Enid Blyton. The Magic Faraway Tree

This is the first book I remember mum reading to me. I must have been all of four-years-old. I couldn't wait for her to read the next exciting chapter about Dick and Fanny, the Angry Pixie and Moonface. Loved the magical Land of Tempers, and the Land of Do-As-You-Please. After the Faraway Series, I moved on to The Naughtiest Girl in School. I was definitely an Enid Blyton devotee. I adored the mysterious settings and have been searching for my very own Pop Biscuits and Faraway Tree in the Enchanted Wood ever since.

Richard Adams: Watership Down

I'm a huge fan of rabbits, having owned them throughout my childhood. I think my sister gave me this book when I was about ten and I devoured it in one weekend. The book's been described as a fable with the labors of the rabbits reflecting the ageless struggles between cruelty and kindness, reason and blind emotion. But I think I just fell in love with Fiver, Hazel and Bigwig and an extraordinary tale about friendship, love and compassion. I remember talking to my own rabbits for years after, hoping they'd respond and let me inside their secret rodent world. I'm still waiting.

Charlotte Bronte: Jane Eyre

I read this book in my late teens - possibly for an English subject at university. The story resonated with me probably because I was angst ridden at the time! l was captivated by the sweeping melodrama and romance, the highs and lows, and Bronte's intricate weaving  together of secret lives and private passion -  Jane falling in love with Edward Rochester, then running away, and her ultimate reunion and marriage to him. Yes, indeed! Jane Eyre has it all. I'm a huge Bronte fan but Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte) are two of my all-time favourites.

Marian Keyes: Watermelon

I love Keye's sense of humour, her take on modern life and her first person confessional tone of writing. I think she is a very funny and clever writer. I have read all of Keye's books and admire her down to earth nature and generosity in talking about her setbacks and personal demons she's had to conquer during her life. I also admire her ability not to take herself too seriously. She's fabulous.

Stephen King: On Writing

When I read this book which is part memoir, part tutorial, on the craft of writing, it all clicked for me. I've always loved story writing but King's book really opened my eyes to the craft. His anecdotes and personal struggles as well as his practical advice on writing have been invaluable to me. At least once a year, I'll go back and reread On Writing and I always learn something new. He's an inspiration.

There you have it. What are some of the books that have changed you?