Top -10 Book
Recommendations
You can find the link
to Sarah’s post here
This list is in no order of preference, as these are all favourites in my opinion, it was hard to slim it down to just Ten. Some are older reads, others are newer. I have noted what genre they are in, and the Authors as well.
It was an eye opener to the diversity of my reading, and I found it interesting to see the books I have kept on my shelf even after all the years that have passed since reading them.
Without further ado...
1. Taken- Erin Bowman [Y.A Sci-Fi/Dystopian]
The minute
that I started reading Taken I knew I was hooked. Not only did Erin’s writing
style draw me in with the beautiful prose and power character development, the
concept of the world took over, and I was immersed; fearful, exhilarated,
excited and turbulent.
When I
finished the book I knew that I needed more. It was fast dubbed my ‘crack’ book
as I avoided going out and being social so I could spend more time in the
world.
If you like
a mixture of Science-Fiction and Dystopian, Male protagonists, diverse
landscapes and political intrigue you are going to love Taken.
2. Touch of Power [Y.A Fantasy]
I first
discovered my love of Maria V Synder in the first book to her Healer Trilogy.
I’d seen it at my local department store, though the cover was pretty and was
drawn to the main character being a healer.
Little did I
know this would be one of the most memorable books not only from the novel
itself, but the personal reading experience that I shared with one of my good
friends, who is no longer in my life.
The Fantasy
elements in this book are well crafted, and atmospheric. The pacing of humor,
tenderness, war, friendship, and magical intrigue makes it a rich read. Several
times my eyes got watery with emotion, and I remain attached to the Male
characters that surround the Female protagonist in her journey to self
discovery and safety.
If you are
pulled in by sharp wit, captivating and muti-faceted characters, touches of
romance, and page-turning action you will enjoy Touch of Power.
Look out for my series wrap up later
in the year when I complete the trilogy.
3.
Born Wicked – Jessica Spotswood [Y.A Historical]
This was my
first completed Trilogy in physical form. From the first book Born Wicked, to
the last, the trilogy kept me pining for the next one after each books release.
Let’s start
with Born Wicked though.
You are
going to want to get your hands on it if you haven’t already, and if you have,
and are a fan of Witch stories. This one is sure to have you reading by candle
light, enchanted with Jessica’s stunning prose, provocative prophecy, and swoon
worthy romance. Don’t let the romance fool you though, it is intense,
complicated, beautifully explored and one of my favorite couplings in Y.A
fiction to date. Finn and Cate – their love story is one to last.
Along with
this, the relationship between the sisters collectively and individually was
hard hitting, and real, yet with the touches of magic and Historical
exploration, coupled with humor, and humanity this by far one of my favorite
books of all time.
4. You’ve Got a Book in You - Elizaberth Sims [Writing Reference]
You’ve got a Book in you is a must read, go-to guide to
writing your book and developing trust in your own process. With guided,
grounded advice, humorous commentary and simple to begin techniques that can be
re-used this book has become my new writing Bible.
Aimed at those embarking on their first larger
Fiction or Non-Fiction project this book is also essential for seasoned
writers, both published and unpublished as it offers guidance that you can put
into practice to cultivate a fun, easy, and achievable daily writing practices.
I found the concept of Storm Writing, Heart
clenching moments, and her process for ‘making the book better’ changed my
perspectives on writing, and my own practice. Writing is not a chronological
process, and the revision state need not be either. If you buy one book on
writing on writing your first book – look no further than: You’ve got a Book in
you.
5.
Writing
Down the Bones- Natalie Goldberg [Writing Reference]
Whether you are new to writing or a seasoned pro Writing down the Bones is an essential
for any writer or creative spirit. Written in essay form, each chapter is full
of insight, inspiration, and person experience in her years of writing. Her
approach is fresh, humorous, sensuous, and engaging. Scattered throughout there
are exercises to explore, that I myself have done many times. In terms of
Non-Fiction books this is my most re-read book, and I will continue to rave and
recommend anything by Natalie Goldberg as she is one of my favorite writers.
