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'The Alchemist is a lesson in how to react to obstacles'

Talking books with Gillian Hammond, Principal, Repton Abu Dhabi

What book(s) are you are reading right now?
I'm currently reading two books. The first is called Improving Schools from Within: Teachers, Parents, and Principals Can Make the Difference by Roland S Barth. This book resonates deeply with me as it focuses on what is most important in any school - the students, teachers and parents. These stakeholders are key to bringing about and sustaining any worthwhile change, as they know the school best and are more invested than anyone else. The anecdotes Barth shares throughout the book are thought-provoking long after I've finished reading them.
The second book I'm reading is a psychological thriller called The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy. It is fast-paced and surprising. I really can't put it down. It is about a group of mothers (and one 'token' father, as he's called) whose lives unexpectedly become linked as they navigate the pressures of being first-time parents and one of them faces a tragedy.

What are the books that changed your life and shaped your outlook?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This is not the usual book I would select (I unashamedly love crime thrillers). However, I read this as part of a book club over 10 years ago and there is a dialogue that has stayed with me since. A mysterious man explains to a young boy on a journey of discovery what the world's greatest lie is. "That at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie." I believe people have a choice, certainly on how they behave and react to obstacles. I also encourage people to be unrealistic - dream bigger!

Most memorable literary character?
Matilda Wormwood from Matilda by Roald Dahl. Roald Dahl is, by far, my favourite children's author, whose books I spent hours reading as a child (I highly recommend Dahl's Revolting Rhymes to make you laugh). I'm also extremely proud to share that Dahl is a Repton School alumni! His character Matilda was expertly brought to life in the 1996 film by the actress Mara Wilson and it reminded me just how much I loved her
determination, imagination and courage. Let's just hope my students don't remember me as Agatha Trunchbull!

A book that you think is underrated?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. It has so many important life lessons such as being grateful for the simple things in life; following rules; greed will always get you into trouble; and if you can dream it, you can achieve it.

Your favourite book quote.
"There are a whole lot of things in this world of ours you haven't even started wondering about yet." - Roald Dahl, James and the Giant Peach.
- Staff Reporter