The book I am currently reading

The perfect book to read a chapter at a time as Toksvig rides the Number 12 bus around London, telling us about the area near each bus stop as well as writing about her life.

The book I recently finished

This book left a nasty aftertaste in my mouth. Yes, Glenconner has had somewhat of a tragic life (losing two sons is surely devastating) but she has also lived a life of incredible wealth and privilege, with her husband running around buying houses like normal people buy packets of biscuits, and even buying an entire island (Mustique). This is not to mention her friendship with Princess Margaret, her role in the coronation of the Queen, and sharing a nanny with Princes William and Harry. This book successfully made me even less of a monarchist. Bring on the republic.

The book that changed my life

When I was 18 I read a book in the public library about gap years. It made me decide to go to Israel to volunteer on a kibbutz rather than going straight to university after school.

The cookbook I keep going back to

Full of brilliant recipes that you can easily adapt to suit your taste buds and your budget.

The last book that made me cry

A Kind of Spark. In my job I work with a lot of autistic teenagers. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see neurodiversity represented in children’s books like this. But not just in any children’s book; this is one of the best children’s books I’ve read in years. Get yourself a copy now.

The last book that made me laugh

Chris Heath documents the Pet Shop Boys’ 1991 American tour, complete with their witticisms and the strange situations they find themselves in.

My comfort read

I just love Holden Caulfield and I discover new things in the story every time I read it. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve re-read it.