Books, Books, Books, They're Very Useful Things...

Ok, so I'm no Oprah, (what with her book club, power and millions of dollars) but I sure love a good book discovery!

 

This week I have been especially grateful for my current read to accompany me in bed while I get over the flu. As there is many of us under the weather in Canberra at this time of year, I thought I'd put together a list of my favourite books I've ever read. 

 

I personally like to read a serious book followed by a funny book to mix it up, and continue along this pattern when choosing which book to read next. When I find a book that is both serious and funny, I feel like I've hit the book jackpot!

 

I can highly recommend the following line up to keep your mind preoccupied until you get better...

 

 

Room by Emma Donoghue: The first chapter will have you scratching your head. I had to re-read the pages over and over to grasp what was going on. A fictional story told through the eyes of a very young boy. I desperately want to tell you what happens, but I won't. Truly brilliant writing.

 

Fat, Forty and Fired and Overworked and Underlaid also by Nigel Marsh: I met Nigel at a conference a few years ago (he was guest speaker). A fellow attendee raved about his first book and how it changed her attitude to work/life balance when she truly needed it. Warning: You may want to quit your job after reading these books. But Nigel has also realised the need for BALANCE, not just one extreme either way. Also just as funny as their titles suggest!

 

Love Your Sister by Connie and Samuel Johnson: A life changing campaign for this brother and sister team to raise awareness and money for breast cancer. I can't recommend this book highly enough, as detailed in a previous blog post of mine earlier this year.

 

Bang Bang and Lies that Chelsea Handler Told Me and Uganda Be Kidding Me by Chelsea Handler: Chelsea's shenanigans (btw best word ever) as a comedian and TV host of Chelsea Lately. I don't know how to say it other than she is disgustingly funny.

 

Beautiful by Katie Piper: The true story of how Katie endured a truly horrific acid attack, and fought to inspire millions with her spirit to increase awareness about burns victims. 

 

Drink Smoke Pass Out by Judith Lucy: I love a book about a comedian's  path to becoming successful, reading about that one show they did in the early days with one person  in the audience, to where they are now.  A spiritual journey for Judith here, but don't worry, her dry wit is still very present.

 

My Story (A Child Called It, The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave) by Dave Pelzer: One man's honest recollection of his childhood abuse, his escape from him the torture and how it has affected him later in life as a father.

 

Yes Please by Amy Poeler: You’ve been living under a rock if you haven't been won over by Amy Poeler yet. But I will recommend her book nonetheless, as it didn’t disappoint.

 

 

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusac: An amazingly well written and captivating book that tells the story of World War II through the eyes of a young German girl who realises the power of the written word. A MUST read!

It’s Not You, Geography, It’s Me by Kristy Chambers: Kristy’s personal experience as to what it’s like when the black dog decides to join you on your travels (uninvited, how rude). I admire Kristy for writing this book, and thank her for showing us that humour can sometimes be found in the darkest of places.

 

Nineteen Minutes and The Pact by Jodi Piccoult: I've read many a Jodi Piccoult book, but these two stand out as my favourites. Piccoult is known for her big twists, and the last pages of these books sure will leave you shocked.

 

Tomorrow, When The War Began series and sequel series The Ellie Chronicles by John Marsden: Like many young Aussies, I read these books as part of English class in High School. I became a fan of the series and re-them numerous times. Marsden knows how to write for teenagers, about teenagers.

 

The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan: I read Marina's title essay online (it went viral, read it here) and was blown away. Thought-provoking words  from a young college girl with undeniable potential, who was tragically killed in a car accident just days after graduation. These are her essays.

 

 The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion: Charming, funny and memorable, there is no other like main character Don Tillman. Just try not to like him, I dare you.

 

Happy reading! :)