We read to know that we are not alone: especially important for teenagers

I can remember exactly where I was when I first heard this quote. I was driving home from work listening to ABC radio and pulled the car over to write it down before I forgot it.

Like many, I thought that C.S. Lewis was responsible for it. It was a line spoken by Anthony Hopkins, playing C.S. Lewis, in the beautiful movie, Shadowlands, which tells the story of Lewis's meeting and marrying Joy Gresham in his late middle age. It is one of the most moving films I've ever seen, and I recently tracked it down on DVD. The film is based on the book, Lentenlands, which I also own. But that's by the by.

In fact, screenwriter for Shadowlands, William Nicholson, is responsible for it. That was a surprise, but really, it's irrelevant. It's the sentiment that's important: We read to know that we are not alone. Books allow us to connect with other worlds, and characters, and writers, and experiences.

How often have you read a book and realised that you are not the only person on the planet who has felt a certain way, or had a particular experience?

I think that this is where good quality Young Adult Fiction is particularly important. How reassuring it is for teenagers to read about a character's experience and think, 'So it's not just me.'

There are so many great Australian YA writers and I have had the privilege of getting to know two: Rebecca Sparrow and James Moloney, both Brisbane writers who have spoken regularly at my school and who write fantastic novels. Rebecca's non-fiction books for teenagers are also brilliant. They truly embody the spirit of 'we read to know that we are not alone'. I can't recommend them highly enough if you have a teenage girl. And if you have a teenage boy, fear not- one is on its way.

I'd love to hear about any books which have been important to you, or recommendations you have, especially for teenage readers. Please share!