My Dad Disappeared When I Was A Kid. Years Later, I Got A Letter That Changed Both Our Lives.Letters from my father filled emotional voids and encouraged my writing journey, ultimately allowing me to pursue a college education.
Novelist Francesca Segal: Wuthering Heights did peculiar things to my romantic expectations'Reading poetry with my father instilled an early love for words and humor, shaping my literary journey and personal reflections.
Roddy Doyle: A PG Wodehouse audiobook made me laugh so much I had to stop the car'Reading evolves through experiences, memories, and emotions.Influential books shape our understanding and aspirations as we grow.
Lissa Evans: Charlotte's Web had me beside myself with rage and disbelief'Charlotte's Web's emotional impact stems from a girl's betrayal of Wilbur in favor of a ferris wheel ride, which caused deep personal outrage.
Novelist Francesca Segal: Wuthering Heights did peculiar things to my romantic expectations'Reading poetry with my father instilled an early love for words and humor, shaping my literary journey and personal reflections.
Roddy Doyle: A PG Wodehouse audiobook made me laugh so much I had to stop the car'Reading evolves through experiences, memories, and emotions.Influential books shape our understanding and aspirations as we grow.
Lissa Evans: Charlotte's Web had me beside myself with rage and disbelief'Charlotte's Web's emotional impact stems from a girl's betrayal of Wilbur in favor of a ferris wheel ride, which caused deep personal outrage.
Stephen King: I loved Lord of the Flies the way kids love Harry Potter'The impact of formative books shapes personal and creative identities throughout life.
Matt Haig: I use Winnie-the-Pooh as a pencil sharpener for the mind'Reading agricultural catalogues sparked early joy in storytelling.Roald Dahl's The Witches was a thrilling childhood favorite.SE Hinton's The Outsiders resonated deeply during teenage years.Emily Dickinson inspired hope during tough times and influenced writing aspirations.
Hari Kunzru: I am just as enchanted by The Great Gatsby now as when I first read it as an A-level student'My favorite books growing up influenced my desire to become a writer, sparking a passion for reading and storytelling.
Stephen King: I loved Lord of the Flies the way kids love Harry Potter'The impact of formative books shapes personal and creative identities throughout life.
Matt Haig: I use Winnie-the-Pooh as a pencil sharpener for the mind'Reading agricultural catalogues sparked early joy in storytelling.Roald Dahl's The Witches was a thrilling childhood favorite.SE Hinton's The Outsiders resonated deeply during teenage years.Emily Dickinson inspired hope during tough times and influenced writing aspirations.
Hari Kunzru: I am just as enchanted by The Great Gatsby now as when I first read it as an A-level student'My favorite books growing up influenced my desire to become a writer, sparking a passion for reading and storytelling.
Edna O'Brien in her own words archive, November 1962Exploration of Edna O'Brien's background, writing inspiration, and approach to storytelling.
Roxane Gay on Marguerite Duras and Kaveh Akbar on Amos TutuolaRoxane Gay discusses her admiration for Marguerite Duras and her book The LoverGay appreciates Duras' willingness to press taboo buttons and take risks in her writing