Yes - I am usually overweight. I have had to be interested in diet because of being diabetic for 30 years and having kidney failure.

Will you lie to me and promise to read them? Books need to be read. The pages need to be turned.

I'd love a day devoid of responsibilities. I've often thought about going to a hotel just to have a day away from everything.

I am from the working class. I am now what I was then. No amount of balsamic vinegar and Prada handbags could make me forget what it was like to be poor.

Barry Kent's father looks like a big ape and has got more hair on the back of his hands than my father has got on his entire head.

I've always loved books. I'm passionate about them. I think books are sexy. They are smooth and solid and contain delightful surprises. They smell good. They fit into a handbag and can be carried around and opened at will. They don't change. They are what they are and nothing else. One day I want to own a lot of books and have them nbear to me in my house, so that I can stroll to my bookshelves and choose what I fancy. I want a harem. I shall keep my favourites by my bed.

It's no surprise to me that intellectuals commit suicide, go mad or die from drink. We feel things more than other people. We know the world is rotten and that chins are ruined by spots.