My all-time favourite books…so far
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818)
For the longest time, I avoided classic literature simply because I suffer from dyslexia and it causes me issues when reading. I always thought those overblown books with old-fashioned language and complex sentences would be far beyond my ability.
But, luckily I'm a complete sucker for a nice-looking book, and this Barnes & Noble Flexibound edition is beautiful. I just had to have it, amongst others from the same range of course.
Funnily enough, it didn't sit on my shelf as nothing more than an ornament as I suspected it might. I only waited a short while before girding my loins, taking my fear by the scruff of its neck and venturing to that daunting first page.
Long story short, this 1818 version of Shelley's classic Frankenstein is now my favourite book of all time. At least of all the books I've read so far.
This amazing experience led me to read and fall in love with other classics such as 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’. The prose from this period is quite mesmerising and an absolute joy to read.
The Bad Place by Dean R Koontz (1990)
Believe it or not, this is the first novel I ever completed, and it didn't happen until I was 22. What can I say? Dyslexia's a bitch.
I was afraid to read pretty much anything up until that point because reading was such a struggle for me. Until my nephew, an avid reader himself, offered me a book to try. I refused at first, not even willing to consider it, but he finally persuaded me, telling me stories were just a few pages long. It took him a few weeks of prodding and cajoling until I eventually weakened and gave it a try.
I don't remember what book it was or any of the stories I read, but I do remember completing three within a week. It was a mammoth achievement for me at the time. Encouraged by my achievement, and probably my elation, my nephew offered me another short story book. This one contained longer, more complex stories. It took me a few weeks but I managed to complete several. I was astonished at what I'd done. After years of so-called professional help had gotten me nowhere, my nephew had managed to push me so far with such a simple strategy.
He brought a new challenge on his next visit, as he produced something far more intimidating. A full-length novel, 'The Bad Place.'
The moment he left I sat down and began to read. I read virtually non-stop for three full days until I reached the end. I was blown away. I had never experienced anything like this before. I knew right away I wanted more. A lot more.
I currently own forty-four Dean Koontz books.
A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin (2009)
There’s no elaborate story behind how I discovered this book. No earth-shattering revelation led me on a path to its discovery. No life-altering incident diverted my path to head me in its direction. Nope, it was simply a recommendation from my wife. A recommendation I ignored for years. More fool me.
Eventually, it came time for me to discover urban fantasy, as it eventually does for everyone, doesn’t it? My wife, once again, pointed a finger to that same spot on her bookshelf. “Oh, that one again?” I waffled. “Ok, I suppose I could give it a try.”
I don’t think I’d read even halfway through the prelude before I was on my PC scouring the internet for the hardcover versions of the original trilogy. It’s that ‘achievement trophy for reading’ which makes me do it. I had to ship them in individually from America at a pretty hefty price. But it certainly was worth it.
I adored the writing in A Madness of Angels. This is the only modern novel to ever provide me with the same kind of elation I receive from the Victorian style of prose I gush over.
Vellum by Hall Duncan (2005)
I'm not quite sure just how to introduce Vellum as one of my all-time favourite books. I've only read it once, which was a lot of years ago, so I couldn't even, confidently, describe what it's about. I've shied away from rereading it for the simple reason that I'm afraid of it, so to speak. The idea that I might read it now, being I'm older and better read, worries me. I might not find it as appealing or impactful as I previously did. I really should revisit it, despite my worries, and I want to, but if it's not as mentally shaking as I remember I'd lose those lingering memories, and however vague, I enjoy having them.
I can remember two things about this book, other than it firmly planting itself in my mind as a fantastic book. The first was how utterly mind-breaking I found it to read. Second, I don't think I had the slightest clue what was going on. I was young and my reading ability was quite immature so that is possibly why my wee brain seemed to have such a hard time with it.
There was a follow-up novel, Ink. Of course, I had to have that book too, desperate for more of the same. Unfortunately, I don't think I managed to read more than a third. It wasn't just mind-bending it was indecipherable, at least to me. Where the first book was unusual and hard to grasp the second basically made no sense. To say I was disappointed is quite an understatement.
But, regardless of any of the above facts, Vellum still looms large in my memory for the mind-blowing effect it had on me all those years ago. And surely mental longevity is of the utmost importance when it comes to what we consider our 'favourite' books. Reading classics from acknowledged masters is all well and good, but if they don't speak to you personally, regardless of what the masses think, then you're fully entitled to consider them as 'just another book'. It's the books that really ring your bell, no matter the author or lineage, that should find a place as 'your' classic. And be sure to shout about it every chance you get, you're more than entitled.
