We grill our work experience student Liam Dempster on his reading habits, book recommendations and what he’d ask Harpo Marx.

How would you describe your taste in books? Do you like romance or adventure, science fiction or history, etc?

Lately I have been quite interested in autobiographies and biographies written by people or about people who I look up to. Such books include: Harpo Speaks, Groucho and Me, Jolson and Going Solo. I have been reading some science fiction novels as well, in particular the Horus Heresy book series which includes Horus Rising and Galaxy in Flames.

What do you think is the worst mistake an author can make when writing a book for teenagers?

I think the worst mistake an author could make when writing a book for teenagers is writing a book specifically for teenagers in the first place. I don’t believe that writing for a specific age group or demographic breeds a good book. I think that books should be written for everyone and that trying to pander to an audience like teenagers will only decrease the quality of your book. The only time in which I think that writing should be directed towards a specific audience is when it comes to reading level. Apart from that, teenagers should be encouraged to pick up books from all kinds of authors. How to spot a teen fiction book: Are there at least 5 or 6 books in the series? Do all of these books have metallic or shiny front covers? If you answered yes to both these questions, then your book is written for teenagers.

Tell us about one of your favorite characters from a book, and what it is that makes them stand out in your mind?

David from The Chrysalids. I enjoyed The Chrysalids and especially the character progression of David himself. I enjoy when characters make a slow progression or realisation in a book that has deep consequences. I really liked David’s realisation that he is, in fact, a mutant and that if anyone were to find out he would be in danger.

You told us you’re a fan of Harpo Marx’s autobiography. If you were able to ask him a question, what would it be?

I wouldn’t. He can’t talk.

You’re also a fan of some of the The Horus Heresy novels. Convince us to read them in just 3 sentences…

The emperor of mankind leaves his favorite son, Horus, in command of all the space marines on a crusade to bring every planet in the galaxy into compliance. But when Horus is wounded during battle, can he recover? Or will he be corrupted and the legions of space marines led against each other in the largest act of heretical civil war the galaxy has ever seen?

What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t overdo the description and metaphors in your writing.

What is a book you’d love to see made into? Who would play the lead role?

The Hobbit. I have no idea who would play the lead role, but just a good Hobbit film this time around would be nice.

If you were going to recommend a book that every Australian teenager had to read, what would it be? Why?

All Quiet On The Western Front. Although I haven’t finished reading it yet, I’m already enjoying it far more than I have books in the past. It’s interesting to see World War I from the German perspective, and considering that WWI isn’t particularly focused on in the media (usually WWII takes the spotlight), it’s a breath of fresh air when it comes to war novels.