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I’ve been actively blogging about books for about a year now, and it suddenly struck me that I’m yet to share with everyone what my favourite books are. I found it pretty difficult to narrow it down to just five books, as I love so many different genres and authors. But, none-the-less, here are my top 5 favourite books at this moment in time!
My all-time favourite book will probably never change. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes is a beautiful, poignant and thought-provoking book and it’s always the first one I recommend when people ask me about my favourite books. I’ve converted a fair few people over to reading (and loving!) it over the last few years and I think that speaks volumes. It’s technically science fiction although I’d argue against this genre as it only touches on the science-y aspects of what the story’s about. There’s not really a way of explaining what happens in the story without completely spoiling everything but the general gist is that it’s the story of Charlie, a man who has been selected to be the first human test subject for a clinical trial intended to increase intelligence. It’s a tale of morality, ethics and the treatment of those who are mentally incapacitated. Be warned though: it will likely make you cry.
When I was a young girl, probably around the age of 10, my grandad introduced me to the Philip Pullman trilogy His Dark Materials. Since then, it’s remained one of my all-time favourite series’ and I’d even argue that I love it ever so slightly more than I love Harry Potter. There’s been a (terrible) movie adaptation of the first novel Northern Lights released starring Dakota Blue Richards, although it was released with the title The Golden Compass. There’s also set to be a BBC adaptation of the entire trilogy in the coming years, which I’m looking forward to. I love a good BBC adaptation and I do believe that they’ll do the series so much more justice than the film did.
I’ve been a fan of Sarah Dessen for as long as I can remember, and I really do have difficulty in choosing just one of her books as I love them all so much. It’s very rare that I find an author whose books I read religiously and love equally, but Sarah is definitely an exception to the rule. I decided to go with Just Listen because it was the first book by Dessen that I ever read and I do believe that I’m slightly more attached to these characters than I am to her others. I love that the book embodies music, friendship, and love. Owen as a character is probably one of my favourite ever created and I always wanted to find a boyfriend just like him when I was growing up. If you’ve never read Dessen before then honestly, you’re completely missing out. She is an absolute credit to the Young Adult genre of books and I honestly can’t wait for her next contribution.
I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t stick a French book in here somewhere (although I’ve misplaced my copy of it in French so had to include my Italian version Il Piccolo Principe in the pictures, oops!). I did have a bit of difficulty in choosing between Le Petit Prince and Camus’s L’Étranger but I think my feelings towards the latter were formed mostly off my former French teacher’s love for it. Le Petit Prince is an absolute classic and loved by all generations. Again, a movie has been released recently - I haven’t had the chance to watch it yet but I’m really looking forward to having a watch when I’m back from my holidays!
I can’t remember how old I was the first time I was introduced to Jane Eyre, but I know that I loved it immediately. I based my A Level coursework around it, through choice, I’ve annotated many a copy with my own notes and I’ve splurged (well, my cousin splurged on my behalf) on the most beautiful hard backed copy of it. Jane Eyre is a true classic. It’s beautifully written but not overly whimsical, a much more accessible alternative to Charlotte’s sister Emily’s masterpiece Wuthering Heights. The story is romantic and intriguing, and you find yourself falling in love with Jane and Mr. Rochester just as they fall in love with each other. The setting is creepy and a whole new spin is put on the gothic genre. If you want to start off reading classic literature, then I’d definitely say give this one a go first. You definitely won’t be disappointed.
Have you read any of my favourites? What are your top 5 fave books? Let me know in the comments!
