How Channel Islanders rediscovered the joy of reading in unexpected ways
A growing number of people in the Channel Islands have rediscovered their love of reading over the past year. Some took on ambitious challenges, while others simply picked up a book for the first time in decades. Their stories show how reading has become a way to unwind, explore new genres, and even break personal records.
One reader managed 135 books in a year, while another returned to novels after a 30-year gap.
Sharon Hurel, 53, from Guernsey, had not read a book in over three decades. That changed when she was stranded at an airport after Blue Islands, the airline she was due to fly with, suddenly closed. To pass the time, she picked up Wild Love by Elsie Silver—and finished it. Since then, she has read eight more books, finding that reading before bed helps her relax and 'switch off' from daily life.
Her daughter, Chloe Browning, who works for Aurigny (the airline that replaced Blue Islands), has always been an avid reader. Last year, she read 135 books, often choosing what she calls 'short and crap' titles for easy, stress-free enjoyment. She also recommends books through TikTok, Facebook reading groups, and apps like Goodreads and Book Tracker. Her favourite recent read, The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, surprised her as it was outside her usual genre.
Meanwhile, Aimee Curzon, a Senior Client Relationship Manager, set herself a goal of reading 100 books in 2023. She ended up finishing 102. Her challenge pushed her to explore different styles and authors, proving that even busy professionals can find time for reading.
For Alice, a marketing professional from Jersey, the habit had faded after years of skim-reading during her GCSEs. But after leaving a demanding role at a media organisation, she returned to books—starting with classics like The Great Gatsby and Gulliver's Travels. She now reads regularly, rediscovering the pleasure she once lost.
Chloe Browning encourages others not to feel guilty about their book choices. Whether it's literary fiction or light entertainment, she believes any reading is worthwhile—even if the books seem 'stupid' to some.
These readers show how books can fit into different lifestyles, whether for relaxation, challenge, or pure enjoyment. Some have rebuilt old habits, while others have set new records. What they share is a simple message: picking up a book, no matter the genre or pace, can bring unexpected rewards.
