1) Tell us about one of the pivotal moments that cemented your love for reading. Was it a person, a place, a specific book, or a story?

When I was a kid (8 - 11?), I remember there used to be a series of stories (books) published in my native language, Titled "The five adventurers" by "Mahmoud Salim". They were about 5 kids that went onto some dangerous adventures, solving mysteries and crimes and getting in troubles along the way.
I believe that series, which had hundreds of stories was what captured me and sparked my interest in reading.

The magical worlds that are created in ones mind, detaching them from their reality and their surroundings, traveling in thoughts and expanding their experiences, was just something I fell in love with.

2) What are your top 3 books from your childhood and tell us about your social affinity to one of your faves; how it found a place in your heart.

This is somewhat related to the previous question. I don't remember specific ones, but after that series I started reading "Agatha Christie", and I don't recall what else.

I mentioned above how it found a place in my heart, but I can expand on that by saying. I loved the problem and mystery solving aspect of it, the critical thinking of the main character even during stressful times. It probably had an impact on me.

3) Share with us 3 of your favorite authors and titles that you have read as an adult, where you either had to acquire your own copy for your personal library or would go back and reread for the sheer joy and experience of it.

I will list a few, not necessarily "the" favorite, and without any specific order!

Samarkand - by Amin Maalouf
Children of Gebelawi - by Naguib Mahfouz
1984, and Animal farm - by George Orwell
Crime and punishment - by Fyodor Dostoevsky

4) Tag 3 people who you think might enjoy coming along to play with us (if one of them is a new Hiver, you get an extra entry in the draw!)

@kaelci
@khoola
@b0s
@samsmith1971 😁