'Bill Bryson's travel books opened my eyes to the pleasures of wandering near and far': Graeme Scott

Director of Fairgreen International School on the books he grew up reading

What books are you reading?
I'm reading Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine. My son bought me the book and it makes for fascinating reading; particularly interesting and provocative is the way algorithms are challenging human skills in the fields of medicine, policing and other industries.
A book that changed your life?
I wouldn't say they changed my life necessarily, but Bill Bryson's travel books certainly opened my eyes to the pleasures of wandering near and far. His combination of cultural understanding, vicious humour and self-deprecation captivated me so much that I devoured each one of his books and often re-read them.
A book you think is underrated?
Red China Blues by Jan Wong. Having lived in Hong Kong, I've always been fascinated by Chinese history and culture. Red China Blues is a captivating account of Wong's life in Maoist China. It's a gripping, shocking exposé of life under a brutal regime, and some of the heroes and villains that rose to the surface. Unputdownable!
Memorable literary character?
Probably Sherlock Holmes. When I was younger, I read many of Arthur Conan Doyle's books and Holmes became so vivid to me, it was difficult to think of him as merely a fictional character. I liked his unpredictable and, at times, irreverent nature and, of course, his brilliant mind.
Your favourite book quote.
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go." - Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr Seuss.
- Staff reporter