Leavers' Post: Miss Bishop

Our final post of the year is usually our leavers' questionnaire, but this year it's come slightly earlier than usual, because - sadly - Miss Bishop is leaving us at the end of term: nevertheless, she very kindly paused in the middle of all her packing to answer the book blog's questions. 

What were you reading when you were a teenager? 

All of the Harry Potter books with a particular favourite being Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. 

I was always a really keen reader of autobiographies, with some personal favourites being written by Michael Phelps and Serena Williams.

What are you planning to read this holiday? 

I have a huge love for non-fiction books centred on the disciplinary intersection of sociology, economics and geography. Any book which advances my understanding of the economics of criminality and contemporary geopolitical relations is something I always tend to turn to. 

Therefore, I am aiming to read some books in this area including Moneyland: Why Thieves and Crooks Now Rule the World and How To Take It Back by Oliver Bullough and The Dictator's Handbook: Why Bad Behavior is Almost Always Good Politics by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita.

What/who is your all-time favourite book/writer? 

My absolute favourite books are the Jack Reacher crime thriller novels, written by Lee Child, with a particular stand-out title being Gone Tomorrow.

Who’s your favourite fictional character? 

Absolutely has to be Hermione Granger - the 11-year old me aspired to be just like her! So much so, my parents would have to watch me doing re-runs and remakes of some of her best film scenes!

Do you have a favourite word/favourite line from a book? 

'Not all who wander are lost' from Lord of the Rings - this brings back the message to value the journey and to embrace the blessings that come with change.

If you had to recommend one book that everyone should read, what would it be? 

One of the most fascinating books I have ever read was Narconomics: How to Run a Drug Cartel - 

again, it's a book that perfectly illustrates the economic underpinnings of the international drug trade, combining our understanding of geography, economics and politics, whilst also expertly tying each chapter to a legitimate business principle and mapping this on to its workings in the global narcotics industry. A fascinating insight and a must read for any budding geographers or economists or those who may want to take on the fight against the international drug lords!

Many thanks again to Miss Bishop for taking the time to answer our questions: we're incredibly sorry that she is leaving SPS, but we wish her all the best for the future, and hopefully you'll be inspired to read some of the books she's recommended here: have a great Easter!