The Common Reader (Virginia Woolf)

"The Common Reader" by Virginia Woolf is a collection of essays exploring literature and reading. Woolf examines how ordinary readers experience books and the importance of personal interpretation. She discusses authors like Jane Austen and explores themes of storytelling, narrative structure, and the role of literature in shaping individual and cultural identity. The work emphasizes that reading is a private, reflective act that can reveal deeper insights about ourselves and society. Overall, it highlights the significance of accessible, everyday engagement with literature, and encourages appreciation for the personal connection between reader and text.