I read 10 to 15 novels a year, and I honestly cannot imagine life without books. I only read fiction, and through it I’ve learned about history, science, philosophy, thanks to great authors who always relate their stories to the world they live in. The trick is to read great literature (as opposed to airport books: badly written, where only the plot seems to matter). Start with the classics—Anna Karenina would be a great beginning—or read contemporary authors who might speak to you, like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie or Elif Shafak. Both women, both young-ish, and both incredible.

I also read a lot of poetry. I understand it by visualising it, which I believe is not a flaw but a gift. After all, what would life be without storytelling? Every movie begins with something written on a page.

Ask me and I’ll give you a list of books you’ll love.