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'I was really sad to say goodbye to Ove'

Talking books with Karen Osman, best-selling author of The Good Mother, The Home, and The Perfect Lie

What are you reading now?
The book club pick for this month on Karen's Bookshelf (my online show about books) is The Neighbour by Fiona Cummins, which I've just finished; it was brilliant. I've also just finished Tracey Chevalier's A Single Thread, which is a beautifully written historical story. Next up: Postscript by Cecelia Ahern.

A book that changed your life?
Great question! There have been quite a few that impacted me. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts was one, because I found his writing so immersive and powerful, taking the reader to a completely different world. I wanted to emulate that as an author myself. The other book is Wild Swans by Jung Chang, which I read in my late teens; it cemented my absolute passion for travel. Finally, on the career front, The Four-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss altered my worldview completely in terms of how we live our lives. I still refer to it regularly.

A memorable literary character?
As a child, I always dreamt of being Nancy Drew from the detective series, so she's definitely up there as a favourite. Recently, I read A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman and loved how the writer revealed so many facets of his personality. I was really sad to say goodbye to his character when the book ended.
A book you think is underrated?
I'm not sure how underrated it is but I'm always surprised more people haven't read The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. It's unique in that it's told from a dog's perspective and is a wonderful story that's both clever and heartwarming.

Your favourite book quote - and why.
"A clock ticks for all of us, silently, somewhere." This is from one of my favourite books, The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom. However, the older I get, the more I realise just how important it is to take a few minutes to appreciate everything I have and to use that time I have wisely.
 - As told to Karen Ann Monsy