This week I thought I'd mix it up a bit and write about my all-time favourite books. I'd love to know your thoughts! What are your favourites or the books you'll never get bored of?
1. To Kill a Mockingbird
A very predictable choice. Especially for a law student. I went to a law open day at Durham when I was trying to decide which unis to apply to and the first piece of advice they gave us there was 'Don't tell us in your personal statement that you were inspired to become a lawyer by reading 'To Kill A Mockingbird'; we get hundreds of applicants each year who say that.' Obviously, I'd done just that thinking I was being super original. I meekly went home, deflated but glad for the warning, and changed my statement.
Still this is my favourite novel ever and I can't sing Harper Lee's praises highly enough! I'll definitely read this again and again for years.
2. The Picture of Dorian Gray
I chose this as one of my coursework texts at A Level and it's safe to say I was obsessed with it for a couple of months! To be honest, I'm really intrigued by Oscar Wilde's life and work in general. The plot is so gripping and the style so unique.
3. Atonement
Ian McEwan is one of the best modern writers. From what I've heard, he does seem to be a bit of a Marmite writer, but I'm always surprised when people say they don't like his work! This is still my favourite of his that I've read so far, though I was considering including a second McEwan novel in this list. I just think the themes and characters are striking and memorable, and it goes without saying that his writing is inspiring. I've got my sights set on McEwan's new novel, 'Sweet Tooth', next - watch this space!
4. Wuthering Heights
'Wuthering Heights' was originally published under a pseudonym and was pretty controversial when first published because of its allusions to sacrilege, violence and the supernatural. This is a novel that sticks in your mind and EVERYONE should read it.
5. Pride and Prejudice
In a previous post I talked about how, on the whole, I favour a traditional 'classical' style of writing, though I try to be open to new things! Are you sensing the theme again in this post..? Another unsurprising choice for a 'top ten' but one that had to be included! As an Austen enthusiast, I'm more than glad to hear this lady's going to be the next face on £10 notes. Like Bronte, above, a writer who was years ahead of her time and whose messages still have the same impact today.
6. The Bluest Eye
This is a seriously underrated 1970 novel by Toni Morrison set in the American Midwest and deals with topics of racism and child abuse. Pecola Breedlove, a young, poor black girl, prays to wake up with blue eyes and white skin, hence the title. Moving.
7. Of Mice and Men
Read this a few years ago and John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath' has been on my must-read list since then! A novel that really illustrates the Great Depression, following two ranch workers searching in vain for the American Dream. Inspiring writing.
8. Number 10
Maybe a bit of light relief from Sue Townsend, this satirical tale of the Prime Minister is hilarious and in some places, weirdly believable. The imagination and originality makes it.
9. Any Human Heart
I watched the TV adaptation of this before reading this William Boyd novel, which describes the colourful and complex life of Logan Mountbatten. Some annoying points where minor plot lines fall away, but I suppose that's just how it would be documented in the protagonist's journals - not following up everything he's mentioned before. Captivating, though reading the last 80 or so pages when in hospital is not the most uplifting thing!
10.Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
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Judge me all you want (please don't), this is amazing. In fact it should be higher than 10 on the list. OK I haven't read this for 12 years or something but you can't not have a Roald Dahl in there somewhere right..?
