Bringing books to life at Teesside University

Celebrated young writer Richard Milward brought his written words to life at Teesside University to help mark World Book Night.

Each year World Book Night aims to encourage more people to read, with events held across the country to distribute books and celebrate reading.

Middlesbrough-born Richard was at Teesside University’s Library where he donned a wig and creative headgear depicting a block of flats to read extracts from two of his novels Kimberly’s Capital Punishment and Ten Storey Love Song.

Richard, who was 22 when his debut novel Apples was published in 2007, has also written for numerous publications, from magazines to national newspapers. His books have been translated into nine languages.

He said: ‘Last year it was inspiring meeting kids at Abbey Hill School in Stockton on World Book Day and this year coming to Teesside University has been my first involvement in World Book Night. It’s great to see events such as this thriving, encouraging folk of all ages to dive into the monochrome magic of books.

‘It’s the first time I’ve ventured inside Teesside University’s Library and it’s great to see such modern facilities being enjoyed by the students.’

Richard, who studied Fine Art at Central St Martins College of Art and Design, added: ‘It was reading Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh when I was quite young which really opened my eyes to books. It also led me to read books which had influenced him, which in turn got me interested in other books.

'It’s always good to be involved in anything which helps to promote the enjoyment of reading.’

Free books to mark World Book Night were distributed during the event, supplied by the World Book Night organisation, Blackwell Books and Teesside University.

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