14 Books Helping Our Key Workers Survive

Books are valuable for so much more than simply reading, they're for sharing, escaping, learning and growing.

- Parisa Hashempour

For many of us, they are a form of therapy. But for key workers operating in the UK during the pandemic they have been lifelines. Here, coronavirus front-liners reveal what reading means to them right now, how books helped them cope, and most importantly, which books have been on their reading list.

The Prison Doctor

by Dr Amanda Brown

Charlie Ross, prison officer

I have been running the prison’s COVID-19 symptomatic isolation unit. This means anyone who shows symptoms, has been in contact with a confirmed case or is new to the jail must live on my unit for 14 days in total quarantine. The PPE shortage in March meant that I had one mask to last me days of shifts.

We aren’t allowed to take any technology into the prison, no phones, Fitbits or Kindles. An old-school, bent spine and crinkled-paged book is something I had never thought I would turn to and love—but I’m so glad I did. The Prison Doctor reminded me I’m not alone in my work and the traumas I see. I also use the book to send to others to explain my job, it gave me the words when I couldn’t find the energy to use my own.

Pie Fidelity: In Defence of British Food

by Pete Brown

Kirsty Hall, teacher

I love food and eating out and in a time of restaurant closures and travel bans, this was the perfect remedy to fill that hole in my life. Pete is from Yorkshire (like me) so this was also close to my heart.