Jenni Fagan Shares Literary Loves and a Lesson from Maya Angelou

Scottish author Jenni Fagan recently opened up about the books that shaped her life. Her earliest memories involve an intense fascination with fairytales, which she deeply internalized as vital moral lessons, influencing her understanding of human kindness and duty from a young age.

Later, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit became her definitive childhood favorite. Fagan found its fantastical world incredibly transformative, expanding her sense of fiction's possibilities and creating a profound connection to its characters and settings.

She also cited classics like Frankenstein and the impactful shock of A Clockwork Orange among her significant reads. Above all, Fagan shared the profound influence of Maya Angelou, who taught her the vital principle of owing oneself hope.

Reading truly is a journey of self-discovery.

Related reading: The Complete Guide to Actually Finishing What You Write and Why I still write everything by hand first.