
Richard has been reading since he was a young kid and finds it a great form of escapism. Whether it's beating the boredom on an away trip or simply taking some time out, reading helps Richard to relax and forget about any stresses or pressures he may be facing as a professional footballer. Reading is also a great educator – you learn a tremendous amount about human nature and our differing views on the world.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by JK Rowling
Richard says: "I am a huge fan of all the Harry Potter books but the Half Blood Prince is my favourite in the series as the character Severus Snape features heavily in this installment. Snape is an engaging character with deep complexities. He is a complicated man with flaws, like all of us, and it becomes clear as the book progresses that he is on a journey of redemption. The twists and turns of his journey make this a real page turner!"
The Green Mile by Stephen King
Richard says: "The Green Mile was the first Stephen King book I read and the gripping plot had me hooked by the end of the first page. It’s a powerful story of death row guards who face a moral dilemma when they encounter an unusual inmate who appears to have the power to heal. It’s a rollercoaster of a story, one which moves you from elation to rage. It really is a must read."