Author Kathryn Ledson. Photo: Meredith Fuller

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 years old, I was given The Hobbit to read, followed by The Lord of the Rings. Those stories gave my imagination a mighty shove and 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 for the first time since Creation to inspect their handiwork. The Devil's in his element, of course, and poor God tries to keep up; he's way out of his depth, especially in America. These days, when watching the news, I'm often reminded of this funny story. Since reading it more than 20 years ago, I'm 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. It should sit on everyone's bedside table, like a bible, as a reminder to count your blessings; a powerful daily practice. And next to the book, a big box of tissues.

The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand

I adore Howard Roark and measure all men against him. His passion and devotion to his own truth; that he loved Dominique without needing to change her. And that bedroom scene. I realised I could never write a sex scene that would be good enough, so I don't. Rand was way ahead of her time. After reading The Fountainhead (and then Atlas Shrugged) I researched Ayn Rand but discovered I probably wouldn't like her, so stopped the research.

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Kathryn Ledson: Books that changed me