A job that changed me: As a bookseller I realised reading is more than an insular pleasure – it builds connection too

The Guardian UK Monday 09 November 2026, 14:00 UTC By Caitlin Cassidy 1 min read

Key Points

I learned how to recommend the perfect book for a child whose parents were divorcing and how to identify something based on vague descriptors such as ‘the cover is orange’Get our weekend culture and lifestyle emailI was in my early 20s when I landed my dream job. It was early 2018 and I had just started a master’s degree at the University of Melbourne, mostly because I didn’t know what to do with a bachelor of arts. I had majored in creative writing without really thinking about a future...

I learned how to recommend the perfect book for a child whose parents were divorcing and how to identify something based on vague descriptors such as ‘the cover is orange’

Get our weekend culture and lifestyle email

I was in my early 20s when I landed my dream job. It was early 2018 and I had just started a master’s degree at the University of Melbourne, mostly because I didn’t know what to do with a bachelor of arts.

I had majored in creative writing without really thinking about a future career, certain only that I had always loved writing and reading books. But it turned out debating the pros and cons of Ernest Hemingway and penning poems about teenage breakups didn’t exactly land you a job.

Sign up for our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Sunday morning

the University of Melbourne (ORG) Ernest Hemingway (PERSON)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

Society must act to help 1.25 million white working class pupils, inquiry says Schools alone cannot fix the barriers holding back white working-class pupils without action from "across society", an independent review has warned A landmark independent inquiry investigating why England's schools are failing white working class pupils has launched its next stage, pledging to turn its findings into lasting change for youngsters. In the summer, the inquiry found that once-in-a-generation reforms...

Daily Mirror 29m ago

Parents and teachers decry Google pledge to yank Search if schools block AI: ‘This threat is nothing but extortion’

Company says schools should control student AI use, but if they block its AI tools, they’ll lose access to search engineParents and teachers across the US are criticizing Google’s announcement that schools choosing to block AI tools could also lose access to Google Search. Google announced last week a range of new AI tools for schools and classrooms, alongside options allowing teachers and administrators to restrict their use. The company said schools should have control over whether...

The Guardian Tech 52m ago

DUP seeks to block law on Irish-medium schools

The private member's bill would require Stormont's Department of Education to prepare a workforce plan on Irish-medium schools.

BBC Northern Ireland 1h ago

Sudan teachers go on strike over meagre salaries and dilapidated schools

Sudan teachers go on strike over meagre salaries and dilapidated schools Teachers across the country say their pay no longer covers basic living costs. Khartoum, Sudan – For 26 years, Amal Suleiman Ahmed al-Haj has worked as a secondary school teacher in Sudan. But her monthly salary of 132,000 Sudanese pounds ($13.20) only covers her family’s basic needs for a few days.

Al Jazeera 1h ago

A job that changed me: As a bookseller I realised reading is more than an insular pleasure – it builds connection too

Related Stories

Society must act to help 1.25 million white working class pupils, inquiry says

Parents and teachers decry Google pledge to yank Search if schools block AI: ‘This threat is nothing but extortion’

DUP seeks to block law on Irish-medium schools

Sudan teachers go on strike over meagre salaries and dilapidated schools