry.
Do you only publish reviews on this site?
No. I also write about book news, book stores, book events and book lists. I'm also quite partial to a bit of "literary tourism", so I'll often write about places I've visited and their bookish connections. Dublin, which is a UNESCO City of Literature, is a particular favourite haunt.
How many people visit this site?
Reading Matters attracts upwards of 8,000 hits a week. It was named number 1 in the Top 10 UK Literature Blogs by Cision in 2011 and number 2 in the Top 10 UK Literature Blogs by Cision in 2010. It is currently ranked in the Top 50 book blogs by Invesp, the Top 20 literature blogs by Wikio and frequently makes the Top 100 book blogs by Technorati.
It notched up ONE MILLION page impressions in January 2011.
How do I contact you?
You can contact me via my contact page or simply leave a comment below.
I'm always happy to share book tips and blogging advice via email. As a trained journalist, I can also be commissioned to write freelance articles on books and literature for blogs, newspapers and magazines. (Visit my professional website for further information.)
Or if you'd like a guest post for your blog simply ask.
If you would like me to review a particular book please read my review policy first and then email me rather than leave a comment below.
