I am a devoted book lover. I cannot be without a book to read; I devour them. The problem is I read about one a week so I go through a lot of pages; I had to invest in a kindle. But I try and balance reading from that and going to my local book shop to root out my favourite paper backs. Some of the books I’ve loved the most in paper form are still going strong despite the torn pages, tea stains and tabbed pages marking my all-time favourite passages. Everyone has a book they love to a point where they wish they hadn’t read it, so they could retrieve that feeling of reading a book for the first time. That’s the feeling I love. I covet it. And there a few books that I’ve read over my 35.5 (almost 36) years and I thought I’d share those. You may possibly be compiling your book list for a holiday this summer or just want something you can curl up with under your duvet. These books are some you must add to your list.
I am Pilgrim, Terry Hayes
This is a huge book I should point out from the outset. It may take months to read but I loved it so much I got it done in a month. It’s basis is the story of a former forensic agent whose book is used to commit a series of murders. However, the deeper more intriguing storyline involves the agent becoming involved in the search for a person who may change the planet and how its inhabitants live forever. I won’t give too much away as the plot is so complex it would take me years. I was buried in this book from the beginning. It needs thought, contemplation and the odd re-read of a section to ensure you understand it. If you love thrillers then this for you. My over analytical mind loved it.
A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara
This book is scored on my heart forever. This feeling has only ever happened to me by one other book and that was Pride and Prejudice (more of that in a bit). Telling the tale of four men whose friendship spans decades, this emotionally charged book will take you on a rollercoaster of feelings over the course of their lives and loves. Sometimes the story is so frustrating you want to fire the book across the room, others you need a lot of tissues. I didn’t think I would be affected by book, but its main character will never leave me. I think about him often and how in some ways he got a raw deal in life, and conversely threw away opportunities for a great life and love. My sensitive soul found this tough to read, but I am so glad I did as it changed me and there are not too many books you can say are powerful enough to do that.
Death Comes to Pemberley, P.D. James
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read Pride and Prejudice. I still have my copy from school and I pick sections at random and read them from time to time. Old fashion, 18th century love is magnetic. This book is the continuation of Austen’s bible six or seven years later with the D’Arcy family firmly set in Pemberley with new dramas and twists to the tale. It’s light and entertaining, but a perfect beach read. And if you love it, you can watch the TV adaptation.
The End of the Affair, Graham Greene
This was written in 1951 detailing the life of three characters in post-war London. Full of jealousy, passion and obsession this is one of those books that made me fall in love with the possibility of becoming some kind of writer (and here I am). Greene was a beautiful writer and his various novels (you’ve heard of Brighton Rock? That’s his too) made me dissect fiction with more thought and see deeper meanings. He has his own unique way of writing so stick with it and you’ll become used to it.
The Secret, Ronda Byrne
Ok so this is not a novel at all. But it’s something I read all the time and when I first read in 2008 following my diagnosis with anxiety disorder it became a place of solace for me. It taught me positivity, how the universe is my servant, and how to deal with thoughts that dominate. There are a lot of opinions on this premise of this book, but the fact of the matter is I return to it all the time to remind myself how to be more positive amidst situations that try and swallow me whole. It comes everywhere with me.
Have you a book I need to read? Share your favourites in the comments below! (Book pictured in image is my current read)
