I am really procrastinating today. I find myself reading instead of writing. I am reading a really great book by Anthony Doerr called “All the Light We Cannot See”. A novel set during the second world war that follows a French blind girl and a young German boy, I’m 90% through it and really enjoying it. I love reading, being taken to a whole different world. As a child I was fascinated by books, I loved when my mum would read Enid Blyton to me as a child. She now reads these to my daughter Aspen, it is lovely to see the bond that reading to children creates. I still love the smell of my old books as they smell of my childhood and happy memories with my mum.
Books are still a big part of my life. I really admire well written books and well researched books, it just amazes me how talented some writers are. Here a some of my all time favourites.
1. THE BOOK THIEF. Author Markus Zusak.
2.STILL ALICE. Author Lisa Genova.
3. THE GUERNSEY LITERARY and POTATO PEEL SOCIETY. Author Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.
4. ME BEFORE YOU. Author Jojo Moyes.
“The Book Thief” is the book that got me back into reading. After having kids I just couldn’t find the time to relax with a good book, if I had spare time I would read a parenting book or magazine. When I was recommended “The Book Thief” I became mesmerised by it, it is just so beautifully written and I just adored the characters. It is quite different in that it is written through the perspective of Death which just gives the reader such a unique experience. I don’t like to spoil books by giving away the story, but I recommend reading it. I recommend all the above books. “Still Alice” is such an amazing book about a successful and highly intelligent woman who suffers early-onset Alzheimers Disease. It is just a breathtaking novel.
I find it hard to pick just one book, it is like ice-cream, there are so many flavours and depending on my mood I feel like different things. Sometimes I just love a really light funny book like a Sophie Kinsella novel. “Twenty’s Girl” is a great read if you like something funny and chick-lit style. Other times I enjoy a romance or a wartime novel, like the “Bronze Horseman” by Paulina Simons. Other times I love a mystery or thriller like “Before I go to Sleep” by S. J. Watson which kept me desperately wanting to turn the page!
Here is one of my favourite book quotes,
“a good book, Marcus, is judged not by it’s last words but by the cummlative effect of all the words that have preceded them. About half a second after finishing your book, after reading the very last word, the reader should be overwhelmed by a particular feeling. For a moment he should think only of what he has just read; he should look at the cover and smile a little sadly because he already misses all the characters. A good book, Marcus, is a book you are sorry to have finished.”
Quoted from the novel “THE TRUTH ABOUT THE HARRY QUEBERT AFFAIR”
Author Joel Dicker.
Original title: La vérité sur l’affaire Harry Quebert
I am part of a book club where my children go to school and I think what I love about it the most, (well besides the friendships, laughs, and great coffee), is that it has exposed me to so many wonderful books and different styles of books that I wouldn’t have picked up myself. Books that have surprised me, captured me, stayed with me well beyond the last page, and as the above quote references some books I am sad to finish, I put them down, smile sadly and know they have touched my heart, perhaps even changed the way I view the world.
Thanks for joining me, love Mackenzie xx
I will leave you with another favourite quote,
“A good book leaves you wanting to reread the book, a great book compels you to reread your own soul”
Quote from “THE NARROW ROAD TO THE DEEP NORTH”
Author Richard Flanagan
Loading InLinkz ...* Here are this weeks writing prompts if you would like to join in. Friday 2 October *
What makes you feel beautiful?
Reflect upon a quote that has touched you this week, or perhaps one that made you laugh.
What is your favourite childhood book?
What is your favourite book as an adult?
Share some advice on blogging.
Explain something you obsess over.
Grab our button and display it on your post or sidebar.
16 comments
there are some great books there Mackenzie – Still Alice was particularly vivid for me and lingers long after I read it. I’m also a bit of a dystopian novel and fantasy novel girl – love a great alternative universe 🙂
Yes Still Alice is a book that stays with you, so well written and such a powerful story
Books are a wonderful companion. Some times I too get in that mode 🙂 Great post and thank you for sharing those books!
Yes once you find a great book it is hard to put it down
The Book Thief is one of my favourite books too..I just can’t get enough of it, it’s so well written too…I have “THE NARROW ROAD TO THE DEEP NORTH” on my shelf for quite some time now, I have to get on to reading it too…Some days reading is all you can and all you should so, nothing can beat that!
I know The Book Thief is a beautiful book!
I enjoyed The Book Thief, Still Alice and Guernsey. Still Alice was my worst nightmare…
Haven’t read Flanagan’s book as yet but love that quote.
I went through a reading slump for 2 years when I was studying English lit at uni. But then, in my third and final year, majoring in psychology, I got back into reading with Harry Potter. That series was my saviour! 🙂
I haven’t read Harry Potter, but so many say it is wonderful. Yes Still Alice is such a sad and powerful read. My Grandmother died of Alzheimer’s so it is close to my heart too
Love the quote. As a non-fiction reader, I am usually drawn to books that teach me something new, but every once in awhile I pick up a fiction book and I am taken to another realm. I love the feeling they give me, but am completely useless until it is over. I neglect everything and everyone, so I try to not get involved with fiction books often. Currently I am going through a strain of memoirs through Audible, and I love them. Reading really is such a magical gift.
Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing.
-Tara
Yes I do love non-fiction to, especially when it is a great read like your book!
Love the first quote! “The Book Thief” is such an interesting book. I absolutely loved the writing style. I read “All the Light We Cannot See” this summer. I liked it…but I didn’t. 🙂 Have you finished it yet?
I am happy to be joining your linkup again this week. Thanks for the thoughtful writing prompts and for hosting it!
I just finished it, I liked it, not loved, but liked a lot.
I love getting caught up in a book too but just never seem to have time at the moment. I think it’s something I need to make the time for though don’t you? Thanks for linking up Mackenzie x #sundaystars
You should go for something light hearted that you can just escape too when you get a spare minute (which I imagine is so hard right now), nothing to heavy, much love xx
I agree with the quote, that I am always sorry to finish a great book. There is the rush to know what is on the next page, and then that emotional ping when you turn the last page. Like Tara, I use Audible to indulge in books when my hands are occupied, or we are on a roadtrip. I also have a lot of digital downloads. I sometimes miss the feeling of a book in my hand, but to be honest, reading is reading and the words enter your brain and emotions the same way no matter how they get there.
I like your choice of books Mac. I also know that Still Alice was also made into a compelling movie with Julianne Moore. I will be sure to read it. We lost my mom in law to Alzheimers.
Alzheimers is so sad and cruel, my mum’s mum also passed this way and my mum lives in fear of it, it is a horrible way to go. Thanks for your comment, take care of yourself xo
Comments are closed.