'Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain impacted what I do as a chef'

Mandana Shabani, chef and founder of Brambles Café, on her favourite books

What are you reading now?
Uncommon Type, a collection of short stories written by none other than actor Tom Hanks. I'm also reading Hippie by Paulo Coelho and Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut.

What are the books that changed your life and shaped your outlook?
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. It impacted the way I look at what I do as a chef, the way I treat my employees, and the pride we have in this industry of outcasts and misfits that come together to form families within the kitchens they're working at.

Most memorable literary character (and why)?
Millie O'Reilly, the main character in Brass by Helen Walsh. It's a coming-of-age story, but Millie is a force to be reckoned with. Not your typical teen, she's wild, manic, unapologetic and nonconformist, at times spiralling out of control, but always real and true to herself. She's like no one you've ever met before, and quite abrasive, but there's a tenderness to her character that is alluring and captivating.

A book that you think is underrated (and why)?
Just Kids by American singer-songwriter Patti Smith is a memoir, written about her life and relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe. It's an honest portrayal of youth, love, friendship and NYC's art and music scene. It offers a glimpse of life in the sixties and seventies in Manhattan, with the likes of Janis Joplin, Andy Warhol and Jimi Hendrix all making a cameo. But, in the end, it's a love story about two kids who meet in NYC and remained in love even when they are friends.

Your favourite book quote.
It's difficult to choose just one. but here you go: "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..."
- Dr Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go.