These days I see most people carrying an Ipad or using an e reader. Yes, its convenient and yes, you can read as many novels as you like. You don't have to lug around a whole bunch of hardbacks and paperbacks and its great for travel.
But, for me nothing compares to the feeling of a page turned, the smooth finish of the front of the book, the smell of the fine paper and the knowledge that in my hands I have something that is going to excite me and make my world a better place for a few hours, days or weeks. Going to a bookstore for me is like a kid in a candy store I truly love it.
Growing up in the city didn't leave me much room to go outdoors and play with neighbours kids on the street. In fact I never did this at all after school as we lived on a busy road and most of our neighbours were elderly. So to replace the loneliness and boredom I had my beloved books for company. I would read in the afternoon, in the evening, on the bus, in the car while my father drove us. I would read until late at night and my parents were always telling me to go to bed and that if I continued down this path I would lose my eyesight. I do not wear glasses and I have vision like Superman...hehe. So that theory has gone out the window. I still cannot go to bed without reading a few chapters. Its a habit I am glad not to break. Besides its great exercise for my eyes.
I am saddened that recently many books stores and book store cafe's have closed down due to most people using the internet to buy and read novels. One day I feel the humble book store will be no longer. The thought that, I won't be able to walk into a store and touch and look at all the wonderful displays of stories waiting for me to read really does upset me. I am hoping that our children will experience the joys of spending a rainy afternoon curled up on the sofa with a wonderful read and not from a computer. I have already started collecting some great books from my favourite authors so in years to come my children may appreciate what their mother has done for them. (Here's hoping)
My dream is to one day have a study or library like the one's you see in old movies full of wall to ceiling books with a big oak table and vintage chairs a big window and a long daybed underneath. Somewhere where I can hide from the world and escape from daily pressures. Its a dream I hope to make a reality and soon.
Below I have listed a few of my absolute favourite books to read. There are so many books I love but these are the one's that stand out for me and I highly recommend them Some are great just for light entertainment and others really give your brain a work out. I know there is something for everyone in my collection.
Happy reading :)
A
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons
Recommended for children and early teens:
The Chronicles Of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Story about 4 siblings entering a world of fantasy and meanwhile using their strengths, compassion, and courage to fight along side mythical creatures in the mythical world that is Narnia.
James and the Giant Peach: By Roald Dahl
I think I was about 6 years old when this was introduced to me and I remember fantasizing about living in a giant peach:) This is about a boy who loses his parents and is left to live with his two cruel aunts who do not allow him to go anywhere or play with other children. This is his journey and how some magical crocodile tongues change his life forever.
To Kill a Mockingbird: by Harper Lee
About racial prejudice and a loss of innocence and a family in the middle of it all. Lovely book for the whole family.
Lord of the Flies: by William Golding
This was introduced to me when I was about 8 years old. A story of a group of boys, lost on an island trying to survive and look after themselves and each other. It also explores the hierarchy of groups who are not developed enough to make well thought out decisions and how power and worship could have disastrous results.
The Lorax: by Doctor Seuss
Who doesn't love a good Doctor Seuss novel.. Great for the kids learning about the environment. Wonderful pictures, will keep the kids interested for years.
Recommended for teens and upwards:
Power of One: by Bryce Courtenay
The story about an English speaking boy growing up in South Africa during apartheid. The theme in this novel is racial prejudice, friendship and a boy's desire to rise above it all. Great book especially for teens who bully and experience bullying. Great movie too.
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant: by Anne Tyler
This was my year 12 novel. Absolutely love this book. The story stayed with me for a very long time. It follows the lives of three siblings growing up with their mother after their father abandons them. Each sibling has a different recollection of that time and one creates a nostalgic family themed restaurant. Tear jerker this one. But a wonderful novel about not so perfect families.
A Clockwork Orange: by Anthony Burgess
This book describes a culture of extreme youth violence. A teenager Alex narrates about his violent exploits and experiences with state authorities who want to reform him. Quite a few characters in this one. As a teenager I found this fascinating as I was never in trouble with the law. Great eye opener.
The Idiot: by Fyodor Dostoevsky
About a 26 year old Prince who returns to Russia after being in a sanatorium for a few years. He finds himself at the centre of a love triangle between a beautiful kept woman and a virtuous pretty young girl. Of course these relationships are doomed. A book about money, power, naivete, sanity and tragedy of choice.
Crime and Punishment: by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Another one by Fyodor. This is one of my favourites. The story of a man who commits a murder and then tries to justify it in his own head until he is at his own undoing. A great read about guilt, mental anguish and moral dilemmas. One of Dostoevsky's finest novels.
Anna Karenina: by Tolstoy
Ah the iconic book that's been recently made into another movie. Anna Karenina is a tragedy about a woman in an unhappy marriage and her affair with Count Vronsky. Set in Russia the novel explores characters and families, religion and morality. Who doesn't enjoy a complicated love story:)
Girl with a Dragon Tattoo: by Stieg Larsson
Stieg Larsson's first novel of 3. About a journalist and a computer hacker who set out to solve a 40 year old mystery disappearance and their unusual friendship. Very riveting and a great read which will keep you in suspense at every chapter.
Anne Rice's second novel about a 200 year old Vampire who goes from humble aristocrat to an arrogant, souless being. Great Fantasy read.
The Road Less Travelled: by M. Scott Peck
As described on the front cover the classic work on relationships, spiritual growth and life's meaning.
Enjoy!
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