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The Marathon Man BY WILLIAM GOLDMAN
My father gave me this book when I was 15 or 16. It was the first
time I read an adult thriller where I said to myself, “I can’t put this
down—someone could put a gun to my head and I wouldn’t put
this down! How lucky is this Goldman guy to do this for a living?”
Subconsciously, I think, that started me on this career path. Bill
Goldman later became a valued friend and mentor. He died last
year and I miss him greatly.Bird by Bird BY ANNE LAMOTT
Once a year or so, I re-read this writing manual (though it’s really
much more than that). This is a series of hilarious and helpful essays
on writing and the creative process. It also gives the reader great
insight on why we writers are a tad insecure and just plain nuts. I use
it like a coach’s halftime speech to get me fired up to write. Give this
book to anyone who wants to understand (or become) an artist. It
will teach you, yes, but it’s also funny and poignant.
Are You My Mother? BY P D EASTMAN
My earliest reading memory is this illustrated children’s book.
A baby bird searches for his missing mother, asking the title
question to a kitten, a cow and even a diesel truck. It’s a dark
picture book. You’ll be gripped! I got the reading bug at a very
young age. I also loved The Chronicles of Narnia by C S Lewis—
my favourite childhood series. I love the way the history folded
back on itself. We can all imagine the magic of being in a house
and opening a door on a boring day to a whole new world.
Pure escapism. nBooks
THAT CHANGED MY LIFE
Harlan Coben is a New York Times bestselling
thriller and mystery novel writer. His new book,
Run Away, is out now, published by Century