Books

Melbourne author Kathryn Ledson. Photo: Michael Clayton-Jones

THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS J.R.R. Tolkien

There was quite a period of time after Enid Blyton and Elyne Mitchell where I searched unsatisfied for magic and adventure in the fiction I read. Then, when I was 13, I was given The Hobbit to read, followed by The Lord of the Rings. I realised then anything was possible in the world of fiction and fantasy and I loved that idea, absolutely loved it.

THE OLD MAN AND MR SMITH Peter Ustinov

God and the Devil visit Earth in human disguise. The devil's in his element, of course, and poor God tries to keep up. He is way out of his depth, especially in America. Since reading it more than 20 years ago, I am inclined to view global events through a more satirical eye. It makes the horror slightly less horrific.

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A FORTUNATE LIFE A.B. Facey

The life and times of an Aussie battler, Albert Facey. That poor, lucky man - blessed with a bloody great attitude. Has anyone survived more difficulty and hardship in life, only to consider themselves ''fortunate''? We could all do with a dose of A Fortunate Life now and then.

THE FOUNTAINHEAD Ayn Rand

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Books that changed me: Kathryn Ledson