OK. I no longer regret starting this blog early because I have realised that I get to write random entries that have not a lot to do with the project until May 1st!
And though this is literary-related and would actually have been an acceptable use of this blog during the project, I have decided to write this blog NOW just so you don't suggest these books to me, because I've already read them. Also, if you know other books like these ones that I may enjoy, then suggest them!
SO, in no particularly order, my favourite books EVER.
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
This book is about an eccentric girl who really goes against the crowd and changes her entire school. The book is narrated from the perspective of a boy named Leo. The cover of my copy is bright pink, and so I don't think many boys would want to read it, but that's a massive shame because it's not a 'girly' book at all. It's really well-written.
Ages 12+ (not because of anything inappropriate, but it's set in a high school and younger kids may not find it that interesting)
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
One of my friends gave me this book as a present in year 6 and I am SO grateful! It's absolutely wonderful. The characters in this book seem so realistic and the plot is relatable. I'm really excited because the sequel/companion to this book, The Piper's Son, has just been released and I'm probably going to read it as one of my twenty-six books.
Ages 13+
Joel and Cat Set the Story Straight by Nick Earls and Rebecca Sparrow
This book is HILARIOUS! I only read it quite recently but it's so funny and the characters are so realistic. It's a tandem novel, meaning Nick Earls writes one chapter then Rebecca Sparrow writes the next one, but the way the plot is carried throughout the entire book is so clever. Each author has a character, and both characters are flawed, but very lovable.
Ages 14+
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Dodie Smith is best known for writing 101 Dalmations but this book is nothing like that one! It was written in the 1940s and is the diary of a 17-year-old girl named Cassandra who lives in an old, tumble-down castle. It's incredibly romantic, Cassandra's diary entries are never dull and the setting is vividly evoked. When I was reading this book I desperately wanted to visit the castle and the area of England in which it is set. A movie has been made out of this which is not as good as the book, but it's OK.
Ages 12+
Harry Potter (all of them!) by J.K. Rowling
How cliched I am... These books are just so clever in their plot development. I'm generally not a fan of fantasy but I make an exception for Harry Potter. Being my age, (15), I didn't really get into the books until after the fourth one was released, but I preordered my copy of Deathly Hallows and got it on the day it was released, and then finished it the next day. It was very exciting!
Ages 9+ for first few books, then getting up more towards 11 or 12 for the last few (they get a bit dark)
Finding Grace by Alyssa Brugman
This book is not very well-known but it is absolutely fantastic. It tells the story of a girl named Rachel who has just left school and is given a job looking after a fairly recently brain-damaged woman named Grace. Rachel is a really funny character and the plot is really beautiful.
Ages 14+
So that's my list of my favourite books of all time! I really recommend all of these books.
Please keep the suggestions coming! I'm deciding on my first five books within the next two weeks. I think I know (mostly) what these first five will be and I'll announce it soon!
