Happy World Book Day! To celebrate, I’ve chosen five of my favourite books. I think each one represents a different point in an evolving literary canon and highlights the way that literature has the power to change us as people.

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

Everyone must read this book.  It is significant as it marks the start of the rise of the novel in the eighteenth century and sets out various literary conventions value in novels today. A brilliant story.

The American by Henry James

Beautiful and eloquent. If you love learning new words read it with a notebook to make your own mini dictionary!

The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad

My favourite Conrad book: if you enjoy modern espionage, you’ll want to read this one.

Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis

By far the funniest book I’ve ever read.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Just read it.