I've compiled a small collection of some of my favourite books that hopefully you'll enjoy! My taste in books varies, I can like a really dark book to a romantic novel. I do prefer books that aren't cliched and
too girly, and books with a bit of substance and meaning to them.
1.
'We Need To Talk About Kevin' by Lionel Shriver is one of my favourite books I've
ever read, having recently saw to the film, despite loving it, I still prefer the book. It's a really dark, intense book, people who are interested in psychology would like this as it deals with the "nature or nurture" debate, it's brilliant, and would thoroughly recommend it. Obviously if you don't like disturbing novels then don't pick it up, but if you're wanting a book that you can't put down and will really make you think, then this is the one for you! (Not one for someone probably under the age of around 15-16, as it is quite graphic but can be tough to read at some points)
2.
'The Virgin Suicides' by Jeffrey Eugenides is again quite a dark and harrowing book. This is probably my favourite book I've ever read. The language is beautiful as well as the story (in a strange way). It is told through the eyes of a group of boys recounting the suicides of sisters named the Lisbons. It's a really great book, please, don't be put off by the title. Again I'd probably say don't read it if you're under 15 as the language is probably quite tricky for a younger person at some points.
3.
'The Wasp Factory' by Iain Banks is although one of my favourite books, it is one of the most horrible books I have ever read (in a good and a bad way) It is by
far the most shocking and disturbing book I have read so far, and I'm hoping that there's never a film remake because I'm not sure how they'd go around some of the topics in the book without the film getting banned! The chapter named
'what happened to eric' is very difficult to read, and actually made me feel physically sick. Please don't be put off by it, it is a very good book, it's just very disgusting. Probably anyone under 16 would find this really difficult to read, and I wouldn't advise it if you can't handle images of animal cruelty/murder (I found this particularly difficult to deal with.)
4.
'It's Kind of a Funny Story' by Ned Vizzini is a smart and thoughtful book, dealing with mental illness and issues teenagers face as they grow into adults. One of my favourites, I found it hard to put down. It's a hilarious and imaginative story following smart and ambitious teenager Craig Gilner who's suicidal thoughts land him in mental hospital (it's definitely not as depressing as it sounds) I'd say it's more about friendships and teenage love than mental illness. It's been turned into a really great film staring Emma Roberts and Zach Galifianakis, which I suggest you also check out. Although this book is targeted at young adults, I feel like I'd still really enjoy this book if I were 40!
