Finding the perfect book is often less about searching the shelves and more about following the footsteps of those whose stories have already captured our imaginations. Whether it is a timeless classic that sparked a lifelong passion for prose or a contemporary masterpiece that offered a fresh perspective on life’s complexities, a truly great recommendation acts as a bridge between readers.
As part of World Book Night on 23 April, the National Year of Reading is inviting everyone to lean into the love of reading by joining the #ReadingHour from 7pm to 8pm. The event is organised by The Reading Agency, a charity dedicated to bringing people together through the power of sharing and gifting books.
In this curated selection, five acclaimed authors and cultural tastemakers share the singular books that moved, challenged, and delighted them. From sun-drenched memoirs to surreal cosmic adventures, these are the essential reads that come personally vouched for by the best in the business.
Adele Parks Recommends People Pleaser by Bryony Gordon
Parks said: “A brilliantly joyful, laugh-out-loud relatable novel. Olivia Greenwood prioritises pleasing everyone else: her parents, her children, her boss, her husband; it’s not making her happy. One day Olivia wakes up and can ONLY please herself. It’s quite the awakening! An insightful and hilarious midlife coming-of-age book. I enjoyed every second.”
Peter James Recommends My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
James said: “This is a book about someone who actually follows the dream that many of us have – but rarely act on. A family up-sticks and moves to an idyllic life in Corfu, with the central character, Gerald, utterly obsessed by every living animal and critter. It is one of the books that got me into reading, and it fills me with joy every time I return to it.”
Sir Ian Rankin Recommends The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Sir Ian Rankin commented: “I can’t imagine anyone not falling in love with The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Whether you read it or listen to it, it’s immersive, hilarious, unguessable - and although fantastical, it all makes perfect sense. Stick your thumb out and welcome aboard!”
Adam Kay Recommends The Lady in the Van by Alan Bennett
Kay noted: “The Lady in the Van by national mega-treasure Alan Bennett is the story of how an eccentric homeless woman lived in his driveway for fifteen years. It’s the first book that ever made me laugh out loud when I read it as a teenager, and it still makes me laugh today. And it’s only 100 pages!”
David Larbi Recommends The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Larbi called The Midnight Library “a beautiful and poignant exploration of depression and existential doubt.” He added: “This book helped to get me out of a reading rut and gave me renewed appreciation for the life I have when it can be so easy to wonder about our lives not lived. It’s the perfect time to read this as Matt Haig’s upcoming book The Midnight Train, set in the same universe, is soon to be released.”
