29/05/2026
Wild Readers of Chiswersmith
The Wrong Hands by Mark Billingham
Wild reader Joe, and his wife Liz, shared a moving ‘reading story’ with us at Hammersmith’s Riverside Studios. Over a decade ago, Joe suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. Among its many life-changing effects, it left him with impaired working memory, difficulty sequencing, and black and white thinking. No longer could he easily make inferences or understand the perspectives of others. Amazingly though, he could still read.
Encouraged initially by brain injury charity The Silverlining, and more recently by his Brentford Library book group, Joe set out to improve his brain function through reading. “Joe’s brain injury can’t be cured but reading has absolutely helped his cognition,” says Liz, “and he’s also been able to improve his communication with others, and develop friendships, by discussing books.”
Most people will never be challenged the way Joe has been, but his story has implications for us all - reading is good for your brain!
Joe gives his current read, the 2nd in Billingham’s Detective Miller series, 4 out of 5 stars. “I’m enjoying it but I can’t say it’s the best book I’ve read so it’s a 4.” To learn more about Joe's journey, visit British Airways youtube video: Joe's First Flight Back.
British Airways The Silverlining Charity Riverside Studios
