theguardian.com
Memorable Books
An author recounts significant books from their life, including their first reading experiences, favorite childhood books, and works that influenced their writing aspirations.
English
United Kingdom
EntertainmentLifestyleLiteratureBooksWritingReadingMemories
NietzscheDostoevskyRichmal CromptonWilliamFlann O'brienRichard DawkinsE.l. DoctorowYosser HughesCharles DickensPipJoeJoseph HellerGeorge OrwellPg WodehouseTim Shipman
- What is the author's earliest memory of reading?
- The author's earliest reading memory is sitting with her mother at the kitchen table, looking at a comic called Sparky. Her mother pointed to words, and the author quickly learned to read.
- Which book changed the author as a teenager, and how?
- Reading Flann O'Brien's *At Swim-Two-Birds* at 16 was transformative, as it was the first time she saw the Dublin accent accurately represented on paper, making it funny and relatable.
- What was the author's favorite book growing up, and why?
- When the author was 10 or 11, she loved *Just William* by Richmal Crompton because William always got away with things and the adults were portrayed as foolish.
- Which author almost changed the author's mind about God?
- While not directly changing her mind, Richard Dawkins's *The God Delusion* almost made the author question her atheism; however, she resisted agreeing with Dawkins's perspective.
- Which book made the author want to be a writer, and why?
- Reading E.L. Doctorow's *Ragtime* at 18 or 19 convinced the author she could write, inspired by its blend of fiction and reality, its descriptive style, and its overall magical quality.