Happy World Book Night!
I love the whole idea of this event. What can be better than encouraging
people to read? There is nothing quite as wonderful as opening a book and
stepping into its world. For many it is the only chance to travel that they
will ever get. A book allows us to escape the mundane world around us, to be
part of an adventure, to experience a love we can only dream of, and encounter
creatures and places far more exciting than anything in the real world.
Everyone should be able to experience the happiness a good book can bring, and
World Book Night is a brilliant way of promoting reading.
I meant to sign up to be a giver this year, but, me being me, I missed the
deadline. My friend, Lauren, however, gave away copies of Jojo Moyes'
Me Before
You (remember, you can follow her blog, co-run with fellow amazing publishing
gal, Clare, here: http://wakeupyourluck.wordpress.com/). So, to honour the
event, I've decided to make this blog post on the five books I think everyone should
read.
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| Picture courtesy World Book Night |
5. A Room With a View, E.M. Forster
This was the first Forster book I read, and I fell in love with it
instantly. The Italian parts of the novel made me want to go there and the
characters are an interesting mix. Lucy is a bit of a silly heroine, but you
can't help but warm to her. I did love how her relationship with George
unfolded too. A must for anyone wanting to read about Edwardian society.
4. Wide Sargasso Sea, Jean Rhys
A 'prequel' to
Jane Eyre, this is one of the most evocative books I have
ever read. It tells the story of how Mr Rochester's first wife went mad.
Paranoia infuses the whole novel, from the British character's racist attitude
to Antoinette's fear of becoming like her mother, and the atmosphere is both
stifling and intoxicating. I was mesmerised by this tale and enjoyed it more
than
Jane Eyre. Postcolonial literature at its finest.
3. The Jewel of St Petersburg, Kate Furnivall
Set in Russia on the cusp of the fall of the Romanov empire, this is a heart-pounding page turner! From the first chapter the action comes thick and fast as Valentina tries to make her own way in the world to the backdrop of the impending Bolkshevik revolution. There is something for everyone in this novel: romance, history, action and a fearless heroine. It will leave you holding your breath right up to the final sentence.
2. The Mortal Instruments/The Infernal Devices series, Cassandra Clare
I'm including both because they are equally amazing and also because they
link together. The former are set in the present day, the latter in Victorian
London. There are vampires and werewolves, angels and demons, but don't go
thinking they are just another run-of-the-mill YA series. These books are witty
and action-packed. Clary is a likeable heroine, and, indeed, a lot of the
female characters stand on their own two feet. They will make you laugh and
they will make you cry, which is what a good book should do, right?
1. The Cassandra Palmer series, Karen Chance
If you do not read these books then you are missing out on the best series
that was ever created. Blending mythology with the supernatural, combining
action and romance and laced with humour, these books are everything a good
story should be. Cassie is hapless to begin with, but with each book she grows
in strength and confidence and, yes, she can take care of herself, thank you
very much (well, most of the time). Add to the mix a whole cast of characters
that will steal into your heart and I defy you not to fall in love with this
series. If you like urban fantasy then you have to read them. And once you've
done that, make sure you read the Dorina Basrab series and Lia de Croissets
shorts; they're equally as awesome.
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