6.
Frankie
Says Relapse – Siobhan Curham [Adult- Contemporary]
This one is
another book that I have recommended ever since starting my book blog back in
2010. My copy is so well read and beat up that when I saw it in a cheap
bookshop I brought myself a backup copy. That alone should tell you enough when
it comes to wanting to pick it up, but let me sell it to you better.
Sassy female
protagonist – flashbacks to the 80’s – intense romance – raw teenage emotions –
Journal entries written to Anne Frank as a confidant, and plot twists that make
you both cry and laugh at the same time.
Have I sold
it? I sure hope so because this book is up there with my favourite books of all
times, and I am well due for a re-read.
7. Blue Eyed Boy – Joanne Harris [Adult – Psychological]
It has been
many years since I have read this book, a lot of it is amiss in the jumble of
books I have read in the interim, but one thing that has stayed in my mind is
the way that this book affected me while reading it. I cannot remember reading
something since it, aside from Chelsea
Cain’s Heartsick that totally took me over, and had me questioning my
sanity.
Written in a
creative format, this intense, somber, and at times perverse story of a
dysfunctional family, and a haunting tale of murder is a must read for lovers
of psychological thrillers, and mysteries.
By the end it
will have you highly wired, and unable to rest.
8. Living Dead Girl – Elizabeth Scott – [Y.A Contemporary [Y.A]
If there was
ever a book I could recommend you read that will disgust you, scare you,
captivate you and keep you hooked page after the page it is Living Dead Girl. I picked this one up
on recommendation a few years back, started reading in the morning and read the
entire thing in one day [this is rare for me, I am a slow reader] I could not
stop, despite the tears, the repulsion and the agony that the main character, a
young kidnapped girl has to experience.
The ending
to this one lingers long after you read it. I would recommend this for those
who enjoy darker tales, although if Child abuse is a trigger for you then I
would read at your own risk. Elizabeth did an amazing job at handling the
topic, especially for the young adult genre. Her writing is both beautiful and
harrowing given the content, but if you feel you are mature enough to handle
it, take the time to read it.
9. One Past Midnight – Jessica Shirvington [Y.A Contemporary]
As beautifully heartbreaking as The Fault in Our Stars, One
Past Midnight is a creative, unique and fresh take on the concept of parallel
worlds.
Set in two locations, running along
the same time line, the main character Sabine has to live two completely
different lives that pose their own challenges both internally and externally.
She feels out of control, and tired and makes a chilling decision that will not
only affect both lives, but the fabric of time, and how it influences other
people and their experiences of life and death, love, and hate, compassion and
fear.
Jessica’s writing was powerful, and phenomenal.
When I finished the novel I had to wipe the tears from my eyes, and I wanted to
start it all over again. Her execution of the premise was superb, and has
started me on a journey to read all the books she has in publication.
10. This Song Will Save Your Life- Leila Sales [Y.A Contemporary]
I dub thee the book that surprised me
the most. While reading it, and through to the final page. Leila Sales has a way
of striking deeper chords in me, and this book is no different. If you are a fan
of music, freedom, learning to self love, acceptance, family, and the power of
passion you will love this book.
It
really drew me in to connect with a character who, through the novel, really
finds her passion. It made me laugh, drew me into a world I had only heard
about through the grapevine. It felt as though I was there the whole time. I
resonated with her story in ways I could not even begin to imagine.
This
book changed my life. It opened up parts of myself that I never knew existed
and helped me to understand the important of music and creativity in my own
life, and to never give that up.
Highly
recommended for all ages, pick this one up NOW.
There
we go, just a few of my all time favorites that I wanted to recommend and that
jumped out at me to grab my attention, and share my heartfelt thoughts about
them.What
about you? What are your favorites? Link me up in the comments below so I can
check out your lists, and as always – Happy Reading.
