Beth O'Brien, winner of the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2026 for her novel "Wolf Siren," has offered insights into her reading habits and the books that have shaped her. O'Brien, who was recognized for her work, detailed her literary journey in a recent Q&A.
Currently, O'Brien is listening to "The Danger Of Small Things" by Caryl Lewis. She described the book as feminist and dystopian, set in a world where bees are extinct, boys are trained for combat, girls manually pollinate plants, and the arts are prohibited. O'Brien noted the book's focus on the interconnectedness of nature and the strength of female friendships amidst oppression and revolution.
When asked about a book she would take to a desert island, O'Brien chose "Anne Of Green Gables." She cited it as a personal comfort read, one she has revisited countless times for its warmth, realistic characters, and Anne's descriptions of nature, which she said have previously reminded her of the good in the world.
O'Brien identified J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series as the catalyst for her love of reading. She recalled growing up with the series and the anticipation surrounding each new release. Due to partial sight, audiobooks were not widely available during her childhood, and large-print editions were released later than standard print. Her initial experiences with the Harry Potter books involved listening to them read aloud, often by her older sister, who would add humorous or provocative lines.
Reflecting on books that have had a negative impact, O'Brien pointed to Roald Dahl's "Charlie And The Great Glass Elevator." She mentioned that while many childhood books evoked strong emotions, this particular book, specifically the "Vermicious Knids," instilled a lasting sense of terror, leading her to avoid re-reading it.