MY SIX BEST BOOKS

HELEN LEDERER, 60, was a key player in the alternative comedy scene of the 1980s and appeared on TV in comedy classics Bottom, Absolutely Fabulous, French And Saunders and Girls On Top. Her novel Losing It ( Pan, £ 7.99) is out this week. GRACE WILLIAMS SAYS IT LOUD

by Emma Henderson

Sceptre, £ 8.99 A moving, arresting book that tells the story of an institutionalised disabled child, alienated from her family. It’s an amazing perspective and it prompted many emotions. THE CONSCIENCE OF THE RICH

by C P Snow

House of Stratus, £ 8.99 I read this when I was young. It’s an early satirical look at the politics of wealth and pre- war socialism, set within a rich Jewish family.

It’s thought- provoking and I love the elegant, arch writing style Snow had. THE GIRLS OF SLENDER MEANS

by Muriel Spark

Penguin, £ 8.99 My favourite author. This is a romantic and evocative look at the coming of age of a group of young women.

I love her style, as in this quote from the book: “Long ago in 1945 all the nice people in England were poor, allowing for exceptions.” She is witty and understated.

WHATEVER YOU LOVE

by Louise Doughty

Faber & Faber, £ 7.99 When I was a judge on the Costa Book Awards this is one I read. It’s a gripping, emotionally raw thriller.

Everyone needs a thriller when they go away. The main

STARTER FOR TEN

by David Nicholls

Hodder, £ 8.99 A laugh- out- loud read. Making people laugh is an important function of fi ction and it’s what I tried to do in my book.

It’s a warm, touching story of a young man who arrives at university with the ambition of being on University Challenge. I thought that he was a real discovery as a writer and now the world has caught up.

ROOM

by Emma Donoghue

Picador, £ 8.99 This is told from the viewpoint of a young boy held captive in a small room with his mother.

It uses unusual devices to tell the story and observe their relationship. It’s written with innocence and truth. To order any of the books featured, post free ( UK only), please phone The Express Bookshop on You may also send a cheque made payable to or postal order to:

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