Arabic version: المؤلف بنيامين وود يتأمل في الكتب المؤثرة والإحباطات

Benjamin Wood, a noted author, shared his reading experiences and the impact of various books on his life. He discussed the profound effect of John Steinbeck’s “The Red Pony,” which moved him to tears during his secondary school years. Wood expressed admiration for how vividly Steinbeck evokes landscapes in his writing, a quality that has left a lasting impression on him.

According to The Guardian, Wood recounted his journey to becoming a writer, highlighting how a period of illness led him to discover Paul Auster’s works. The novels “Mr Vertigo” and “In the Country of Last Things” inspired him to pursue fiction writing, igniting a passion that continues to drive his literary career.

Wood also reflected on his evolving relationship with Marilynne Robinson’s “Gilead,” which he initially struggled to connect with but later appreciated deeply after becoming a father. He found resonance in the narrator’s letter to his son, showcasing how personal experiences can transform one’s understanding of literature.

In a candid moment, Wood revealed his frustration with John Fowles’s “The Magus,” noting its cleverness but expressing disappointment with its ending. He described it as the only book he has ever loved so much that he had to throw it at the wall for disappointing him. This sentiment underscores the complex relationship readers can have with literature.

Wood continues to explore new works, currently reading Agnes Owens’s “Bad Attitudes,” and cherishes comfort reads like Tobias Wolff’s “Old School” and James M. Cain’s “Mildred Pierce.” His reflections highlight the profound influence literature has on personal growth and creative expression.