Back in my pre-mummy, pre-blogging days I used to actually have time to read a lot of books. Sadly, these days I’m averaging about one every three months, unless it’s a fab short story collection like this one from Debbie at Random Musings.
However, for this weeks Butterfly Book Club, I wanted to share a list of the novels that have stayed with me, in some cases for many years. It’s very difficult to pick just ten of your top novels but I’ve done my best below (in no particular order!).
Room by Emma Donoghue
This is a wonderful, haunting read that was released as a film too last year. The genius of the story lies in the fact that it is told from the perspective of five year old boy who lives in one room with his mum. They are occasionally visited by Old Nick but the boy must hide in the cupboard during these mysterious and somewhat sinister encounters.
It is heartbreakingly clear to readers that this woman and her child are in a desperate & terrifying situation but to the boy this is simply the life he has always known. I won’t give any more away except that the disturbing early chapters soon give way to an adrenaline-fueled story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Desperately sad but brilliant.
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
I honestly don’t know how Ms Niffenegger wrote this and kept all the dates and storylines straight, that deserves a medal in itself. This time travelling tale is completely unique and beautifully told. Essentially a love story, the backdrop of Henry’s abilities/curse make it fascinating and un-put-down-able. There are beautiful moments but a lot of darkness too. And for once, I actually enjoyed the film adaptation!
The Green Mile by Stephen King
I’m a big Stephen King fan in general but The Green Mile in particular is so detailed and gripping. King doesn’t hold back, especially during the execution scenes, so this is not a novel for the fainthearted. However, the way he weaves the mystery of the 1932 death row story, and captures the fantastic characters – in particular the miraculous John Coffey – is every bit as edgy and intelligent as the Tom Hanks’ film most people are more familiar with.
Anything from Jodi Picoult
I know this is cheating but there’s no way I’d be able to choose just one Jodi Picoult book for this list and if I chose all my favourites that would be the list. Jodi has an incredible ability to tackle countless moral issues with so much skill she has you easily viewing any topic from a variety of conflicting positions. Her characters are so beautifully drawn and relatable, and she has an uncanny grasp of family relationships of all kinds. Plus, you are often kept guessing until the very last page. Suicide, euthanasia, child & domestic abuse, embryo & organ donation & autism are just a few of the big issues Jodi tackles, and she pulls no punches when it comes to shock endings either.
Jodi covers these tough topics with impeccable research and attention to detail. My favourites are Nineteen Minutes, Picture Perfect, Plain Truth, Salem Falls & Sing You Home but frankly I’ve yet to encounter any one of Jodi Picoult’s novels I didn’t enjoy. Note: don’t bother with the film version of My Sister’s Keeper – Jodi herself admitted she was less than pleased with the catastrophic plot change!
The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time by Mark Haddon
I was really late to this novel. I’d seen it everywhere for years and lots of my friends had raved about it. I even bought a copy but then didn’t get around to reading it for another couple of years! And when I did I couldn’t believe I’d waited so long. No two people with autism are the same so you can’t assume this novel will keep you well informed of the condition, however the cleverly told storyline about one boy’s journey into a world that often feels so frightening and alien to him is as emotional as it is fascinating.
I adore The Time Travellers Wife, one of the first books to really get me sobbing!! Great choices, must admit I’ve not read The Green Mile but I actually enjoyed the film. Thanks for sharing with #ReadWithMe
Chantelle Hazelden recently posted…Read With Me 2016 #33
The green mile is one of my faves x #fartglitter
yvette morgan recently posted…Come and Explore – Joules Competition
I love The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night – Time and have read and enjoyed many of Jodi Piccolo’s books too. I also read The Time Traveller’s Wife after reading lots of rave reviews but it wasn’t for me, I still don’t really understand the hype surrounding it but I guess it’s each to their own 🙂
#readwithme
Catherine @ Story Snug recently posted…The illustrated Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay
I loved The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and Room. I started The Time Traveller’s Wife but didn’t really get into it. Perhaps I should revisit it? #readwithme
BookBairn recently posted…An Adventure in Languages
I think Time Traveler’s Wife is an acquired taste lol! Thanks for reading xx
I’d love the read the Green Mile as loved the film and have read a couple of other Stephen Kings! I wish I read more – ideally need to get off phone or laptop and have half an hour each day. I always say this and it never happens!! xx #fartglitter
Sarah Howe @runjumpscrap recently posted…Those First Few Moments…..
