I shamelessly stole the title of this post from Ondine. She managed to reignite my passion for literature. I guess, it had been beaten out of me after 3 years of studying for my degree and engaging solely in academic (and predominantly non-fiction) reading.

I headed straight down to the public library the day after I saw how enthusiastic Ondine was about the book she was currently reading. Thanks to her, I’m now half-way through ‘On Beauty’ by Zadie Smith and, so far, I’m loving it.

I have always loved reading and I can do so at great speed. Given the opportunity (which I must admit I rarely am these days) I can get through a novel in a day or two. My boyfriend was amazed the first time we travelled together by just how much literature I can wade through in one holiday!

Thinking about my love of reading makes me miss some of my old (by which I mean B.C… Before Children) life in London. The daily commute gave me plenty of reading time. I spent many an hour physically stuck in a non-moving tube carriage on the Piccadilly line while mentally revelling in the world contained within the pages of whatever book I happened to be reading.

I digress. I wanted to mention three books that I love. I’m loathed to say ‘favourite’ or suggest that these are in anyway my ‘top 3’ reads. I’m not sure I could actually make such a definitive selection. Rather, these are three books that managed to move me or have some kind of impact upon my life. In short. they are books that have stayed with me long after I turned the last page. I urge you to seek them out and devour them, that is if you haven’t already done so.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – The most beautiful, poignant story with a message that is perhaps even more relevant today than it was when Lee originally imagined it. Apart from lessons passed down from my incredibly wise and open minded parents, this book taught me most of what I know about the evils of prejudice and the ongoing need for tolerance. 2. Captain Correlli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres – The first time I attempted to read this book I gave up a few pages in. I hated it. The second time, I finished it and it became instantly lodged in my list of ‘must reads’. It has one of the most complex, wordy and abstract opening chapters that I’ve ever come across in a book. It’s enough to put even the most seasoned reader off. But, oh, is it worth persevering. Such a beautiful love story entwined within a web of myth, legend, history and culture. The book is absolutely nothing, and I mean NOTHING, like the sexed-up Hollywood interpretation. Simply do not bother with the film.
3. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom – A friend (and not even a close one) posted this book through my letterbox a couple of days after my father died. Albom suggests that everyone has an idea of heaven, as do most religions, and that they should be respected. The tale he weaves paints an image of a heaven in which people who felt unimportant on earth finally come to realize how much they mattered and how much they were loved. I deciphered most of the words in this book through heavy tears, it is so moving but also incredibly comforting. Ultimately, I read this book and wanted it to be true. I would recommend it to anyone who is going, or has gone through, a bereavement.I’m always interested in the books people love and why, so let me know in the comments if there is anything you think I should rush out and read.

Loveaudrey xxx