We've all got an opinion on what leadership has been displayed in this global crisis. Some have said that the countries which have coped best with the pandemic have been those led by women. Read my review on 'Women and Leadership' below to form your own opinion.

But I was intrigued to read recently that the crime writer, Val McDermid believes the strongest, most empathetic leaders are those who read fiction.

Speaking at the Edinburgh Book Festival, she said novels enable you see a life outside your own bubble. They help you to understand the world and imagine a better future. She named Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand and Sanna Marin, prime minister of Finland as all enjoying reading fiction.

Former President of the United States, Barack Obama was well known for his broad and intelligent reading of novels and non-fiction, and he had a huge following for his reading lists.

His latest memoir 'A Promised Land' is due out next month on 17 November, the same day the winner of this year's Booker Prize was to be revealed. Such is the level of excitement for Obama's book, though, the Booker team has opted to delay their announcement so that the two events don't clash. "We have decided to give readers a couple of days' breathing space," they said.

We're all becoming familiar with plans changing this year. Sometimes this is hugely disappointing, other times it can feel strangely liberating. But writer and TV presenter, Susie Dent had a rather horrible experience when she picked up a newly published copy of her new book 'Word Perfect' last week. The wrong text had been printed! 

"I opened it up and saw there was something wrong in the acknowledgements," she told The Times. "And then I had to close it because I felt a bit sick. There are quite a few errors."

The publisher acted quickly in recalling all the copies that had been sent to bookshops, and ordered another print run using the correct text. Meanwhile Susie was able to introduce us to a word appropriate for the occasion: "Today I can testify to the effectiveness of 'lalochezia," she said. "The use of swearing to alleviate stress and frustration."

We'll have the correct version of the book available to ticketholders attending our event with Susie on Thursday, of course.