Mohammed Hanif is the author of A Case of Exploding Mangoes and has recently finished writing his second novel, Our Lady of Alice Bhatti. Books&Authors speaks to the writer and journalist about his reading habits

What are you reading these days?

Chinaman: the legend of Pradeep Mathew by Shehan Karunatilaka. It’s the best cricket novel ever written. I am not a cricket nut but anybody who is remotely interested in the game or just interested in a cracking read should get it. It’s more compelling than the best cricket match you have ever seen.

Also, Lohay Ki Chadar, by a young Lahore journalist, M. Akhtar. On the cover it claims to be a philosophical novel with a shocking ending. It’s brimming with liberal secular ambition and some truly bizarre characters. I think anyone who calls herself a liberal should buy it. Am looking forward to the shock at the end.

Which books are on your bedside table?

Anna Karenina; Pakistan: A hard country; How Fiction Works; Be Yaqeen Bastiyon Main.

Which titles are on your bucket list of books?

Dear god, have never made one. But maybe I should read “Maut Ka Manzar: Marnay Ke Baad Kiya Ho Ga”. And it’s sequel, “Husn Parston Ke Anjaam Ka Manzar”.

What is the one work/author you feel everyone must read? Why?

I know a lot of people who are going through life without reading a single book and they seem quite happy. I don’t want to be prescriptive but I think Manto should be required reading in all high schools and madressas. Because he knows how to tell a story.

What are you planning to re-read?

Najam Hussain Syed; Colonel Muhammed Khan; Franz Fanon.

What is the one book you read because you thought it would make you appear smarter?

How To Talk About Books You Haven’t Read.

What is the one book you started reading but could not finish?

Too many.

What is your favourite childhood book or story?

Tilism-i-Hoshruba; Imran series.