My most favourite books!

I've always been a bookworm. When I was a child, I would much rather sit indoors with a Roald Dahl book than play outside with my brother and sister. I am an incredibly fast reader meaning that I fly through books and am normally reading something new each week. With Ollie away for a few months I have a lot more time on my hands, especially in the evenings. I am enjoying sitting in bed for hours getting lost in a book. At the moment I'm reading Stephen King's 'IT', a book I have put off reading for a long time as I am terrified of clowns. However, I'm really enjoying it, and despite it's size I am getting through it quickly.

I love talking to other bookworms, sharing our favourite stories, and discovering new authors. It's so great when you meet a fellow book lover that has read the same books as you. Finding out what others liked and didn't like about the book gives you a new perspective on the tale, and has sometimes encouraged me to go back and re-read.

With that in mind here are my favourite books of all time.

To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee

I first read this classic in Year 10. Most students end up hating the books they studied at school, but I loved To Kill A Mockingbird instantly. Lee's novel is written from the perspective of Scout as an adult, looking back on her childhood. Her opinions towards the prejudice and racism within her community are so innocent and thought provoking. The book brings up many difficult issues to the fore-front, making it such an important book and perfect for high-school students. Every time I read To Kill A Mockingbird I take something else from it, which is what makes it so re-readable.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - J.K Rowling

Everyone knows I'm a huge Harry Potter fan, but Goblet of Fire is by far my favourite book of the series. It's the first time we see Voldemort in human form and I remember being so excited and scared when I first read it. I loved the introduction of the other wizarding schools, and the first glimpses of romance within the friendship group. Goblet of Fire is considerably longer than the first three books and I really liked getting stuck in to the story.

How To Be A Woman - Caitlin Moran

Caitlin Moran is one of my heroes, mainly because of this genius book. Part memoir, part manifesto, Moran talks about everything woman related; boobs, vaginas, child-birth, abortion etc etc etc. She is incredibly funny and honest about some taboo subjects, and really opens up a conversation about what it means to be a woman. If you're wanting a manual on how to be a super cool bitch this is the book you need.

Matilda - Roald Dahl

I like to think that I'm a Matilda. An independent, book-loving, creative lass, thinking her way through whatever life throws her way. Whenever I read Matilda I am completely in awe of the characters. Matilda inspires me, Miss Trunchbull terrifies me, Mr and Mrs Wormwood makes me laugh and Miss Honey comforts me. Dahl created many masterpieces, but Matilda is the one that resonates with me the most... I even consider calling my first born daughter Matilda I love her that much.

A Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank

Another book, another one of my heroes. I first read Anne Frank's diary when I was a young teen, the same age of her when she wrote the diary. Despite the horrors happening in the world outside the annex, one of my favourite things about the diary is how she writes about typical teenage girl problems. Her first crush, wanting a bra and her squabbles with her older sister. She is so relatable, which is what makes what happened to her so heartbreaking. Anne taught be as a young teen that every one is entitled to a voice and we should aim to have them heard.

Misery - Stephen King

Annie Wilkes is one of the scariest fictional characters ever. She isn't a clown, or a mass murderer, yet she is so scary!! Misery was my first experience of Stephen King and I was instantly hooked by the smoothness of the story telling. King builds tension so well, and keeps you hanging on page by page. I have not re-read Misery yet as I am currently trying to make my way through more of King's novels, however I'm sure it is something I will revisit when I'm desperate for a scare.