Upon returning home, there are a lot of things that I missed which I had not realised beforehand. Granted, there are also a few things that I haven't missed. But today's post is not about to turn into a rant, so I shall refrain from turning into an angsty teenager.
One thing I really missed whilst away at university was my books. Now it's safe to say that I accumulated a small collection at uni, but nothing beats remembering one of your favourite books and being able to reach for it and have a flick through. I'm not much of a re-reader at this point — there are far too many books that I have yet to read for the first time, let alone returning to one I've lived in before. But I am prone to scouring for my favourite parts and letting those feelings I had experienced the first time around sink in once again. As a book enthusiast, I thought I'd share with you a few books which I thoroughly enjoyed. Some you will undoubtedly recognise; others, perhaps not. All, though, are pretty great.
'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green
Lets start with the most obvious one, shall we? Everyone and their mother has read this book. And if you're in that small minority that hasn't, you've definitely heard about it! 'TFiOS' has to be one of my all time favourite books, evident in my obsessive highlighting and the fact that I've practically thrown my copy at anyone who has yet to read it. The story follows Hazel Grace, a seventeen year old cancer patient, who meets the wonderful Augustus Waters at a support group. Inevitably, they fall in love. That is about as cliché as this story gets. On the surface, it may seem like a sad story dealing with terminal illnesses, but it is so much more than that. Green's ability to accurately portray the narrative of a teenage girl is astonishing and so on point that I found myself nodding and thinking, plain and simply, 'yes'. Green goes above and beyond the typical cancer story, casting insight into the condition and exploring the characters pursuit to not be defined by it. It is a heartbreakingly beautiful story, and one that I — the non re-reader — can't help but read over and over again.
'The Pact' by Jodi Picoult
This is a book I read a good few years ago now, under the recommendation of my good friend Sarah, so allow me to refresh my memory. 'The Pact' is a heart wrenching tale (I see a running theme here) of two childhood best friends, Emily and Chris, who's friendship flourishes into something more. However, this is not your average love story. Who knew a late night phone call could impact the lives of the Hartes and the Golds so much? A suicide pact leads to Emily's death, but the job is only half done, with a bullet still loaded and Chris left behind. The novel fluctuates between 'now' and 'then', giving insight into the lives of both Emily and Chris, as well as their parents. The tragic events leading to Emily's death are harrowing, with the aftermath equally as devastating and hard hitting. It leaves a regrettable lump in your throat and an ache in your heart. I cannot recommend this book enough. It's unlike anything I have read before, and although I have yet to read any of Picoult's other works, I find it hard to believe anything else could live up to this. 'The Pact' is raw and will more than likely niggle its way into your heart and, I'm afraid, will tear it apart.
'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen
Now this is one that I had never thought I would ever finish, let alone consider it a favourite. But, Jane Austen, you got a fan in me! I always found the idea of classics a bit daunting and — okay, I judged the book by its cover and thought 'Pride and Prejudice' would be dull as hell. For my English Literature A Level, though, I had to read 'Northanger Abbey' and although I found the protagonist, Catherine, incredibly annoying (I have since learnt that Austen meant for us to perceive her that way — sneaky author up in here), I did actually end up thinking it was an okay book. Naturally, I had to read Austen's most famous novel, and perhaps the love story of all love stories! And I was pleasantly surprised. Whilst some all of the idylls in 'Pride and Prejudice' are very outdated, it is a great way to escape; falling into the world of balls and pining after a world where people spoke oh so eloquently. Furthermore, Austen's prose are tantalisingly witty, but manufactured in such a subtle way that you find yourself grinning like a cheshire cat. It's definitely one that should be on your 'to read' list, because I think you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. Next on my Austen list is 'Emma'.
'The Great Gatbsy' by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Another classic. Oh, get me! This was another one to thank my English Literature A Level for. And — if I'm being honest — when I first read it, I didn't like it. I didn't get it. I thought Nick was passive and too easily lost his perspective on life. I thought a lot of things, all of which will make me widely unpopular if I continue, so I won't. With the magic that is education, though, my opinions were quickly changed. One of the best properties in any classic is that there is likely to be more than one layer. 'The Great Gatsby' is full to the brim with important symbolism, intricately woven into each page. To put it simply, classics are onions. (Thanks Shrek for that beautiful metaphor.) Packed with extravagant imagery that your five senses can feast on, Fitzgerald does well in taking us right back to the Roaring Twenties with its jazz music and its overflowing of materialism and consumption. This is another for your 'to read' list, but take your time with it; it's a fairly short book, but do not be deceived — there's a lot more to it than a careless first glance can offer.
