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10 Books You Need To Read

Books are wonderful things that allow you to escape the harshness of reality, even just for a short while. There is no better feeling than being completely stuck into a book, feeling like you're really in that story and not being able to put it down because you just have to know what is going to happen next.

As a literature/book nerd, I thought it would be a great idea to write a post about some of my favourite books that I think you should read. I have narrowed it down to ten for the sake of this post, but believe me, I could suggest a lot more. But here are some that stood out to me:

1. It's Kind of a Funny Story - Ned Vizzini


This is a beautiful and personal story about a boy who spends five days in a mental hospital after being admitted because of a suicidal episode. Whilst there, he meets new and interesting people, makes new friends and learns ways of coping with his depression. There are also areas of comedy in the book. I definitely recommend you give it a read.


2. The Maze Runner series - James Dashner



The Maze Runner series is set in a dystopian world where a disease called 'The Flare' has taken over the planet. These books are full of action, sadness and anger. I highly recommend you read these, I could not put them down. 


3. Die Again - Tess Gerritsen 


Die Again is a novel about a serial killer based in both Boston and Africa. This is the book that got me into crime and investigation novels. This gripping story is full of plot twists and is a real page turner. Another one that I could not put down.


4. The Shining - Stephen King



One of Stephen King's classics, The Shining is a fantastic, yet intense, book set in the creepy Outlook Hotel. This book constantly had me on edge and made me feel paranoid, even in broad daylight. However, I could probably do with buying a new copy as mine has seen better days. I definitely recommend this book if you are a horror fan.


5. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood


Another dystopian novel; this book is set in a horrific world where all rights have been stripped from women and they have all been put into certain roles. The story is told from a first person perspective by a woman called Offred. She is a handmaid and her only purpose is to give birth. It is a very powerful story that I definitely recommend you read. 


6. The Establishment - Owen Jones



Written by a lot of people's, any my, favourite left-wing journalist, Owen Jones, The Establishment is a very eye-opening book about the corruption of the people in power in Britain. This book will leave you feeling more aware, angry and disgusted with the things that happen. Read this, and it will open your eyes.


7. A Dog's Purpose - W. Bruce Cameron 


This is one of my favourite books. I even wrote a review on it because I have so much love for it. A Dog's Purpose is a beautiful story about a dog's journey through different lives, trying to find his true purpose. This book is an emotional roller coaster; you're laughing one minute and crying the next. But, it is very heart-warming and I feel like everyone should read this. 


8. Wintergirls - Laurie Halse Anderson



This novel can be triggering to some people, however I think it is an important novel. It's about a girl's battle with an eating disorder and other mental health difficulties. The book raises a lot of awareness and also sends a hopeful message: things CAN get better. Things WILL get better.


9. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte



Jane Eyre is one of my favourite books and I have a huge love for the Bronte sisters. I first read this book whilst I was still in college and found it very powerful and moving. The book focuses on a girl who was raised in an orphanage and who learns to rise above the rules set out for women by eighteenth century Britain's patriarchal society. 


10. Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher


Whilst I wouldn't necessarily recommend the series, I would definitely recommend the book. Thirteen Reasons Why is an emotional novel about a girl who leaves behind tapes on which she explains why she committed suicide. The book raises very important issues of suicide and bullying and is very thought-provoking. 

So, those are some of the books that I recommend you read. There's definitely a lot more I could add to this list but I will leave it here for now. 


Until the next time,
Char. 


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