14. BEDM // Book Love

Happy Friday everyone!

I'm heading to my boyfriend's tomorrow and won't be back until Tuesday night, so I'll be missing a couple of Blog Everyday in May posts, so I thought I'd get tomorrow's post in extra early and then crack on with Tuesday's post when I get home :-)

The topic of today (well, tomorrow...) is 'Book Love,' and, oh my God, do I love books?! I read all the time. Whether it's for pleasure or for study, I'm always halfway through several books at a time. The last book that I finished was A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute. I was recommended this book by one of my best friends who said that I just had to read it, and so I did. 

It's a tale of romance, war and overwhelming humility in the most unlikely of places. Set during WW2 in Malaya (and later, in Australia) it tells the story of a young woman who is captured by the Japanese and held as a P.O.W. The story describes her experiences, her survival and how it changes her life. There's even a fair share of romance thrown in so, don't worry, it's not all about the war! I don't want to spoil the plot just in case somebody chooses to read it, but I promise you, it is worth it. Beautifully written and very inspirational.

I'm currently reading The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey which, once again, I have borrowed from a friend. This novel is set in Alaska in the 1920's and is based on a Russian fairy-tale  I'm only halfway through but so far I've been moved to tears on several occasions, it's an incredibly moving story and you can't help but get swept up in the atmosphere. It's an enchanting story of a struggling, elderly, childless couple and a mysterious young girl. You won't want to put it down!

My all-time favourite book is a very difficult decision to make! I've read so many books over the years that have really touched, inspired and moved me. I'm a huge fan of Cecilia Ahern (author of P.S. I love you) and have read all of her books. I was even lucky enough to win a pre-released copy of One Hundred Names last year, which was a fantastic read. My favourite of her novels has to be If You Could See Me Now which is a magical tale about a grown woman and an imaginary friend, I'll say no more! Just read it.

I'm also a massive fan of Jodi Picoult and have a whole shelf of her books; some of which I've read and loved, others of which I promise I'll get round to reading one day. Jodi is the author of My Sister's Keeper which is now a massive blockbuster film (if you haven't seen it - DO! - it's amazing) but my favourite of her novels is The Pact which is a story of teenage romance and tragedy. I have never, ever cried so much reading a book as I did when I read The Pact. It's almost Romeo & Juliet-esque.

I know it sounds bizarre to say one of my favourite books is one that made me beal like a little baby but, to me, if you can empathise with, believe and (most importantly) get sucked into a story, that's what makes it worth reading. It's a real skill to be able to involve a reader in a story, especially when it's one so far from your personal reality, so I applaud both Jodi Picoult and Cecilia Ahern for being able to do so.

I could carry on all night, listing numerous books that I've read and loved, but hey - it's a Friday, I've got a big glass of wine in front of me and there's some decent television on for once, so I'll say goodnight :-)

Have a lovely weekend & enjoy whichever book you're currently reading!

Love,

Becci xoxox