Cariad Lloyd: Books that changed my life

This book truly changed the path my life was taking. For much of my twenties I was trying (and not really managing) to be a serious actor—I was mainly temping in offices.

After I read The Artist’s Way, I wrote a comedy show and took it to Edinburgh, and everything creative I’ve done has led from the freedom this book gave me.

It taught me that creativity is about doing what brings you joy and little to do with what others think you should be doing—I still go back to it when I feel stuck.

Buy The Artist's Way on Amazon

A very brilliant teacher, Mr Brown, read this to us in A-Level English. His rendition was so good, pupils not even taking his class used to hang by the door to hear the next instalment.

Maybe it was his love and joy for that book, but it was the first novel I read where I understood all the layers you could have in writing. How beautiful and meaningful you could make words, while also telling a story.

I lost myself to Leo’s world while we read it as a class. It was transformative to understand how much a book could take you away from where you were.

Buy The Go Between on Amazon

Chimamanda is one of the greatest living writers there are. I love all her books—her writing is just phenomenal from start to finish—but this book stayed with me because of the history I learned reading it.

I think it should be required reading for all. It’s a part of our narrative that isn’t always fully discussed, and Adichie tells it with brilliant nuance and skill. It reminded me that writing can tell you a story about this world you didn’t know yet.

Buy Half of a Yellow Sun on Amazon

Read more: Meera Syal: Books that have changed my life

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