Best Reads

I have been slack lately with reading books other than What to Expect When you are Expecting, Up the Duff'* and now Save Our Sleep**, so for this post I will just list some of my all time favourite reads. The following tales found me at different times in my life and struck some cords in my heart and mind***. 

The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao – Junot Diaz

If I was forced to pick a favourite book of all time, this would be it. One of a kind, unique and perfect in its imperfection – hahaha now I totally sound like a literary wanker ;).

Papillion- Henri Charrierre

A total classic that proves real life is better than fiction (or not, depending who you believe as some claim parts of Papillion actually happened to other prisoners, not Charrierre).

Life of Pi – Yann Martel

Just brilliant with an amazing twist. Is about to be released as a movie as well.

Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khalid Hoessini

Both are heartbreaking, full of strength and unforgettable.

Persuasion – Jane Austin

My favourite of Miss Austin's classics so far (I haven't read all of them yet). Love how it is about getting a second chance with the same person you fell in love with years ago but thought you had lost. It is also a great tale to remind ourselves to follow our hearts, not always our heads.

To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee

There is a reason why it is a classic. If you didn't read it in high school (most people do in English class) go out now, get a copy and start reading.

The Happiest Refugee – Anh Do

Read this nonfiction gem in a few days. Do’s story is such an important tale in our time as modern Australians. Has sold out a few times in Australian bookstores.

Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden

I read this book years ago and remember loving it. This passage always sticks in my mind as well:

Mother always said that my sister Satsu was like wood. As rooted to the earth as a Sagura tree. But she told me I was like water. Water can carve its way, even through stone. And when trapped, water makes a new path.

The History of Love -Nicole Krauss

Love the creativity of this book. I think Ms Krauss is an even better writer than her husband Jonathan Safran Foer which is no easy feat! My friend Seiji did a nice piece on it here. Funny ’cause I totally forgot one of the main characters name is Leo which is what we call my little man J ps. Seiji, start blogging again, I miss this window to your mind and travels!

Marching Powder – Rusty Young

Often gruesome but always enthralling.

Favourite book series growing up:

Anne of Green Gables – Lucy Maud Montgomery

When I was young (Primary school)

Fear Street – R.L Stine

When I was a bit older (Late primary school)

Tomorrow, When the War Began – John Marsden

When I was nearly full grown or thought I was (High School)

*Both fantastic choices for expecting mums.

** Must read for sleep deprived parents.

*** Apologies for any editing and style mistakes in this post. I'm blogging in between sleeps/feeds/delirium.