I rarely re-read books, life is too short and my bookshelves are far too full, but there’s quite a few books on this list that I’ve read more than once.
If you think we’ve got similar taste in reading lists, I’d love to hear what you recommend in the comments too!
If there was EVER a time to hunker down with a book, this is it. I crave the escapism I get through reading at the best of times, but I need it more than ever right now! So what better time to share with you all some of my favourite ever books.
You may already have added these to your reading list, especially if you follow me on Goodreads. I love anything gripping or moving, but I don’t tend to stick to one genre. I’m definitely open to reading whatever comes my way – as long as it evokes something in me.
Below includes everything from collections of essays, psychological thrillers and even a bit of crime. I ain’t picky.
Valley Of The Dolls by Jacqueline Susann
I put this at the very top of the list because it is probably my favourite book ever written, I’ve had my copy since I was a teenager and I’ve read it cover to cover many, many times. It’s gritty, it’s glamorous and it will completely break your heart.
The story follows three women in New York who are rising stars in showbiz, and the stories documents the ups and downs of their lives and careers. It may have been written over 50 years ago but it definitely draws parallels to the celebrity culture of today.
Expectation by Anna Hope
Funny I should slot this read under the above, as it also follows the lives of three women and the rise and fall of their private and professional lives. This is an honest and stripped-back story of friendships as an adult. The books explores motherhood, careers and other milestones, as well as the highs and lows that come with navigating such a demanding and hopeful time in your life. I think any women can relate to Expectation, it’s a thought-provoking read!
Our Women On The Ground by Zahra Hankir
I read this at the start of this year and it’s one of those books that I think of all the time without even realising it. The stories will stay with me forever.
Our Women On The Ground is a collection of essays from Arab women reporting from Arab countries during conflict. It’s a beefy read, some of the stories are quite haunting and at times I needed a break from it – which is quite privileged to say I guess. Something to sink your teeth into during this period of unrest!
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
I’ve mentioned this book a few times and it’s done the rounds on Instagram too – and for good reason! It’s a really gripping book that details the lives of, you guessed it, three women. It navigates sexuality, romance, love and other complexion subjects in a really honest and powerful way. I think I read it in a day or two, I was so gripped!
Educated by Tara Westover
This is one hell of a ride! I remember closing the book shut after I had finished, exhaling deeply and thinking “what did I just read!”. This memoir details the life of a woman born in to a family prepping for the end of the world. Her controlling and radical father does not believe in education, and so with time Tara learns this is something she must go after herself. A seriously mindblowing story!
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
I read this book many moons ago now and it’s one that I recommend to everyone. It’s such a raw and emotional real life account of an incredibly traumatic period in someone’s life, and Cheryl’s words are so powerful. The book follows a woman who suddenly finds herself at rock bottom; her marriage has ended, her mother has died and life as she knows it has come to an end. She sets out to hike the Pacific Crest Trail and what comes is an intense story of survival, grief and struggle.
Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes
I must have read this book three or four times over the last 7 years, and I still believe it is the best psychological thriller ever written. There is no other book that has had me up until 4am reading under the covers with my phone as a light because I’ve been too gripped to put it down!
This book is a shocking account of an emotional and physically abusive relationship that transforms a women as she lives in fear of being found by her former partner. It’s not for the faint of heart, but definitely a page-turner you won’t forget for a while!
The Girls by Emma Cline
Have you ever read a book so good that you’re constantly trying to find another like it? Emma Cline’s The Girls did that for me, I was so hooked on this story! It’s based loosely on the Manson Family, and follows 14 year old Evie who is intrigued by the cult-like family she sees around. It’s dangerous, seductive, gripping and totally addictive!
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
I was told time and time again that this was a must-read by so many of my friends, and as soon as I started it I could see why! Those who grew up in the generation of Myspace and MSN will adore this tale of adulthood, love, heartbreak and disappointment! I loved the way it felt like reading a friends diary or advice from an older sister, it’s just so uplifting and hilarious!
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I have read every single one of Taylor JR’s books and I would recommend them all, but Daisy Jones has a special place in my heart. Set in the 70s, the story follows a band in the height of the career as they tour the world playing sold out shows to adoring crowds, and the focus is a Fleetwood Mac-esque love triangle that pulls at your heart strings and makes you fall in love with the characters. You need to read this!
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
I read this many years ago now but it’s one that has stuck with me, possibly because of my own personal experiences with a degenerative disease. A truly tragic and moving account of a woman’s diagnosis with early-onset Alzheimers disease, Still Alice will have you in tears the whole way through!
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
I won’t say too much about this book because I think you just need to read it without knowing too much about it to really appreciate it. The story follows a group of students who have met and grown up at an idyllic boarding school in England. I won’t spoil it for you, but I truly believe everyone should read this incredible story!
Room by Emma Donoghue
A heart-wrenching story of life in captivity from the perspective of a five year old, Room is a surprisingly uplifting book that you will cry your way through. I read this years ago and I adore the film adaptation, it’s just such a haunting tale of survival through the eyes of a child. A must read for sure!
Aaaaand now I want to re-read all these books again! What do you think of my book list? Are any of your favourites on here?
