Top Ten Tuesday: Books I was forced (persuaded) to read

I don’t feel I have ever really been forced to read anything bare one play at school. Thankfully the people at Broke and the Bookish have suggested that this can be interpreted slightly differently. Therefore my list shall be more books very enthusiastic family have made me read. As these were recommendations they are not all Young Adult reads.

1.   Earthsea Quartet

My dad convinced me at the young age of 13 to embark on reading this fantasy series by Ursula Le Guin he had read as a child. I was very reluctant on visiting my local library and I can honestly say I judged them instantly on their old looking green covers and really wasn't keen to read them. However, once I got into these books I couldn't happier to have read them. I loved the whole series and have read it many times since along with other stories by Le Guin. I must read for fantasy fans!

2.   Lord of the Rings

I think I was the driving force behind reading this popular series. My dad has read these stories many times and the ‘daddy’s girl’ I am wanted to impress him by reading them as well. When the first film arrived I started the first book and never made it further than chapter 3! By the second film I managed to start again and get as far as chapter 7! Sadly it was not third time lucky and by Return of the King I had managed to perceive to chapter 11 of the first book. Then I finally admitted defeat and put the books down for another time. Nearly 10 years late I finally picked them back up and managed to finish the whole series. I was actually pleasantly surprised by how gripping I found the series.

3.   Life of Pi

At least 3 members of my family and ‘goodreads’ told me I must read Life of Pi. As you many know from my review that I did not enjoy this book. I just found it a bit blurgh! I like lots of things to happen and I have to be honest by about ½ way through the book I just want the boy to be eaten by the Tiger!

4.   Frankenstein

My eldest sister studied English Literature at University and often sent me books to read that she felt I would like. Frankenstein was one of the first she gave me and I was gripped. I read from her study copy and very much enjoyed all the handwritten notes around words and my favorite moment was finding a post it saying ‘the monster is created’ right before I got to that part. It was a highly amusing spoiler. I really love this book. I think it such rich, dark, edgy and clever and is worth a read for those who like grit to their books.

5.   The Lovely Bones

Pass the tissues please. My darling mother has a tendency to read incredibly sad books and this recommendation was no different. I found this book a challenging read due to its content but I also found it supremely clever and a well written story dealing with quite a difficult plot.

6.   Atonement

The movie of atonement was due out when I was persuaded to open the book and give it a read. After finishes this masterpiece of a book I watched the film and was quite let down as it just didn’t keep the pace I wanted it too. The book however, was a brilliant read and I sobbed quite pathetically through most of the end. Must read!!

7.   The Kite Runner

I can’t even put into words how moved I was by this story. My dad, mum and sister all wanted me to read this and unlike Life of Pi they were spot on. This story was so brutally honest and exposed and raw that I was not only crying my eyes out but completely speechless. A devastatingly brilliant read that I am so glad I read.

8.   The Midwife’s Confession

Amazon occasionally get there recommendations for me spot on and this was one of those cases. I bought this on offer for my little Kindle and was hooked. A complex twisty plot that draws you in and you just cannot stop reading. A climatic unexpected ending that makes this a fantastic read.

9.   The Help

Thanks mum for this book! What a beauty. What an utter spell- binding story that had me reeled in. A very poignant story. Wonderfully bittersweet expect to cry.

10.  Dracula 

Another book from my sisters English literature course (she must have been doing some gothic fiction). This is still one of my favourite books. It took me a while to get into but I persevered and was enthralled by the story of Jonathan and Wilhelmina Harker that I had never heard before. A must read for true fans of gothic fiction.