Welcome to The Author As A Reader where your favourite authors reveal the books that shaped them. In this series, we dive into their reading lives, from the stories that bring them comfort to the books they can’t stop recommending. They’ll share the novels they’d love to see on screen, the covers they can’t resist, and even the book that made them believe in the power of words. It’s a cozy, behind-the-scenes look at the books that have left a mark and who knows, you might just find your next memorable read.
The founder of REWRITE and a literary force in the UK’s creative scene, Christina Fonthes is making a stunning debut with Where You Go, I Will Go, a novel that masterfully braids together history, migration, politics, and the intertwined lives of Kinshasa and London. A longtime advocate for amplifying underrepresented voices, Fonthes has spent the last decade telling stories across genres and mediums and now, she’s bringing her own to the forefront.
Born in Kinshasa and raised in Manchester, Fonthes found her writing voice in 2014 and never looked back. Her poetry and essays have appeared in literary journals and anthologies around the world. But her mission has always gone beyond the page. Through REWRITE, the creative writing organization she founded for Black women and women of colour, Fonthes continues to champion community, craft, and courage.
With her debut novel now in readers’ hands, we were eager to learn about the books that shaped her voice and vision. From formative reads to lifelong obsessions, here’s Christina Fonthes, in her own words, as a reader first.
The Author As A Reader | Christina Fonthes
My earliest reading memory: reading the Bilingual version of Elmer the Elephant – French / English when I first arrived in the UK – gifted by my primary school teacher – love you, Jill!!!
A book I’d like to see adapted to the screen is: Yellowface by R. F. Kuang – that would be hilarious!!!
A book I return to for comfort is: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Kambili is baaaaaaaaeee!
The most recent book I’ve seen with the most gorgeous cover: The Selfless Act of Breathing by JJ Bola – it’s pure Black Boy Joy!
The book I think is most underrated: The Fat Lady Sings by Jacqueline Roy – do not sleep on the Black Brit women writers!
If my book had a soundtrack, the first song would be… Independance Chacha – this is actually the opening line of my novel!
The last book I purchased: Dream Count! by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A book that made me recognize the power of words: Warsan Shire, teaching my mother how to give birth – sis did the damn thing!
A book whose author I’d like to go to lunch with: Krik Krak by Edwidge Danticat – Auntie can write!!!
The book I’m most ashamed not to have read: erm….
If I could recommend one book to my younger self, it would be: my book!!!
Something Bookish Curators are always on the lookout for the next great read to add to your #TBR. Whether it’s a backlist gem, a breakout debut, the book everyone will be talking about next, or a beloved classic, we’ve got recommendations you won’t want to miss. Join the conversation and read along with us on social!
