We asked our authors from around the world to share their thoughts on why they write, why they read, and the books that have influenced them.
Here’s what they had to say.
Tell us why you read and share your favorite books! Join the discussion @HarperCollins on Twitter using #hc200.
Jim O’Connor
I really have no hobbies—nearly all of my leisure time is spent with a good book. Besides being so pleasurable, reading is how I’ve learned about worlds other than my own and, in turn, learned about myself. When I think back on my childhood, I can still picture myself reading Charlotte’s Web, which in addition to being the first “thick” book I read on my own was also the first book to make me cry. It had a profound impact on me and I’m sure in some way contributed to my wanting to write books for children.
