MY SIX BEST BOOKS

WILLIAM, 87, has played Ken Barlow in Coronation Street since 1960. His book Life And Soul – How to Live A Long And Healthy Life (Hay House, £10.99) is out now.

RUPERT

by Alfred Bestall

(Out of print)

A Rupert The Bear hardback would be published every few months when I was growing up and I’d get so excited. My parents always bought it for me and I read them avidly.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES

by Charles Dickens (Penguin Classics, £5.99) This was a school book but I was totally caught up with the characters and their story. I’ve always loved Dickens and enjoy watching the stories on film and television too.

SINATRA: BEHIND THE LEGEND

by J Randy Taraborrelli (Out of print) I’m a big swing music fan, especially when sung by Frank Sinatra. It was fascinating to read about his extraordinary and very complex life.

OLIVIER by Philip Ziegler (MacLehose Press, £12.99) Laurence Olivier was a mesmerising actor and, reading this, I really felt I got to know him better. I met him three times, the first time was when I was starting out and he encouraged me to keep acting. Later, I thanked him.

IN TUNE WITH THE INFINITE

by Ralph Waldo Trine (Out of print) Who and what we are and how we can live a fulfilled life through positive thinking is the central theme of this book. We’re all part of the one energy and it’s up to us to use that knowledge in a positive way.

EMMANUEL’S BOOK

compiled by Pat Rodegast and Judith Stanton (Out of print) A book about life in the cosmos and life after death. It’s full of love and truth and hope and has helped me to expand my understanding of who I am. I find it very comforting.