Nikita Gill on Early Reading and Books That Changed 2026

Nikita Gill, the celebrated poet and writer, recently opened up about her early reading memories and the books that shaped her in an interview. From reading The Tale of Peter Rabbit at age four to being deeply affected by Ice-Candy Man as a teenager, Gill's literary journey is a testament to the power of stories.

Gill's childhood was immersed in books, thanks to her parents—a sailor father and a teacher mother—who were both voracious readers. When the family joined her father at sea, her mother ensured she had plenty to read, fostering a lifelong love for literature.

Early Reading Memories: A Childhood at Sea

Gill recalls sitting by the porthole of their cabin, looking out at the sea while reading Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Peter Rabbit. She was only four years old, and the experience felt like a dream. This early encounter with storytelling set the stage for a lifetime of reading.

Her parents' love for books created an environment where reading was natural and encouraged. Gill's mother, a teacher, played a crucial role in nurturing her reading habits, especially during their time at sea.

Favorite Books That Shaped Her Growth

Growing up, Gill had many favorite books, but The Neverending Story by Michael Ende became essential after the death of her great-grandmother, a maternal figure she adored. She read it countless times, finding solace in its pages.

Other beloved books included the Winnie-the-Pooh series, Enid Blyton's Faraway Tree books, the Panchatantra tales, Malgudi Days by RK Narayan, and the Asterix comics by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. These stories provided comfort and sparked her imagination.

• The Neverending Story helped Gill cope with loss and became a source of comfort.
• Classic children's books like Winnie-the-Pooh and the Faraway Tree series fueled her imagination.
• Diverse reads like the Panchatantra and Malgudi Days introduced her to different cultures and storytelling traditions.
• Comics like Asterix added humor and adventure to her reading repertoire.
• These early reads laid the foundation for her future writing career.

The Book That Changed Her as a Teenager

At 15, Gill read Ice-Candy Man (now known as Cracking India) by Bapsi Sidhwa. This visceral fiction about the partition of India, told through the eyes of a four-year-old Parsi girl, left a lasting impact.

She credits this book with teaching her how fiction can be used to tell history. It showed her the power of storytelling to convey complex historical events and personal experiences.

Authors Who Changed Her Mind

Arundhati Roy is an author who changed Gill's mind. She admires Roy's courageous advocacy as much as her writing. Roy's willingness to speak out on important issues has influenced Gill's own approach to writing and activism.

Gill's reading journey reflects a diverse range of influences, from children's classics to political fiction. Each book and author has contributed to her development as a writer and thinker.

Lessons from a Life in Books

Gill's story highlights the importance of early exposure to books and the role of parents in fostering a reading habit. It also underscores how literature can provide comfort during difficult times and shape our understanding of the world. The background to this story is set out in Singapore Pays People to Read Books to Fix Reading Crisis. A related thread runs through Best Books to Read in 2026: A Genre-Bending Reading List for the Year Ahead. Earlier coverage in Best Books of July 2024: Must-Read Picks and Reviews shows how the argument developed.

For aspiring writers, Gill's experience shows that reading widely and deeply is essential. Every book leaves an impression, and those impressions accumulate to inform one's own voice. A closer look at the same subject appears in John Green Reveals His Favorite Books and Literary Influences. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Couch-to-5k for Books: Rebuild Your Reading Habit. The same theme surfaces in Lee Child Backs Prison Reading Scheme Sending 500,000 Books, which takes a different angle.

Gill's reading list is a mix of timeless classics and culturally rich stories. It's a reminder that books can be both an escape and a mirror, reflecting our lives and expanding our horizons. Context on how this played out before sits in Telling Men I Love Them: One Change That Opened My World.

FAQ

Nikita Gill's reflections on her reading life offer a glimpse into the making of a writer. They also serve as a reminder of the profound impact that books can have on our lives, shaping our emotions, intellect, and values.

For those looking to build their own reading lists, Gill's journey suggests a mix of childhood classics, diverse cultural stories, and thought-provoking fiction. Each book has the potential to leave a lasting mark.

If you're interested in exploring more about the reading habits of successful individuals, you might enjoy our article on top business books to read this month for growth. It offers insights into how reading can fuel personal and professional development.

Whether you're a writer, a reader, or simply someone who loves a good story, Gill's experience reminds us that books are more than entertainment—they are teachers, comforters, and catalysts for change.