The books that CHANGED MY LIFE

Sophie Hannah Author Sophie Hannah’s latest novel is The Killings At

Kingfisher Hill, the fourth in her mystery series starring Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. She shares the books that have made her laugh, cry and think…

THE LAST BOOK THAT

MADE ME LAUGH Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern made me shake with laughter. It’s one of the greatest comic masterpieces ever written. Halpern’s father is terrifying, hilarious and unforgettable.

THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME CRY I recently cried while reading

Complex PTSD: From Surviving To Thriving by Pete Walker, an in-depth analysis of a psychological phenomenon that I had not previously heard of. Walker’s heartbreaking descriptions of the terrible psychological harm that people sometimes inflict are distressing and enraging.

THE BOOK THAT CHANGED THE WAY I THINK I’m reading it now:

The Courage To

Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. I love a new approach to self-help, and this one is based on the ideas of psychotherapist Alfred Adler. I am already thinking differently about trauma and goals and I’m only about 10% in!

THE BOOK THAT GOT ME THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME

I read Plots And Errors by Jill Mcgown while in hospital, trying for five days to have a baby who was determined not to come. This intricate tour-de-force of a detective novel kept me riveted and was far better at easing my pain than an epidural!

THE BOOK I MOST OFTEN GIVE OTHERS I must have

bought Coming From Behind by Howard Jacobson about 20 times. Each time, I reread it, then pass it on to someone who is yet to discover its comic genius. The funniest and cleverest novel I have ever read, and a brilliant exploration of vanity, ego and dashed hopes.