I was recently asked on Facebook to list the 10 books that I feel have ‘changed my life’. It was just a quick list, but looking at my 10 majestic books (okay, I cheated and added series’, so kill me!) I decided there was too much to say than could fit on a status. So here goes!
1. The 5 people you Meet in Heaven
This. Book. When I worked in Waterstones many moons ago, a lady came in looking for something good to read, and after hearing her past reading list, I recommended Where Rainbows End by Celia Ahern (which almost made this list. I guess by mentioning it here, it kinda did!) and as we stood by the ‘A’s, she pointed out this book. She explained that it wasn’t her usual reading style at all but that someone had given her it for Christmas so she felt obliged to read it and fell in love. I promised to read it and bought it that very day. It is now one of the most incredible books I have read. It explored the idea of ‘Heaven’, not as fluffy clouds and pearly gates, but as 5 people whose loves you have influenced, waiting for you in special places. It’s a beautiful idea that I can’t do justice here, so please read it!
2. Bridget Jones’ Diary
Even with a long-term boyfriend I still identify with Jonesy. I love how she’s so real, clumsy and loveable. I wasn’t a huge fan of the newest book (review on its way!) but I will happily read the first two over and over.
3. A Series of Unfortunate Events
The film does nothing for the books. Snicket’s writing style is like nothing I have ever come across and the stories are so elaborate and unique that even as a (sort of) grown up, I adore this series.
4. Harry Potter (Duh!)
Hogwarts has always been there for me, even in the darkest times.
5. Looking For Alaska
Such a quotable, heart wrenching, immersive story. Alaska is my favourite John Green character and this was the first book that made me realise how thought-provoking YA fiction could be.
6. Every other John Green Book
I adore all things John Green, and of course TFiOS is high in my list, but Alaska comes first, partially because it was the first JG book I’ve read. His books make me sob and stay with me long after they’ve finished. I could cover my body in quotes.
7. Angus Thongs Series
Not even ashamed at this. These books were the highlight of my high school years, beyond ‘fabby’ and my bestest pally and I would quote them daily (we may still do but shh!). I’ve never known a book series to have the ability to make me laugh out loud on the 5th time reading.
8. Forever – Judy Bloom
This was a book I read until the pages fell out. Actually, I loved all of Judy Bloom’s books as a young teen, but for some reason this one stuck with me. Maybe because the characters had ‘es-ee-ex’ at an age where I was curious, and it all felt very secretive.
9. Adrian Mole
My big sister gave me the box set of the first few of these books when I wasn’t even in secondary school. There were a lot of political references and innuendos that I didn’t quite understand at the time but I devoured them!
10. Perks of Being A Wallflower
My best friend sent me this in the post after I had spent weeks saying how much I wanted to read it. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful and just a completely unique book.
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Image Source: Chris, Flickr