'Archie comics are still a guilty pleasure-read for me'

I would love for my kids to grow up with the books that entertained me in my childhood

What book(s) are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading The Island Escape by Kerry Fisher, a beach read that covers topics like emotional abuse, miscarriages, and divorce in a light-hearted way. The author uses humour in her writing as she portrays one of her main characters, Roberta, transitioning to a stronger woman who starts to recognise her value after nearly two decades in a toxic relationship, and even finds a new love on her journey. Made up of short chapters that alternate between two best friends’ perspectives, this book is a page-turner that makes me smile.
What are the books that changed your life and shaped your outlook?
I adore biographies or any book based on a true story. Prior to Martin Scorcese’s film of the same name, I’d read The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort three times. As colourfully as the movie depicts Belfort’s life, the narrative in the book is brilliantly humorous and packed with even more jaw-dropping side stories about his unique adventures. I love that Belfort wasn’t afraid to take risks, despite all the ups and downs he experiences in his life.
What books would you pass on to your kids to read and treasure?
I would love for my kids to grow up with the books that entertained me in my childhood: classics by Roald Dahl and Dr. Seuss, as well as series like Berenstain Bears, Ramona, and Sweet Valley High. My sister and I were also raised with comics like Archies and Calvin and Hobbes, which can still be a guilty pleasure-read today as adults!
Books that you never tire of reading again and again?
Aside from The Wolf of Wall Street, I’ve also re-read Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes multiple times; a fictional novel written in the 1950s that is ahead of its time. The story line is about a man’s dreams coming true only for him to witness them slipping through his fingers. I enjoy any novel by Philippa Gregory as well; they make you feel like you’ve travelled to another era.
One important life lesson you’ve learnt from a book.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption is one of the most inspirational biographies I’ve read — as the title alone implies. It is the life story of Louis Zamperini and how he overcame one hardship after another. Angelina Jolie later directed a movie based on his life named Unbroken, which is on my watch-list!
— Staff reporter