I began reading the Guardian Weekly in 1976 when a graduate student from England introduced me to it. We were at the University of Washington in Seattle. I liked the super-thin paper and asked him what he was reading. He gave me his copy and I was hooked.
The viewpoints expressed by the writers coincided with my own and seemed right on. Years later when someone said it was a “lefty” paper, I disagreed because it seemed so “right” (ie accurate), but then I had to admit that I’m pretty left in my thinking.
I remember enjoying James Cameron’s take on Asian affairs; and Simon Hoggart’s humorous satire. I still mourn their passing and wish that I could open the paper someday and read their columns again.
I generally read the paper cover to cover, excluding the puzzles and sports. I enjoy Paul Evans, Polly Toynbee, Oliver Burkeman and Gary Younge, and always look forward to Notes & Queries, the features and the book reviews.
I have learned so much about world issues and have become a regular donor to several charities due to articles I’ve read. The paper has been a weekly joy for me. I now live in Arlington, Virginia, across the river from Washington DC, and while I scan the newspapers here for local news, my favourite paper is the Guardian Weekly. It’s a great paper – the best, in my opinion.
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