I had pretty much the same experience as treadigraph, reading all of NSN's books in Africa in my teens. All, that is, except On the Beach, having seen the film: one's own pictures always seem better, but fail to materialise if you've seen others first. (Like the Hollywood Reindeer - isn't it hideous?)
Considering it was a Hollywood movie of a quintissentially British book, the film of No Highway was remarkably good. For a big star, James Stewart's portrayal of Mr (Dr?) Honey is understated and convincing - they don't come like him any more.
Although I was already nuts on aviation, Nevil Shute (Norway)'s books - not least his autobiography, Slide Rule - helped convince me to pursue a career in it. The other writer that springs to mind was David Beaty (BOAC pilot), who wrote Heart of the Storm (loosely based on the BSAA debacle) and (I think) the abovementioned Cone of Silence.
Last edited by Chris Scott; 22nd Mar 2010 at 09:48.
Reason: Correction of spelling of David Beaty's surname