This would have to be Douglas Bader's Reach for the Sky, the life story of the RAF pilot who lost his legs, became a POW and was eventually knighted for his work in helping others with disabilities.
Why? It was the first "adult" book that I read. I would probably have been around 10 at the time, and for a young kid it was a hugely exciting read. Here was a guy who was a real war hero - he lost his legs, he was imprisoned in Colditz, he made numerous escape attempts. And after his release he went on to do exactly what he wanted to do. Derring- do and heroism at their best.
How many times have you read it?
Numerous times, as a kid.
What is your favourite movie?
I don't have a favourite movie as such, but one that stands out is The Lives of Others. It's a German film about a Stasi officer during the Cold War who is forced into spying on people, until he discovers, for want of a better word, his humanity. Sadly the lead actor [Ulrich Muhe] has died.
Why?
It's a great film - thought-provoking and compelling - about a man torn between his conscience and ideology.
