Mastodon The Writing Desk: Book review: What Writers Read, Edited by Pandora Sykes

31 January 2023

Book review: What Writers Read, Edited by Pandora Sykes


Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US 

This fascinating book is based on simple idea of asking thirty-five writers to talk about their favourite book. Some are well known, others less so, but I was impressed by the honesty and diversity of their choices.

Some are inspiring, some poignant, but each has something to say about the craft of writing – and what might have inspired them.

In her introduction Pandora Sykes says, ‘knowing an author’s favourite book feels like a delicious piece of insider information- like peeking behind their brain curtains to see the cogs turning within.’ 

They can be read in any order, and none are more than a few pages, with a short bio of the author at the end. Pandora suggests the format is ideal for those spare minutes in the bathroom or before nodding off for the night. My copy lives in the glovebox of the car, perfect for unexpected delays.

Al the contributors gave their work for free, and the proceeds are donate to the work of the National Literacy Trust.  

Highly recommended.

Tony Riches

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About the Author

Pandora Sykes is a journalist and broadcaster. She is the creator of multiple podcasts and audio documentaries including The High Low, and is the host of The Missing. Her debut essay collection How Do We Know We're Doing It Right? was a Sunday Times bestseller, and she has written for the Sunday Times, Vogue, Guardian, GQ and Elle. She lives in London. Find out more at https://pandorasykes.com/ and find Pandora on Twitter @PINsykes

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