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.
I read because it’s in my DNA. At birth, I inherited the love of reading from my parents. Some of my favorite childhood memories were spent in their arms, listening to a good book, my mind traveling to new places in this world and beyond.
My mom says that as a child, I had such an active imagination that I created fantastical scenes with my Barbie Dolls. She read that Toni Morrison did the same and thought excitedly: okay, Jenna will be a writer.
And it is because of great writers like Toni Morrison that I wanted to write. And great teachers like my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Cutingham, who told me my writing showed promise; and in order to be a good writer I needed to read, read, read. And so now when I am lost in a great book, I thank my parents, Toni Morrison, and of course Mrs. Cutingham.
