Andrea Busfield is a former journalist. In her previous life, she worked for the Sun and the News of the World before leaving London for Kabul. After two-and-a-half years living in Afghanistan she penned her debut novel, Born Under a Million Shadows (Holt Paperbacks; February 2, 2010). She lives in Austria with her boyfriend and her dog--both of which she acquired in Kabul.
On your nightstand now:
Lord Lucan: My Story by William Coles. First up, I have to confess this is written by a former colleague of mine from the Sun newspaper. But it is no less entertaining for that. Showing fabulous literary conceit, Coles 'edits' the memoirs of the 7th Earl of Lucan--and provides a gripping account of what happened following his disappearance in 1974 after he mistakenly bludgeoned his children's nanny to death. Lucan meant to do away with his wife. I'm only seven chapters in, but so far enjoying the ride.
Favorite book when you were a child:
The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. This was the first book I remember picking up and never wanting to put down. Unsurprisingly, there's a tree involved, and it's magic. Actually, just thinking about it now, I can feel the excitement of discovery coursing through my veins. Although Moonface did creep me out a bit.
Your top five authors:
Ouch. I don't know about 'top five'; this can change with the day of the week. How about five authors whose work I regularly look out for? Louis de Bernières (genius), John Irving (um, genius again), Colin Bateman (always entertaining), Terry Pratchett (always funny), Isabel Allende (always a pleasure).
Book you've faked reading:
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig. I tried. Believe me, I tried. But I was 17 years old and simply looking for something cool to read. I think I was fixated with a biker at the time. I haven't had the courage to go back in case this defeat had nothing to do with age and everything to do with intellect.
Book you're an evangelist for:
A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines. Twenty years ago it took me two hours to read this wonderful tale about a troubled boy--and it's still the only book that has managed to move me to tears. This slim novel packs such power it's humbling.
Book you've bought for the cover:
Zorro by Isabel Allende. It was so lush, so vibrant, so promising--and, thankfully, the writing lived up to the front. As a result, I became an Allende follower, regardless of cover.
Book that changed your life:
Can a book change your life? I'm not sure it can. I think it can influence the way you think for a time, but it's usually people and events that create change. There again, I suppose it could be argued that the Bible and the Quran have changed billions of lives. Not to mention The Da Vinci Code. Is it any surprise I couldn't finish Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance? However, in answer to your question, a book that made me stop and think was Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. Oh, and One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. And then there was Possessing the Secret of Joy by Alice Walker. Man, I'm rubbish at this....
Favorite line from a book:
"Rumour is of all pests the swiftest."--The Aeneid by Virgil.
Book you most want to read again for the first time:
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. I love Heathcliff. No, truly. I do.