On tour: Meet the author Jack Andraka

6 August 2015 Books+Publishing

Young scientist Jack Andraka is the author of Breakthrough (with Matthew Lysiak, Scribe), a memoir about growing up, being bullied and developing an early-detection test for pancreatic, ovarian and lung cancers. He is travelling to the Melbourne Writers Festival in August and the Brisbane Writers Festival in September.

What would you put on a shelf-talker for your latest book?
The untold story of an inspiring young gay scientist who turned tragedy into triumph.

What are you reading right now?
Cane River by Lalita Tademy (Headline).

What are you planning to read next?
This Boy’s Life by Tobias Wolff (Bloomsbury).

Which book do you always recommend?
The Jungle by Upton Sinclair (various imprints).

What was the defining book of your childhood?
Redwall by Brian Jacques (Vintage).

If you were a literary character you’d be …
Hermione from ‘Harry Potter’.

What’s your favourite book adaptation (film, television or theatre)?
The Great Gatsby.

What’s your favourite books website or blog?
J K Rowling’s site.

Hardback, paperback or digital?
Hardback.

Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter!

In 50 years’ time books will be …
… so important because we will always need stories that teach us about the human condition and help us learn, grow and dream beyond our own circumstances.

(Photo credit: Mark Tucker.)

Category: Features