Best book in the world? Don't ask me!

Two months ago I received an invitation to take part in the Bookshop Barnie Xmas Bash at Foyles in London on December 17.

If you've never heard of a Bookshop Barnie click here.

The Xmas Bash is different to the usual format but no less terrifying. Instead of one author there are six contestants, each one arguing for 'The Best Book in the World'.

Participants are given two and a half minutes to present their case. After a brief Q&A three contestants are voted off. The remaining speakers are given a further minute before the audience votes for the winner.

Organiser Austin Williams did his very best to appeal to my ego:

Previous Xmas Barnie Balloon debaters have included Alain de Botton, Cosmo Landesman, Shiv Malik, Razia Iqbal, Zoe Williams, Tristram Hunt, James Delingpole, David Aaronovitch, Evan Davis and more.

I would be delighted if you would say yes – notwithstanding that you may regret it nearer the time – but it is an enjoyable event with a good reputation.

How could I decline? Well, I'm ashamed to say I did, but only after procrastinating for several weeks. Eventually, and with some regret, I replied as follows:

Dear Austin,

I was very flattered to be asked and I did give it some thought. Unfortunately the invitation freaked me out a little so I buried it under a long list of things to do.

Your comment "notwithstanding that you may regret it nearer the time" struck a chord because while I try not to turn down things that are out of my comfort zone, as the date approaches I invariably ask myself why on earth I agreed to do it.

I should add that arguing for 'Best Book in the World' filled me with dread because I read so little. Four years studying Eng Lit at university was such a chore it put me off books for 20 years. Even now I read relatively few books and I can't imagine many people who are less qualified to talk about 'The Best Book in the World'.

Anyway the event kicks off with drinks at 6.00pm and finishes at 7.30 leaving, in Austin's words, "plenty of time for yet more drinks".

I would have gone, if only to watch, but I'm otherwise engaged (in Ireland). Warmly recommended, though.