The first memory I have of reading.

When I was approximately nine years old, my father deemed me capable enough to take on the task of reading bedtime stories to my younger sibling. So, I began reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary and Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe to him, one night at a time. We both enjoyed the book, which featured a herbivorous vampire bunny. It gave me a sense of accomplishment to be the designated storyteller and I felt very grown-up.

The book I enjoyed most during my childhood.
Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball. I picked it up when I was about 12, after years of watching I Love Lucy reruns as a kid. I read it voraciously, devouring everything I could about her. She set me on a path of falling in love with classic Hollywood.

The novel that had a profound impact on me during my teenage years

“Nick Hornby’s novel, High Fidelity, introduced me to a vast world of literature that I had only begun to explore in the 1990s.”

I was convinced

The author who persuaded me
I was certain

I used to think I didn’t enjoy science fiction until I came across the works of Octavia Butler. Kindred challenges traditional genres, but it showed me that I am willing to immerse myself in any story as long as I have faith in the author.

“The novel that inspired me to pursue a career in writing.”

John Irving’s The World According to Garp showed me the impact of a novel’s voice. As I walked home from the train station after completing it, I could hear Garp’s narrative echoing in my mind. While storytelling takes on many forms, only a novel has the ability to remain with you in such a powerful way.

was/were [some book]

I returned to a book called [some book].

In high school, I encountered Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, but it wasn’t until almost twenty years later when I revisited it that it truly impacted me. Many of my beloved books are ones that didn’t resonate with me initially. The timing must be right for the story to capture your heart.

and returned was

I read the book again and then gave it back.

I have frequently perused Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, yet I am always eager for any rendition or reinterpretation. The characters of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are, in their essence, unparalleled.

The book I came across at a later stage in my life.

Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Remains of the Day” was a recent discovery for me, and I regretted not picking it up sooner. Throughout every page, I was in awe of the subdued writing style. The novel tells a complex and compelling story, yet the main character’s lack of emotion on the surface adds a unique perspective. I truly enjoyed it.

is “The Great Gatsby”.

I am currently reading “The Great Gatsby” book.
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by the incomparable Tia Williams. No one can level a one-liner like her. One of the funniest, warmest, coolest writers working today.

My comfort read

When I am searching for a book that I am confident will be enjoyable, I turn to the works of Silvia Moreno-Garcia. She has a diverse range of genres and is able to tackle imaginative stories with skill. Each time I pick up one of her novels, I am captivated by the unpredictable plot. I am eagerly anticipating her upcoming novel, The Seventh Veil of Salome. Set in fifties Hollywood, it follows two aspiring actresses who are vying for the role of a lifetime. What more could a reader ask for?

On 12 March, Taylor Jenkins Reid will be the featured international author at the London Book Fair for her novel Daisy Jones and the Six (Hutchinson).

Source: theguardian.com