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It touches your heart and stays there forever

Read with Almas Hashmi, Journalism and Media student at Middlesex University

What are you reading now?
The third and final installment of the Arc of a Scythe series - The Toll by Neal Shusterman. Also, How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry.

A book that changed your life and shaped your outlook?
Every good book I've read has shaped me in one way or another. One would be Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. More than just a dark romance, it taught me that life isn't perfect, and it takes more than just love to make any relationship work. Also, I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson. Based on twins with an ever-changing relationship, it comes with all the right feels of a wholesome read. I'd also have to mention the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. I read the first book when I was 10 and the series had such a major impact on me, it truly shaped my personality while I was growing up.
 
A book that you believe is underrated?
There is a retelling of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, called The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You by Lily Anderson. Initially, it seemed like a cliché hate-to-love story, but with just the right amount of drama, love, friendship, and mystery, it evolved. It actually took me quite a few days to get over how happy this book made me.
Who would you consider a memorable literary character?
Rudy Steiner from The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. He is just the kind of character that touches your heart and stays there forever. He definitely deserved better, all the good ones do.

Your favourite book quote.
"You're in the right place at the right time, and you care enough to do what needs to be done. Sometimes that's enough." - Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus. I love how it highlights what I believe - a bit of what has to happen and a bit of what you can do, has the power to change the world.
- As told to Maheshpreet Kaur Narula