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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