I have only really been reading seriously since I was thirteen years old, but I sure have found some books which I believe have really entertained and changed my perspective of life. Here are a few that I have rounded up that might be of interest to you.
1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Yes, this is pretty much a staple in any young reader's bookshelf, but not for me it wasn't. I didn't get to read this treasure until I was nineteen and I was so annoyed that I left it so long. Seriously, who doesn't love the idea of winning a golden ticket to a chocolate factory? It's the perfect little read for any age. Don't get me started on the writing! Oh, I could talk all day about it. It's simply perfection.
2. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
I know I'm basic. This is already such a popular book already, but I just couldn't resist. This book personally came at the right time for me. I read it just as I was going round and researching universities to go to myself. The book only helped me reinforce the dream that I have now achieved. It's also an awesome book to read in general. Plus, how could we not forget the Simon Snow spin-off books?
3. It Only Happens In the Movies by Holly Bourne
I only got round to reading this book this year and I was completely enraptured in the story. It's a great story which not only focusses on some of the elements that make rom-coms so cliché, but also family dramas that you can't help but root for the main character. It's also feminist in some regards, but not so that it is in your face. I'm just sad that I can't read it again for the first time.
4. Wickham Hall by Cathy Bramley
Okay. Okay. No need to shout. I've done it again. I've snuck in Cathy Bramley. But truly this is my favourite book from her catalogue. It got that element of romance but also community and the historical element of working at a stately home such as this. In some ways it kind of reminded me of a place in Derbyshire called Chatsworth House. So anything that resembles Pride and Prejudice is good enough for me.
5. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Red, White and Royal Blue can be summed up as being a masterpiece in my books. Sorry for the pun. Even though there are elements that are not factually correct I don't actually care that much, as the story seems to carry it through. It just annoys me how could anyone have not thought as such a brilliant book before. I've had to wait twenty-two years for this great story to be planted in my hands. It kind of makes me think of how did I live before that moment? Well, obviously I didn't.
6. With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
This book is like poetry and a Michelin starred meal all in one go. There is simply no way to describe the journey of this book, it is almost like it pops in your mouth like a firecracker. There are some hard-hitting themes such as teen pregnancy, but you still want to root for the main character through her determination to make something of herself, as well as look after a young child. If you want to read at least one book this year, make sure that it is this one.
7. The Humans by Matt Haig
I loved the perspective that the main character has, being that it is an alien from another planet disguised as a human. If you don't like those sci-fi elements that includes alien worlds then this one is for you. As the more that you progress throughout this book the character thinks critically what it means to live and how to fit in. I also love this book, like many others that Matt Haig has written is the philosophical element in it. He really knows his philosophical theories which makes my heart sing.
8. Moon Dog by Jane Elson
Even though I have only read this book very recently within the last month it has really made an impact. How I feel about it goes beyond words. In fact, my family have now started to make jokes about how much I talk about this book and how I wish I read it when I was a kid. Even though the plotline is simple, there are tough themes and wonderful characters which you want for them to come out ok.
9. Me Mam. Me Dad. Me. by Malcolm Duffy
When I discovered that there was a book which was upfront about some of the darker aspects of life, yet still had the dialect of a Geordie accent how could I pass up? The word choices were simply perfect and so real that it felt like all the characters were living off the page. I'm glad that I had the time to read this, as I feel everyone should read about domestic abuse and how to get help, even if it is just fiction.
10. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
I found that this book is slightly different in terms of how the main character can be seen to react to certain situations. It is nice that for once Autism Spectrum Disorder is represented. I really felt connected to this character that I don't think I have really connected with any other before. When she cried, I cried. When she laughed, I laughed along with her. It's a book which at the end simply made me feel happy.
What is your favourite book? Did you enjoy some of the books in this list too? Let me know in the comments.
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