Make friends with Bookmate for easier reading

Help is here at last for the millions put off reading by ‘the awkward nature of paperback books’.

Stevenage design group Tick has improved on the design of the human hand with Bookmate, a specially-designed hand-held plastic aid. ‘I have never seen anyone look comfortable holding open a paperback book,’ declares designer Martin Boronte, who evidently needs to get out more. ‘The books tend to close, therefore reading requires some physical dexterity, especially when doing it with with one hand.’

Those brave enough to tackle a paperback single-handedly can now read in comfort and be the envy of fellow commuters everywhere. But Bookmate’s uses don’t stop there. Colour it black for a sturdy fake moustache, or thread string through each corner to form a pair of compact safety goggles.