Ivan Corea lives in the UK - he is an educator, writer and an international autism campaigner. The autism campaign of the Corea Family won several international awards and was featured on a worldwide CNN Report 'Fighting for Autism.' The inspiration is their son Charin.

First book you ever remember reading?

Herge's Adventures of Tintin - Red Rackham's Treasure.

What are you currently reading?

The Rosie Project - met the author Graeme Simsion in London.

How do you decide on what book to read?

Whatever takes my fancy - I love browsing in bookshops.

One book you regret having read?

I don't have any regrets.

Who is your favourite author?

Romesh Gunasekera.

If you could ask him one question what would it be?

Which of his books would he like to see as a Hollywood blockbuster.

Three newly published books you would recommend?

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Noontide Toll by Romesh Gunasekera
Vernon Corea - The Golden Voice of Radio Ceylon ebook - I have to say that - it's about my late beloved father!

What is your favourite non-fiction book of all time and why?

The Bible - absolutely heavenly!

What is more important to you in a book:

The writing.

In your opinion the best movie adaptation of a book is:

I did enjoy the Tintin movie when we took our son Charin to see it the film, it brought back memories of childhood in Sri Lanka.

A character in a book that you would bring back to life and why?

Jesus of the New Testament - an amazing radical who spoke up for the poor, the vulnerable, the down trodden.

A book you would like to see adapted as a movie.

'Charin's Story,' a story about our son who inspired a whole movement on autism and the worldwide event Autism Sunday - it would bring tears to my eyes, he is such an inspiration!

A memorable book from your childhood:

Books by Enid Blyton.

How would you encourage the younger generation to read?

Reading will unlock amazing new dimensions, new perspectives, new horizons. I remember as a young boy even during the power cuts in Sri Lanka lighting a candle on a tin and reading. The libraries at S.Thomas' Prep School and St.Thomas' College Mount Lavinia were like treasure troves - I learnt and absorbed so much through books and would urge the younger generation never to stop reading.

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana