For most people, reading is a cherished habit that fosters personal growth and understanding. However, for author Derek Owusu, the love of literature came later than expected. The Ghanaian-British writer revealed in an interview that he didn't read a book until the age of 24, which was a turning point in his life.
Owusu's journey to becoming a voracious reader began when he was about four or five years old, living with foster parents in Long Melford, Suffolk. He remembered being taught how to read using Biff and Chip books, but it wasn't until he was older that he developed a passion for reading. His early favorite books included DH Lawrence's "St Mawr", EM Forster's "Where Angels Fear to Tread", and HG Wells' "The Time Machine".
However, Owusu's literary tastes have evolved significantly over the years. The book that changed his perspective on being male was bell hooks' "The Will to Change". Before reading this book, he didn't truly understand what it meant to be perceived as a man. This realization sparked a newfound interest in exploring different authors and perspectives.
Owusu has credited two writers with influencing his writing career: Benjamin Zephaniah and Ralph Ellison. Zephaniah's encouragement helped him pursue a master's degree in creative writing, while Rankine and Daley-Ward empowered him to write novels that reflected his own unique voice.
In recent years, Owusu has reconnected with the works of Henry James, who he initially struggled with as a reader. However, after trying again, he discovered the beauty of James' prose and is now a devoted fan. Another comfort read for Owusu is Bertrand Russell's "The Problems of Philosophy", which helps him cope with depersonalization.
Throughout his life, Owusu has continued to discover new authors and books that resonate with him. He currently reads Julian Barnes' "Departure(s)" and finds solace in the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson. As his love for reading continues to grow, it's clear that literature has become an integral part of his identity.
Owusu's journey to becoming a voracious reader began when he was about four or five years old, living with foster parents in Long Melford, Suffolk. He remembered being taught how to read using Biff and Chip books, but it wasn't until he was older that he developed a passion for reading. His early favorite books included DH Lawrence's "St Mawr", EM Forster's "Where Angels Fear to Tread", and HG Wells' "The Time Machine".
However, Owusu's literary tastes have evolved significantly over the years. The book that changed his perspective on being male was bell hooks' "The Will to Change". Before reading this book, he didn't truly understand what it meant to be perceived as a man. This realization sparked a newfound interest in exploring different authors and perspectives.
Owusu has credited two writers with influencing his writing career: Benjamin Zephaniah and Ralph Ellison. Zephaniah's encouragement helped him pursue a master's degree in creative writing, while Rankine and Daley-Ward empowered him to write novels that reflected his own unique voice.
In recent years, Owusu has reconnected with the works of Henry James, who he initially struggled with as a reader. However, after trying again, he discovered the beauty of James' prose and is now a devoted fan. Another comfort read for Owusu is Bertrand Russell's "The Problems of Philosophy", which helps him cope with depersonalization.
Throughout his life, Owusu has continued to discover new authors and books that resonate with him. He currently reads Julian Barnes' "Departure(s)" and finds solace in the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson. As his love for reading continues to grow, it's clear that literature has become an integral part of his identity.
I mean, its amazing how something as simple as reading can bring people together and change their perspective on things. And its awesome that he's found authors who inspire him, like bell hooks and Ralph Ellison 
What I love most about his story is how it shows that you're never too old (or young) to discover new things and find your place in the world 
I mean i totally get it, we've all been there where reading just isn't a thing until later on in life but Derek Owusu's story is like the ultimate proof that its never too late to find your passion and connect with literature! 
his favorite books are so cool btw especially "The Will to Change" by bell hooks, i need to read it ASAP 
. I mean, what if he just didn't get into reading until later? Did he not have anything better to do with his time? 
And yeah, I love how he went from being all about DH Lawrence and EM Forster to being all about bell hooks and Ralph Ellison - totally changed my perspective on the whole "being male" thing 
. But honestly, can we talk about how old is too old to start reading? Shouldn't it be more about finding the books that actually interest you as an adult? 
? Is it like a kids' version of a book or something? And I always get confused with DH Lawrence - doesn't he write romance novels too? I've only read one of his books, but I kinda liked it. But I'm more into sci-fi right now... like that Netflix show "Stranger Things" 
. I just started watching it and it's sooo good! Anyway, I'm glad to hear that Derek Owusu found a love for reading later in life - it's never too late to start, right? 
. I love how he credits certain books for changing his perspective on what it means to be a man, like bell hooks' "The Will to Change" 
so I think its cool how derek owusu grew up without really liking books till he was 24 then boom he finds this passion and becomes a writer himself its like he had a whole new side to him emerge 
I love how he credits certain books like "The Will to Change" with helping him understand what it means to be male and how that sparked a whole new interest in authors and perspectives. And its awesome how he’s found comfort reads like Bertrand Russell's philosophy books when he’s feeling down... 
those things can really help you put things into perspective. Anyway, I think its a great reminder that we can always find ourselves through reading and exploring new ideas... 
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. It just goes to show that everyone's path to discovering literature is different, and that's what makes it so amazing 
anyway its awesome to see how his tastes have evolved over time, from DH lawrence to bell hooks he's really come a long way 
so author Derek Owusu didn't even read till he was 24 lol what a late bloomer. guess you could say he had a lot of time to catch up on reading like when I'm binge watching my fave show all day 
. seriously though, it's cool that he found his love for literature later in life and now gets to explore all these different authors and perspectives