Hello, readers of Aimee Raindrop Writes! My name's Nicola
and I blog over at nicspirational.co.uk
– I'm actually a health and fitness blogger, but if you've already read the title
of this post you'll know that's not what I'm going to be chatting about today.
I think that blogging about one subject (even when it's
one you're passionate about) is quite restrictive and it can be challenging to
keep coming up with unique content. So I was excited when Aimee asked me to
guest post for her and took it as an opportunity to branch out and write about
another topic for a change. I really wanted to write something relevant to
Aimee's blog and readership and as both Aimee and I love reading, I decided to
release my inner bookworm and share with you (in no particular order) five of
my favourite authors ever.
1. Sebastian Faulks
I know
I just said that this list wasn't in any particular order, but I think
Faulks probably is my fave author of all time. He often sets his novels during
the first or second world war and they are so poignant, moving and sometimes
extremely graphic, they can haunt me for weeks after I've finished reading.
Suggested reading: Birdsong. Set during the Battle of the Somme in
WWI, this is probably the most powerful book I've ever read. If you enjoy
having your emotions toyed with and your heart ripped into a million pieces and
then stamped on (who doesn't?) this is the book for you.
2. Sophie Kinsella
At the other end of the literary spectrum, I love a bit
of mindless, light-hearted chick-lit. I bet almost every female reading this
has enjoyed Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood)'s exploits in the Shopaholic
series. Kinsella always manages to make her characters so likeable and
relatable, you can't help but root for them – even when they're doing something
stupid!
Suggested reading: Twenties Girl. A slightly surreal but funny and
heartwarming story about a twentysomething woman who makes friends with a ghost
from the 1920s.
3. Dan Brown
While many have said that Brown's writing style leaves a
lot to be desired, his stories are exciting, fast-paced thrillers which keep me
reading well into the night because I just can't put them down. I only wish
there were more of them!
Suggested reading: The Lost Symbol. This is a sequel to The Da Vinci
Code, which you've probably already read (or at least seen the film,
starring the one and only Tom Hanks) and it's just as brilliant. Even if you
haven't read The Da Vinci Code, this still makes sense as a stand alone
book.
4. Lilian Harry
You may not have heard of this author as she's not quite
as famous as the others on my list. As you've probably gathered, I love books
set during wartime and most of Harry's novels take place during or just after
the second world war. For some reason I enjoy reading things that make me cry
and while I think, like Dan Brown, Harry could also work on the quality of her
writing, the storylines are so good and the characters so loveable that they
just pull on your heartstrings and keep you reading.
Suggested reading: Goodbye Sweetheart. The first of four books in the April
Grove series, it follows the lives, loves, joys and heartbreaks of several
families all living in one fictional street in Portsmouth at the beginning of
WWII. If you enjoy this book, you'll be able to follow the characters' lives
until the end of the war in the three sequels!
5. Enid Blyton
I know she was a children's author and I'm all grown up
now, but I loved the Famous Five books as a kid (*cough* still
do). My favourite character was George. I thought she was so cool: a tomboy
with a devoted pet dog and her own island...that's the dream! Blyton wrote so
many books – over 800, I think – which are still being enjoyed today by children
and adults alike. She's certainly stood the test of time.
Suggested reading: Five On a Treasure Island. The first of 21 Famous Five
books. I don't care how old you are, get down to the library ASAP and borrow as
many of them as you can find!
So there you go – five of my favourite authors of all
time. Are you also a fan of anyone on my list, or is there someone you just
can't believe I haven't included? Thanks so much to Aimee for allowing me to take over her blog today - I've had a great time!
Post a Comment