To me, Vellum is a firm fixture in my mind as a classic.
Waywalkers by Catherine Webb (2003)
I actively went looking for this book even before I knew it existed. After reading A Madness of Angels, and being so enamoured with pretty much everything about it, I simply had to know what else the author had written. I quickly discovered this immensely talented lady's first publishing deal occurred when she was just 14 years old. I was instantly interested and determined to read that first book. After a lot of internet searching, I eventually found a good quality second-hand copy, the original being long since removed from bookshop shelves.
I had no idea what to expect from Waywalkers. But I was an instant fan from the first few pages. This lady's talent is obviously completely natural, and it utterly floored me as I delved into this book.
I don't mind telling you I was more than a little jealous, dreaming of becoming a writer myself. But I also thanked the gods I'd discovered such a treat.
This is a glorious book and really did open my eyes to the possibilities of hidden talent out there. No matter who or what they are everyone with the ability to write a novel deserves your attention, not just those older well established authors.
Mockingbird by Walter Tevis (1980)
'Mockingbird' made a huge impression on me when I first read it, so many years ago. It wasn't the story itself, the proceedings were good to follow, although intentionally slow, but the message and the unexpected character at the centre of it were the important takeaway. The idea that stimulants controlled humanity was intriguing, especially the matter-of-fact way the author handled those aspects. The acceptance of self-immolation, portrayed as such disregarded normality, also shook me severely.
What really hit me hard was the finale, the big reveal. I did see it coming, or more accurately the suspicion crept up on me, but I was never completely sure. The completion of the story was incredibly satisfying, crushing and ultimately bittersweet, and considering the focus of all this emotion wasn't even a human says a lot about the storytelling abilities of Walter Tevis.
I was surprised to discover this book was written in 1980, yet it has the feel of a much older classic to me. Perhaps this was intentional by Tevis. If so it's incredibly clever of him to manage such a feat. The element that fixed this book firmly into my favourites list was the fact that such an unusual, unexpected and ultimately slow actionless story could transfix me, emotionally and mentally.
Retribution Falls by Chris Wooding (2009)
The reason for Retribution Falls being on my Favourites list isn't because of any eye-opening revelation or a life-changing mental shift, it's here because of its pure unadulterated straightforward enjoyment.
Like those great, over-the-top, ridiculously enjoyable TV series of the '80s (yes, I'm that old) where you can leave your brain at the door and just revel in the fun with a stupid smile on your face. This book is quite simply a ripping good yarn of old. You don't need to be overly intellectual, have perfect recall or spend too much time fathoming things out. This story just plays out right in front of you, it does all the work so you don't have to do any. And gods it was such a welcome relief from the norm.
You may consider my thoughts derogatory, a put-down of Chris Woodings’ talent, but you couldn’t be more wrong. A book just for the fun of it is a beautiful thing, I wish there were more like this. What this book allows you to avoid in complexity is more than makes up for with imagination and characterisation. Basically, you can be the big kid you know you want to be with this read. And there, in my selfish opinion, is no better reason to earn this fantastic novel its rightful place amongst my all-time favourite books.
The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld (2004)
I'm not a fan of young adult books. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with them at all, no matter what age you might be. My opinion is you should read whatever you like and to hell with opinions and peer pressure. For me personally, I can't find enjoyment in the simplicity of writing. By the same token, I steer clear of heavily intellectual books too, with their over complexity. It just doesn't supply the enjoyment I want from my reads.
Having said that, there are always exceptions to the rules. I didn't realise The Secret Hour was YA before I purchased it. If I'd taken a little time to look into it before buying I would have quickly discovered its target audience. But if I'd done that I would have missed a great experience.
Yes, the writing is aimed at a younger age, but the execution of ideas and situations, even the young characters, really fired my imagination. Simply put, this story is uncomplicated with some mindgrabbing ideas handled in a beautifully uncomplicated way.
I knew this book was going to be a favourite of mine, even before I finished reading it. But what solidified it in my list of all-time favourites was the fact I couldn't stop thinking about it for weeks, if not months, after I'd put it down.
Unfortunately, books two and three of the trilogy missed the mark for me. They moved away from the mystery and solitude of the first book, which were huge elements in its appeal. They are still worth reading, but book one stands very much above when it comes to favourites.
Read my full review (coming soon)