A letter from Emma about: Summer Reading

Dear Readers,

Today I brought a book from a charity shop for 35p: bargain! My friend recommended the book, with an essay free summer on the horizon I finally have the freedom and time to read. When it comes to books I often stick to recommendations; they seem to be more reliable than spending hours scrolling through book reviews on amazon.

So today I have written a book recommendation list, I have lots of friends who don’t read and want to get into reading and these books are a great starting point.They are not necessarily my favourite books of all time, but great books which will make reading this summer enjoyable. 

 Before I Go to Sleep -  by S J Watson

I read this on holiday last year, and it was just brilliant. Each chapter took me by surprise,  the author cleverly carries off twist after twist (none of which I saw coming). The plot develops around a female amnesiac whom cannot remember the last 20 years of her life, and has no recognition of the present day as soon as she falls asleep. Similar to the character Drew Barrymore played in 50 First Dates, but with a lot more drama and umph.

-    Also I have heard that this book is going to be adapted into a film in the next few years, read this now and when it’s out you can say “Oh yeah, I read the book. It’s so much better than the film”.

The Five People you meet in Heaven - by Mitch Albom

This is a can't put the book down kind of book. My sister recommended me to read it, I would not have read it otherwise because I was not overly keen on the plot. I am so glad I gave it a chance, you really cannot judge a book by its cover! I won’t give out the plot because I don’t want to put you off, just pick it up and give it a read. An unlikely heart-warming story.

-          Unfortunately I don’t have a picture for this book, I borrowed it of someone. Which is the great thing about books borrow them off your friends, or lend them out friends when you are done.  

The Life and Death of Harriet Frean - by May Sinclair 

I had to read this book as part of my Psychoanalytical Module this year. The story provides a perfect account of why not to listen to your parents, and the importance of living your own life. Sinclair delivers this message in a clear and concise way. It took me an hour and a half to read, and I am a really slow reader, so great for anyone who gets bored with books.  As you can see from the picture the font is really large, Sinclair purposely choose a large font and a simple worded script to reflect the boredom of Harriet Frean’s life as a result of her repression. But it's not boring!

Never Let Me Go - by Kazuo Ishiguro 

This book is just beautiful. I was griped from the start to the finish. The story is primarily set in a boarding house in the English countryside, but has an underlying sci-fi theme which is further explained throughout the novel.  The writing is honest and beautiful. Also there is a film, and the character are so accurately casted which makes the film highly watchable. 

The Catcher in the Rye - by J.D. Salinger

This book is a bit more long-winded than the other books, however it is a classic and for a reason. I love the American tone throughout the book. It is based around Holder who is around 16/17 years old, and his adventures after an incident causes him to be expelled from boarding school. When reading the book you see the world through his unique perspective, which is great.  He identifies the ‘phonies’ that many people have inevitably become, and like all good books 'all' is not revealed to till the end.

Plus if you give this book ago, its a great starting point to reading the classics. 

I have also lent out a copy of this book, for someone else to enjoy. Although, I found this really lovely print of the front cover and have it on my wall. Book covers are great artwork! 

Hope you find these recommendations helpful.I am a little unsure of my reading list this summer so if you have any recommendations, it would be great to hear them.

So adios fellow bloggers, hopefully see you again.

Yours,

Emma Dilemma

P.S. Quote of the day- “When you sell a man a book you don’t sell just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue - you sell him a whole new life.” 

- Christopher Morley