We all have books that have shaped our thinking and stayed with us long after we finish reading.

Here are five books that have changed my life:

1.  We Need To Talk About Kevin – Lionel Shriver:

This brilliant book put the final nail in the coffin of motherhood for me.  Opinion is fiercely divided on the nature versus nurture debate it raises.  I think Kevin was born evil and it terrified me.

2.  Lace – Shirley Conran:

Every bit as shocking as Fifty Shades at the time of publication, I read this under the duvet aged 13 – along with Cosmopolitan,  it’s where I learned about sex. As teenagers, we were comparatively unsophisticated back in the 1980s.  Aged 42, I still find the goldfish scene repulsive!

3.  Chavs – Owen Jones:

I have always thought I was working class but after reading this I’m not sure any more.  This book turned all I thought about class on its head and left me reeling.

4.  My Mother, My Self – Nancy Friday:

The mother-daughter relationship is so powerful. We remain invisibly and silently connected by the umbilical cord for the rest of our lives.

5.  One People – Guy Kennaway:

A wonderful, happy and unique book which is brilliantly observed.  It’s like being transported to Jamaica. A huge drop of sunshine that still makes me laugh out loud.