Geri Halliwell-Horner shares her favourite books
Former Spice Girl chooses works by Oscar Wilde, Maggie O'Farrell and Philippa Gregory

The singer, author and former Spice Girl shares favourite books from different times in her life. Her latest book for young readers – "Rosie Frost: Ice on Fire", the second in the "Rosie Frost" series – is out now.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
C.S. Lewis, 1950
This left such a lasting impression on me as a child, and looking back I think it's because there are so many layers to it – there's the adventure and escapism, or finding yourself in characters such as Lucy and Edmund, and then finding the god in all of us. I kept climbing into the backs of wardrobes because of C.S. Lewis.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde, 1890
I was just starting out when I got a free copy of "The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde" by writing to a book club at the back of The Sunday Times; I've still got the book. I think the darkness of it really left an impression. Being seen as good and popular when actually there's a picture of your rotting soul in an attic, all your treachery and deceit. Don't judge a book by its cover.
Any Human Heart
William Boyd, 2002
I read this in my early 30s, and it made me cry. William Boyd is the master of writing a life, and Logan Mountstuart is an unforgettable character. Every life has its chapters – it has its despair and its greatness – and I think he shows that so honestly.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Other Boleyn Girl
Philippa Gregory, 2001
I've picked authors who have been game-changers in my life, and this was an entry point into historical fiction. It led me to a love of the Tudors, which "Rosie Frost" leans into at a very accessible level. Philippa Gregory is a force to be reckoned with.
Hamnet
Maggie O’Farrell, 2020
This is a reader's book – it's brave and painful and page-turning. The way she describes the bubonic plague, going from the tiny detail of the flea to the crippling grief of loss – she's a genius. I sobbed till my heart was wrung out.
-
Will Ukraine trade territory for peace?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION Kyiv’s defences are wearing thin but a land swap is constitutionally impossible and crosses Zelenskyy's red lines
-
Quiz of The Week: 9 – 15 August
Quiz Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
-
Britain's giant rat problem
Rising infestation reports and increased sightings of oversized rats have caused concerns about waste management in some areas
-
6 stylish homes in North Carolina
Feature Featuring a house with ocean views in Duck and a 1848 cotton-mill-turned-condo in Saxapahaw
-
Weapons: Julia Garner stars in 'hyper-eerie' psychological thriller
The Week Recommends Zach Cregger's 'top notch' new film opens with 17 children disappearing at exactly the same time
-
Freakier Friday: Lohan and Curtis reunite for 'uneven' but 'endearing' sequel
The Week Recommends Mother-and-daughter comedy returns with four characters switching bodies
-
Critics' choice: Outstanding new Japanese restaurants
Feature An all-women sushi team, a 15-seat listening bar, and more
-
Oz at the Sphere: AI's latest conquest
Feature The Las Vegas Sphere is reimagining The Wizard of Oz with the help of AI
-
Book reviews: 'Face With Tears of Joy: A Natural History of Emoji' and 'Blood Harmony: The Everly Brothers Story'
Feature The surprising history of emojis and the brother duo who changed pop music
-
Helen Schulman's 6 favorite collections of short stories
Feature The award-winning author recommends works by Raymond Carver, James Baldwin, and more
-
A tour of southern Greenland
The Week Recommends New international airport has given this 'bucolic' island a welcome boost