Recently I received a tweet from Rebecca Monks who writes for The List Magazine, asking me if I could tell her my favourite book, and why, for an article she was compiling for The List in advance of World Book Night.
I was able to respond immediately because I am very firm in my thinking. My favourite book is Ali Smith’s The Accidental. Don’t get me wrong, I have a long list of books I absolutely adore but this one in particular will always stay with me for it’s boldness, it’s beauty, it’s incredible narrative voices and for its overwhelming message that anything in writing is possible if you are brave enough.
I can honestly say it’s the first book I have read that has taught me the important message to believe. Believe in what you are writing, have faith in your story, be strong in support of your own narrative and the rewards will be there.
I’ve subsequently read other books that deliver the same message – Eimear McBride’s A Girl is a Half Formed Thing and indeed Ali Smith’s latest novel, How to Be Both which is simply stunning. Intelligent, funny, daring and absolutely beautiful. It was a joy to read and its extraordinary strength actually made my heart beat a little bit faster.
I wasn’t the only one to give my thoughts on my favourite read, there are other wonderful recommendations that will make your book shelf swell with magic. You can read the article in full here
On the subject of books and writing… I’m very excited about the launch of the second edition of The Birds That Never Flew next month. If you’d like to come along, and please do, everyone is welcome, you can find more information here. I really hope to see you there!
What’s your favourite book and why?
Margot McCuaig 
Like you Margot it’s really hard to pick a favourite from so many possibles. If pushed, I’d go for The Butcher Boy by Patrick McCabe, For me it’s the perfect combo of poignancy and black comedy. I loved the film of it too. Really looking forward to hearing you discuss TBTNF next month.
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Oooh, I’d forgotten about that book, I loved it too! For me most books give me something but it’s not always the case that they make you really think about the potential of writing, like Ali Smith does for me. Glad you’re coming along to the TBTNF event, looking forward to it!
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