Decided it was high time I had a go at posting my favourites, even though I'm struggling to keep the list to a sensible number, but I'm sure I'm not the only one! Here goes:
Pollyanna - Eleanor H Porter Read this child's book as a child and still have my original copy. I loved it, and I love it's message of optimism and making the most of things. I am quite an optimistic person and part of me thinks this book has helped make me this way. I am looking forward to reading it to my daughter.
The Poldark series - Winston Graham - I read these as a teenager and loved every one. I loved the Cornish setting and got involved in the lives of all the characters, fabulous.
Diana - R F Delderfield - I bought this doorstep of a book brand new as a teenager with a book token I'd been given and loved it. I'd read several of his and so this was a real treat. Another saga type story. Not sure what happened to my copy though :(
The Name of the Rose - Umberto Eco - Someone bought this for my mum who found it hard going but I loved it. It is a medieval monk mystery but with a fabulously complex plot (the film is vastly over simplified) and I got stuck right in. One of the books that I recommend most often.
The Fingersmith - Sarah Waters - This one I probably recommend just as often, again it has a great plot with twists that I never saw coming. I've actually enjoyed all her books but this was my first and remains my favourite.
Charlotte Bronte - I know this is cheating being an author not a book but I loved all hers. Unlike most, I don't think I'd call Jane Eyre my favourite, preferring Villette but perhaps because I know it's more autobiographical and I've been fascinated by the biographies of them I've read.
The Magus - John Fowles - Another author I've enjoyed across the board but this is my favourite, a story with a psychological theme based in Greece. Very original.
Extra Virgin - Annie Hawes - A lovely tale of moving to Italy after falling in love with a wreck of a house. It continues with 2 sequels, all conjuring up the sights, foods and people of Northern (and later Southern) Italy.
Torey Hayden teacher memoirs - Again an author not a book because I can't pick just one, they are tales of the author's experiences as a special needs teacher, working with children with severe speech and language problems. In each book she takes a child, and their classmates, through a school year and helps them overcome some of their problems. As well as a very special teacher she is a great writer.,
Gentlemen and Players - Joanne Harris - This one of hers stands out for me as the theme is so different from her usual books, although she writes across a range of themes. I loved this one, didn't guess the plot and found the characters really real. But I'd recommend her others too!