My bookshelf doesn’t really tell the story of my life because I’ve given away so many books. If I’d kept them all, it would certainly plot the arc of my life ...

It's been a while since we've had a Books Spark Joy post but this week's guest is one worth waiting for! Historical fiction author Emily Madden's love of books started at a young age. Nothing has changed – she rarely leaves a bookstore without a book and I can testify to that - Emily and I were both at the pop-up bookstore in Millthorpe last week and she definitely had a stack of books in hand!

One book that sparks joy for me is Alice in Wonderland. When I pick it up, it generates memories of an old Disney animated film, a 45rpm vinyl soundtrack, Book Week costumes ...

"There’s something comforting about having pretty spines to stroke, covers to smile over, pages that flip open to favourite scenes. They have a tactile loveliness that ebooks will never have and that I miss hugely."

I think most writers are readers, it goes with the territory. I used to save reading for when I wasn’t writing, and I always read in a different genre.

You’ll find my books on bookshelves and any other available surfaces. At any one time I’ll have three or four books on the go. However, these days, if a book hasn’t drawn me in after the first couple of chapters, I don’t persevere. Life is too short and there are too many books.

Welcome to the latest edition of Books Spark Joy where authors talk about the books that make them sparkle and what's on their shelves. This week's guest is Barbara Hannay.

Find out why books bring joy to Australian debut author Cassie Hamer. After the Party out now.

Australian author Annie Seaton shares her favourite books and reveals the book that brings her the most joy.

Award-winning romance author Wendy Lee Davies tells all about her reading habits and what's on her bookshelf.