Since I picked up my first Jacqueline Wilson novel many moons ago, I've been an avid reader. You can often find me cosied up in bed, on the sofa or in the bath with a good old book. For me, there's nothing quite like losing yourself in a fantasy world to escape reality. I'm definitely someone who gets "too into" books and I've been known to shed a tear or two once I've finished one as I feel like I know the characters - oh the shame. Anyway, that's enough emotional talk. I've picked a few of my favourite authors and books to share with you in the hope that you'll find a new book love.
This is the book that I've most recently read and surprisingly, I loved it. I got this free with Glamour magazine a long time ago (probably a couple of years ago now) and I threw it aside thinking it'd be rubbish. But when I had no books left to read - and no money to buy any new ones - I delved into this one and fell completely in love. It's lighthearted, witty, hilarious and exactly what every girl needs to read. It's basically about a woman called Angela who catches her fiance cheating and runs away to New York. It's one of those books that'll make you laugh and cry at the same time.
This man is without a doubt the man of my dreams. I've read nearly all of his novels and it's safe to say that he is my favourite author. As a full on romantic, he writes the kind of books that I love reading and getting lost in and I most definitely blame him for my warped view on love. The book pictured is called The Rescue and definitely my favourite of the books I've read. It's beautiful and one that I couldn't predict despite Nicholas Sparks using running themes throughout his novels. I need this book to be made into a film because it's absolutely perfect. If you're new to the world of Nicholas Sparks, I definitely recommend The Rescue to get you into him.
I have a love/hate relationship with this series. I love it because well, it's wonderful but I hate it because of the films. I read these books five years ago when my best friend at school was obsessed with them and immediately, I fell in love with Edward Cullen. The books are true fantasy love stories that keep you turning the page. However the films aren't very good at all in my opinion. I'm not a fan of the way the characters are portrayed by the actors and the films don't do the books justice. At all. And now, I can't re-read these books because when I do, all I see is the awkwardness of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. Sigh. But good books nonetheless.
Madeleine Wickham is Sophie Kinsella's real name and she writes under both the names - pretty confusing, uh?! I first discovered Sophie Kinsella when I read Confessions of a Shopaholic. As a lover of the film, I bought myself the book and loved her witty style of writing. Since then, I've read all of the books by her as they're great lighthearted "poolside" reads. The one pictured is Twenties Girl which is about a woman called Lara who keeps receiving visits from her late great aunt Sadie. Sounds a bit spooky but it's definitely not. The other book pictures is Madeleine Wickham's Swimming Pool Sunday which I randomly bought after deciding to give Sophie Kinsella's other books a chance. I wasn't expecting much as I assumed that these books were for "older" people but I really enjoyed it. Basically, an accident happens and lots of twists and turns occur. I couldn't put this book down and read it in one day - the joys of being poolside in the sun with a good book in one hand and a glass of Pepsi in the other.
I bought these last year whilst on holiday and hearing Joey Graceffa rave about them constantly. I loved them so much that I read the entire trilogy in one week and have since read every book again. They're not the kind of books that I usually go for but oh my, they're extremely gripping. The trilogy is set in future America where it has been divided into districts and the Capitol. Each year, an awful reality show happens whereby two children from each district are forced to fight to the death - there can only be one winner. There's also a nice little love story running alongside the main storyline which of course, I loved.
I read this on recommendation from my sister who rarely ever reads so when I found out that she'd actually finished a book, I knew I had to read it. I'm not the biggest fan of the way that it's written - I like shorter chapters - but it is an incredible book that's set out in a very strange way. The book is set out over twenty years and each chapter represents a different year. It's a heartbreaking love story and the ending didn't end how I wanted it to at all. It's a book that teaches you how short life really is. I also fell in love with Dexter while reading this - he's a beauty.
Okay I admit it... I'm cheating a little bit with this one as I'm yet to read Bridget Jones's Diary. However two weeks ago I watched the film for the first time - I know, I know, twenty years old and only just watching the film is a crime in itself - but I loved it so much that I decided to buy the book. Although I'm not impressed with the front cover (never judge a book by its cover is a complete lie) I am definitely excited to read this book. If it's anything like the film, it's going to wonderful to bury my head in.
I love reading biographies about those that I love and if you don't already know (first of all, where have you been?!) I'm literally the biggest Britney Spears fan you'll ever meet. If you don't happen to love old Britterz quite as much as I do (you must be mental!) then I can still guarantee you that her life is one you'll enjoy reading about. It's so fascinating and the best part of it all is that these biographies are just speculation. Despite being one of the most photographed women ever, since her breakdown she's been extremely reserved and we don't actually know a lot about her. Britney: Inside the Dream is incredible and although it's a bit outdated now, it still explores a lot of her breakdown. I'd also recommend reading Lynne Spears' Through The Storm which is about as close to the truth as we'll ever get (unless Ms. Spears releases her autobiography). Through The Storm is an autobiography by Britney's mother and although it explores a lot about her life and past, it touches on a lot of Britney issues and also Jamie Lynn's pregnancy. A truly gripping and heartbreaking book.
Phew. What a long post. I hope you enjoyed it and I've given you a few reading suggestions. Please do let me know any books that you recommend as I'm always on the lookout for new reads. I'm considering reading Me Before You as I've seen a lot of bloggers talking about it and it sounds like my kind of book. I just need that little push to get me to buy it so if you've read it and enjoyed it, let me know in the comments.
Phew. What a long post. I hope you enjoyed it and I've given you a few reading suggestions. Please do let me know any books that you recommend as I'm always on the lookout for new reads. I'm considering reading Me Before You as I've seen a lot of bloggers talking about it and it sounds like my kind of book. I just need that little push to get me to buy it so if you've read it and enjoyed it, let me know in the comments.
What are your favourite books? Have you read any of the ones mentioned above? Leave me your recommendations below.
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