So, last week I posted some great news for all us book lovers...reading is officially good for your health!
This week, your mission, should you choose to accept it ( and you should, by the way, you deserve it) is to get those Three R's well and truly ticked off:
Rest, Relax and Read!
With Easter just around the corner, meaning some well deserved time off, it's the perfect opportunity to dig out those old favourites; or take a chance on something new.
Here at Scribed by Abi, we have put together a list of our
Top 5 Recommended Reads to give you some inspiration.
Some have been selected by our lovely Secret Book Club members and there's a couple of my personal bests in their too.
Enjoy!
1/ The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
“Do you ever miss him?
Every day. Every minute.
Every minute, she says.
Yes, it's that way, isn't it?”
― Audrey Niffenegger, The Time Traveler's Wife
I am biased because this is my favourite book-as evidenced by the fact that it has now totally fallen apart! A twist on the traditional 'boy-meets-girl' tale, Niffengger immerses you in a true love story; realistic in it's portrayal of our flaws but offers a magic we all love to read.
2/ Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
'According to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (the world's only completely accurate book of prophecies, written in 1655, before she exploded), the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just before dinner.'
― Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman, Good Omens
One of the first novels I remember reading and one I return to over and again, as does the Secret Book Club member who recommended this one. Absolutely hilarious, with just the right amount of dry sarcasm and wit that makes this book a truly enjoyable read from beginning to end.
3/ Lion: A long Way Home by Saroo Brierley
“My return seemed to inspire and energize the neighborhood, as though it was evidence that the hard luck of life did not have to rule you. Sometimes miracles do happen.”
― Saroo Brierley, A Long Way Home
Another read suggested by a Book Club member and an unquestionably inspiring one to say the least. Now a major motion picture, this autobiographical novel transports the reader inside an incredible tale of bravery and love.
4/ Silence by Shūsaku Endō
“Sin, he reflected, is not what it is usually thought to be; it is not to steal and tell lies. Sin is for one man to walk brutally over the life of another and to be quite oblivious of the wounds he has left behind.”
― Shūsaku Endō, Silence
An historical novel, and the winner of the 1966 Tanizaki Prize, Silence follows the challenges faced by Father Sebastian Rodrigues at the height of Christian persecution in Japan, 1640. As the full scale of the horror unfolds, Rodrigues learns of the fate of his former mentor and must make impossible decisions about his own.
5/ Getting Personal by Chris Manby
“She remembered something that am old boyfriend had said to her. One that she didn't want to let go of at the time. One person can't be happy enough for the both of us”
― Chris Manby, Getting Personal
Three friends, all with their ideal partners outlined beautifully on paper, but is the 'ideal' really what they want? A funny, oh so familiar tale about the trials and tribulations of dating, with just the right amount of old fashioned romance.
Hopefully you find something on this list that takes your fancy and thank you to our Book Club members for their suggestions!
Have any other suggestions? Head over to The Secret Book Club and let us know or drop me an email here.