So as you might have guessed already I am a fangirl and fangirls usually enjoy reading. I am no exception to the that rule and I don't think I ever will be. Books have been such a big part of my life, even in the womb. No I couldn't read as a fetus but my mother was determined that I would be a lover of literature and from my conception I was read to. This continued on until I could read by myself and boy did I read. But enough of that. Let's get down to business. I've read a lot of books over the years and picking a favourite or even a top five is like making me chose my favourite child. I actually don't have any kids as I am seventeen years old and have no hopes of making it on Teen Mom (But boy is that a good show! Drama! Drama! Drama!) so I guess for me it's more like making me pick what I like better chocolate or carbs. IT'S JUST SUCH A HARD DECISION. So instead of my telling you my top five books I thought I'd give you five books that you should read before you're 18 since I will be 18 in a month (Of course you can read them after you turn the big one eight but I just don't know what the books gods will have to say about it)! Here is my list of the five books that any reader should read before their 18th birthday.
1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I know, I know I had to start off with something so original but this book should be on all best books lists. In case you've been living under a rock (if you have is it nice under there? Does it get a little squishy I've been thinking of moving houses but rent is just so expensive) The Hunger Games is set in a dystopian society where as punishment for a series of uprisings in America, now known as Panem, the leader of the country, The Capitol forces the twelve districts to send off a boy and a girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to fight to the death. There can only be one winner. This novel deals with the year Katniss Everdeen, sixteen years of age, volunteers for her sister in the Games and her battle. It's utterly thought provoking and fast paced. You'll have read it in no time and believe me you will be grasping and wailing for more. It's a series but don't let that put you off. Unlike some other series the books just keep getting better and as of recently the movies have too. Katniss is a strong character but so are the other characters in the book and you'll find yourself attached to many of them. It's literally a book anyone can read and don't be scared by the violent themes because it is done tastefully and does not glorify violence or death in any way. If there was one book I had to read for the rest of my life this would be it.
2. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. Set in the 30's this books follows the life of the novels protagonist who we never learn the name of and her marriage to the elusive Maximilian de Winter and his high class life. However Maxims life is far from ordinary and is riddled with secrets and mysteries which will definitely keep you hooked all the way through especially when you learn about the real circumstances surrounding his previous wifes death. This is one of my favourite books and I couldn't put it down. However at the time my mother had been nagging me to read it for quite a few years and I'm one of those people that doesn't like being told what to read so I kept putting it at the bottom of my book pile. So what did I do when I finally got around to reading it? Well I read it in secret, when my Mum was off at the shops or late at night so it took me well over a week to finish it but boy was it worth it. It has a definite Jane Eyre feel about it but the lead character isn't quite as strong as Jane or a poster model for feminism but it's wonderful non the less. If you only ever read one book that isn't set in the modern day then you must read this.
3. If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Forget The Fault in Our Stars when it comes to sad books this book absolutely ruined me. I can't give too much away but basically the main character Mia loves music and is set to have a promising career, she has a great family and a boyfriend she loves very much. Then she gets in a car crash and has an out of body experience. She has some hard decisions to make (If she's stays, duh) and really it is just utterly heartbreaking. It's not very big and is well paced. Mia is a great character as are her boyfriend Adam, her family and her best friend. You won't forget it believe me. It does have a sequel but is was a let down if I'm being honest. The movie is being filmed at the moment.
4. Dead Time by Anne Cassidy. So I haven't read a lot of crime novels and never really thought I'd like them but Dead Time certainly is a piece of wonderful. Rose and her step brother Joshua haven't seen each other for five years, not since their respective parents disappeared. They've been told that they're dead but five years later when they meet up again some evidence and strange occurrences lead them to suspect or rather hope otherwise. Also Rose and Joshua's odd chemistry that will most definitely lead into some sort of relationship is interesting. I really liked this book and I think it's definitely something you should read. I think the main reason I am adding it to this list though is because I read it's sequel Killing Rachel a few days ago and can't get it out of my head. This series is one of the most frustrating books I've ever read but thoroughly enjoyed at the same time. Because only two of the four books have been published a lot of your questions will be left unanswered but it only fuels you more to demand the next book. Rose can be a tad annoying but she's been through a lot and you will eventually sympathize with her despite also wanting to knock her around the head a few times. Definitely one to read if you like crimes or suspense.
5. Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James. One of my favourite books by one of my favourite authors and I knew that this list needed an Australian book (I'm from Australia if you didn't know). I was tossing up between a Maureen McCarthy, my favourite Australian author, and a Steph Bowe but decided that Beautiful Malice took the cake. In case my amateur book summing up skills don't do this book justice I thought I'd let Allen and Unwin tell you a little more about this riveting book. "Katherine has moved away from her shattered once-perfect family to start a new life in Sydney. There she keeps her head down until she is befriended by the charismatic Alice, and her life takes her in new directions. But there is a dark side to Alice, and as we learn the truth of Katherine's sister's death and Alice's background their story spirals to an explosive finale. A potent, intense and simply unputdownable psychological thriller from an exciting voice." I cannot express my love for this book more. No words can ever do this book justice so you just have to trust me on this one. Find it, read it and then cry a little bit. Then come to me and we can scream over how fabulous it is. It is such a juicy, juicy book, with a page turning plot and evil and seductive characters. You will never forget it. Rebecca James also wrote Sweet Damage which is just as amazing but this one is just... to die for. Take my advice and give it a go and I promise you're going to love me.
So those are my five books to read before you turn eighteen. Since that was amazingly fun for me and a little change from my usual sarcastic and witty posts I think I might do this in the near future. There's so many I would have loved to put on there but I thought I'd put more books people aren't as familiar with. More interesting right? Stay awesome fangirls and keep on reading.
xoxo Fangirl out.
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