My Favourite Books
Given that I am an avid reader, what better way to start my “Just 10 Things” series than with a post about my Top 10 favourite books of all time??
Now, within these ten, I can’t really rank them. However, I will admit to the fact that the top five on this list are my top five books over all. They’re just amazing OK?!
Also, I won’t be mentioning the Bible, not because I don’t love it, but because it’s obvious. Of course it’s one of my favourite and most read books.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Kate DiCamillo
Yeah, so, it’s been three years since I was introduced to this book, and I’ve read it probably a dozen times since then. Just talking about it now is making me want to read it again.
Hayao Miyazaki said “I would like to make a film to tell children ‘it’s good to be alive’”. And that’s how this book makes me feel. When I’m struggling and life just feels too hard, this is the book I pick up.
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
Yeah, I know. This one is a little cliche. But I do love it. I love Lizzie’s wit and Darcy’s extreme social awkwardness (I get it, mate, I do). This is a such a fun book, whilst having some really pointed things to say about the roles of love and respect in relationships.
Weirdly though, and here’s a confession, despite being a longstanding all time favourite book, it’s not actually my favourite book by Jane Austen. For that, you need to look to Persuasion.
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
“I have hated the words, and I have loved them. And I hope I have made them right.”
Just… just beautiful.
As a reader and a writer, this book speaks straight to my soul. And, like many of the other books on this list, it makes me glad to be alive.
Anne of Green Gables, L. M. Montgomery
Oh, that Anne-girl! I love her dearly. This book is an old friend and re-reading it is like a portal back into childhood. Although, admittedly, when I was a child, I wasn’t much interested in it. I am now, though. I am now!
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens
I’ve only read this book once (so far), but it stands out in my memory it so many ways. I love Dickens’s descriptions, I love his use of simile and metaphor, and I love what he has to say about trauma, courage, love and family.
Seriously, people far more qualified than I am have commented on and analysed how spot on his depiction of trauma and PTSD was, at a time when neither were really recognised as being things - especially not for men, so I won’t go into it myself. But this is an amazing book and I love it.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
I have not read many novels in letters, which is what this is. I tend to find myself struggling with the tonal shifts and character switches. I did not have that problem here. Instead, the characters - even ones who never write their own letters - feel vibrant and real, each voice adding to the story that’s unfolding.
This novel is beautifully written, and is simultaneously a love letter to books and a heartbreaking/heartwarming look at life during the Second World War - particularly in the only part of the British Isles to fall under German occupation, Guernsey.
It’s a wonderful tale of love, friendship, grief and moving forward in the face of immense tragedy. I can not recommend it highly enough.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, by Anne Bronte
Controversial opinion time: as much as I enjoy Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, I can sometimes find them to be overrated, certainly misunderstood. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, though, I believe to be criminally underrated.
Drawing on her experiences as a governess, Anne Bronte shone a spotlight on a massive problem within her society: the abuse of wives by their husbands. She even accurately portrayed how abusive behaviours are taught and passed down through the generations, showing that it takes willful intervention to break the cycle. As you can imagine, it did not go over well.
I love it. I love Anne’s bravery in looking at this topic, and I adore her heroine, Helen.
The Princess Saves Herself in this One, Amanda Lovelace
If that title doesn’t get your attention, I don’t know what will.
This is the first in a trilogy of poetry collections by Lovelace all with similar anti-fairytale style titles. Sadly, I have not yet been able to read the second and third. This one, though, I adore.
Through her poetry, one can trace a story of pain and grief and strength and hope. It connects with my heart, and helps me find the words to express myself as well.
The Dark Between Stars, by Atticus
This is the second in a trilogy of poetry by Atticus. The third book is coming out in a couple of months and I am so excited. Atticus’s poetry is so beautiful, so elegant, and is a wonderful celebration of the small, beautiful things. I love curling up with this book and a hot chocolate after a stressful day or week or month.
A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness
This was the book that got me started on Patrick Ness. This is also the book that really opened my eyes to how creatively writers can explore grief and loss through their novels. It’s beautiful and poignant and caring. This is a novel that has helped to shape not only my understanding of grief, but also my understanding of what I can do in my own writing.
So amazing.
Honourable mentions
So, these are my top 10 books of all time. It was really hard to settle on just ten books, with what book I would include as my 10th changing constantly. So, here are some honourable mentions.
Dracula, by Bram Stoker
Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro
Seven Little Australians, by Ethel Turner
Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
Given that I will probably talk about all of these in future posts, I won’t expand on it here.
Over to You
What are some of your favourite books?
Have you read any of the books on this list? If so, what did you think?
Please let me know in the comments below!