If you’re looking to get to know a little bit more about me and my tastes in books, then this is a great post to start with! Choosing a favourite book is not something I ever feel comfortable doing (there’s far too many to choose from!) but for the sake of my first post I’ll give it a go…!
1. Room by Emma Donoghue
Oh Room! Where do I even start?!
Room was released in 2010. If truth be told it was the cover that drew me to it. It tells the story of five-year-old Jack who lives in “Room” with his Ma, and it is told from his perspective. To Jack, Room is his world. He has never ventured outside it’s four walls, and it is all he has ever known. Jack was born inside Room and is being held captive there with his mother who was taken by Old Nick. His mother has done her best to protect Jack from the truth of his reality but one day she decides enough is enough.
Some people who I have discussed this with have said that they were unable to settle into this book due to the way it is written. It is unusual to read in the detached language of a five year old boy, but that is where it’s glory lies. This story is heart-breaking; it left me in tears as I read it and opened up a whole new awareness to the dangers that we face in this world.
The movie adaptation was one of the best adaptations I’ve seen. It stayed very true to the book and I can confess to you now that I sobbed throughout (my friend was absolutely mortified!)
2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This book was given to me as a gift. I was immediately sceptical – I don’t do well with receiving books as gifts! If I don’t enjoy them I feel consumed with guilt and worry about what to say to the person that gave it to me! This however, was a completely different story! (No pun intended!) My cousin gave this to me for my birthday and it is a book I will honestly treasure forever!
The Alchemist is more of a fable than a novel or even a story. It follows a young shepherd boy called Santiago who wants to travel the world to find it’s greatest treasures. On this book you accompany Santiago on his journey, including his crucial encounter with The Alchemist.
It may sound cliché but this book was one that will stick with me. I truly believe that it is a book you can read time and time again, taking a different lesson from it on each occasion.
Put this on your To Be Read pile immediately!
3. Asking For It by Louise O’ Neill
This book blew me away. Emma O’ Donovan is a beautiful and popular eighteen year old girl. After reading the first few pages of this book I despised Emma. But nobody, no matter how horrible they are, deserves to experience what happened to her.
The story follows her experience leading up to, at, and after a party; one she can’t really remember but one she will never forget. Waking up in her front porch, Emma has no idea how she got there, or why she feels so sick. Her skin is burnt from the sun, and all she wants to do is sleep. She is in pain and doesn’t know why. She doesn’t, but thanks to social media, everyone else does.
This story captures the harrowing tale of the victim of a gang-rape. Her dignity is destroyed not only by her rape but by the evidence of it that is sprawled across social media sites. It is cold, it is cruel; but it hits the nail on the head. Louise O’ Neill bravely tackles a subject that most people want to simply sweep under the carpet; Rape Culture. She explores Ireland’s attitude to rape in a very tactful way whilst also highlighting the dangerous world of social media.
It is not the most ‘pretty’ of subjects, but this book is one that I feel every single person; teenage girls, boys, mothers, fathers, and teachers need to read. Now.
4. Lying In Wait by Liz Nugent
“My husband did not mean to kill Annie Doyle, but the lying tramp deserved it.’” What an opening line! What a book!
Lydia does all she can to protect her son Lawrence and their social status, but Lawrence is smarter than he lets on… I can’t say much more without giving too much away!!
It is a truly captivating read. You will love characters, you will despise characters. You will be intrigued by every aspect of this book and you will not see whats coming!
I cannot say any more than this: Read This Book!
5. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
This is my childhood encapsulated. My late Grandmother lent me this book and I adored it! It fueled my love of reading and also encouraged me to be an optimistic and positive person.
This book, which is the first of a series I’ve never actually gotten round to finishing, follows young Anne Shirley of Avonlea. She is adopted by the Cuthberts and although she proves to be rather troublesome at times, she has a heart of gold.
“Dear old world,” she murmured, “you are very lovely and I am glad to be alive in you.”
I dare you to read this and not come away overwhelmed with gratitude and optimism! A beautiful book that will re:open your eyes to the beauty and innocence of the world around you.
So there you have it, my Top Five Faves!
Have you read any of these? Are you planning on reading any of them now?! Let me know! Comments are always welcome!
C x
The Busy Bookworm 
Anne of Green Gables is such a classic and nostalgic for me. I read the series when I was younger, and I’ve always loved the story 🙂 I always get drawn in by the covers and the titles of the books.
LikeLiked by 1 person