Yeah since I started blogging there is even less time for reading, sadly xx
I’ve only read The Time Travellers Wife out of your list but loved it. And subsequently watched the film too #readwithme
Yet Another Blogging Mummy recently posted…Oatly Foamable – an oat drink
Ooh, the Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night is one of my favourites. Not the Green Mile though. Too sad.
#readwithme
suz recently posted…Books about starting school.
The Green Miles is SO sad, yeah. Thanks for reading xx
Loved the Time Traveller’s Wife. I must read Room. Great selection #readwithme
I loved Room, a real page turner! The Time Travellers Wife is on my to read list but like you I find it hard to find the time these days. Also really enjoyed The Curious Incident 🙂
#readwithme
Acorn Books recently posted…The Wind in the Willows – Retold by Lesley Sims, illustrated by Mauro Evangelista & performance in Knaresborough
Time Travellers Wife and Room would be right up there for me too. Not read the others so will look out for them #TriedTested
Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…Discovering Ambre Solaire Kids
I think I’ll try Jodi Picoult and also Room. Thank you for the suggestions. 🙂 x #readwithme
Marina Ilieva recently posted…The Woman and the Book
I’m a big Steven King fan also. I remember when I was reading the book, thinking that this would make an awesome movie if done right. It was. Can’t say I’ve read anything else on your list though #anythinggoes
jeremy@thirstydaddy recently posted…An “OK” Dad Day
I haven’t read most of these – but a lot of them are already on my list. Like you though I very rarely manage to indulge in a book right now. My list will be pretty epic by the time the children start school and I can maybe actually read something that doesn’t have pictures or pop ups. 😉
Thanks for linking with #fartglitter x
I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve never read any of these! I used to love reading but since having kids I struggle to find the time x #triedtested
Emma Plus Three recently posted…The Siblings Project | August
I adore Jodi Piccoult! Will have to check out the others. I do love each a good book. Thanks for sharing#fartglitter
Sarah@teammomlife recently posted…#MySundayPhoto August 14th
I must get round to reading the curious tale of the dog… As an autism mom I am almost ashamed to admit I haven’t read it! Love Jodi Piccoult too. My goal was to read 3 novels this summer, I had managed two. I loved Freya North’s turning point. #thelist
An imperfect mum (Catie) recently posted…Weekly Roundup #31
I’ve read all of these books and they are all fab. Agree that anything by Jodi Piccoult is always a good read! #TheList
I loved Room, The Green Mile and all of Jodi Picoult’s books too. I haven’t tried the Tome Traveller’s Wife or the Curious Incident, I’ll have to give them a go, thanks for the recommendations 🙂 And thank you for the mention too!
Thanks for linking up to #AnythingGoes 🙂
Debbie
Random Musings recently posted…Blogger Spotlight: Nia Patten Looks
Ah those were the days, book reading! Some great picks here. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x (it would be great if you could add our badge or link back x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…Week 41 #LittleFierceOnes Round-Up
Oops sorry, totally forgot. Will add later today xx
We have very similar taste indeed, I haven’t read Green Mile but I’m guessing I’d enjoy it based on being in agreement about the others! We watched the film Room recently, thought it was very well done. My reading has slowed right down since having a baby too!
Kati recently posted…The Art of Getting by on SMP #4
Loved time traveller’s wife but hated the film adaptation…