Life stories: Jenni Minto

What was your favourite book as a child?
The Hobbit – my dad read it to me when I was young, then when older I read it again and when the Peter Jackson film was released I read it once more.  

Which fictional character did you most identify with as a child?
I wanted to be Nancy Drew. Not that there were many crimes to solve in St Andrews! I loved the fact she was sassy, focused and spoke her mind.

Is there a book that got you into politics?
At school I read William Golding’s Lord of the Flies – it didn’t so much get me into politics but made me understand the importance of working together and accepting differences.

Which book couldn’t you finish?
After watching the film adaption of Cormac McCarthy’s No Country for Old Men, I thought I should try to read The Road. I failed – my imagination went places I didn’t want it to go. Needless to say I haven’t watched the film!

What is your favourite novel and why?
I love travelling and try to read a novel written by an author from the country I am visiting. I read A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry when in India – being in the country added so much colour to the words.

Is there a book you would recommend to other MSPs?
1984 – I am sure most will have read it already, but it is worth reading again.

Which book would you be embarrassed about others seeing on your bookshelf during a Zoom call?
I was an avid collector of Charles M Schulz Snoopy books – I still have a couple!