Author David Nicholls shares his personal reading journey, from early memories of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "Moomins" to his struggles with Jane Austen (specifically "Persuasion," which he finally appreciated during lockdown) and his admiration for Sue Townsend's "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4." He also discusses books that influenced his writing, those he rereads for comfort, and authors he discovered later in life, like Helen Garner and Edna O’Brien.
David Nicholls: ‘I’m nervous to admit it but I struggled with Jane Austen’
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Author David Nicholls shares his personal reading journey, from early memories of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "Moomins" to his struggles with Jane Austen (specifically "Persuasion," which he finally appreciated during lockdown) and his admiration for Sue Townsend's "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4." He also discusses books that influenced his writing, those he rereads for comfort, and authors he discovered later in life, like Helen Garner and Edna O’Brien.
- 1 Early life: Read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," joined Puffin Club, read "Moomins."
- 2 Teenage years: Read "Great Expectations."
- 3 Early 80s: Read "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4."
- 4 Lockdown: Finally appreciated "Persuasion."
- 5 Later in life: Discovered Helen Garner and Edna O’Brien.
- 6 Currently: Reading "Things in Nature Merely Grow" and "The Country Girls."
- Provides readers with recommendations and a deeper understanding of Nicholls's literary background.
What: Author David Nicholls reflects on his reading experiences, literary influences, and personal relationship with various books and authors.
When: Published July 4, 2025, covering his life from childhood to present, including lockdown period.
Where: UK (implied, as he's a British author), West London (mentioned in comfort read).
Why: To provide insight into the literary tastes and inspirations of a well-known author.
How: Nicholls shares anecdotes and opinions on specific books and authors, detailing their impact on him.