My Life In Books

I LOVE Elle magazines 'my life in books'- it's a great way of discovering new Novels to get stuck into and also it's nice when a book that you adore pops up. There’s something strangely comforting about knowing that someone loves a piece of writing as much as you do- whilst you were sitting reading something and becoming entirely captivated; in another time/ place/ moment someone was experiencing the same thing. How great is that! So Elle has inspired me to think about my own life in books...

Jenny's Bear

This was my 1st 'proper' book I guess- no longer was I reading 'cat' 'mop' 'zebra', but full on sentences (goooo me). It’s a bout a girl, her teddy bears, tea parties and the wonderful thing that is a child's imagination. I think the reason I loved it SO much was because me and Jenny were two sides of the same coin. In my bed there was more room for teddy bears than there was myself; and you could leave me in a room with nothing but some string and I'd be able to entertain myself. I still adore this book and its one that I will keep forever, passing it down to my own children. However even though back then 'pretend tea was the best kind there is', nowadays I'd much rather have propa cuppa!!

 

Dr Seuss: Collection

I couldn't possibly pick out just one! I grew up reading these stories and even now I'm 20 I find myself going back to them time and time again. Always being a daydreamer, I use to love getting lost in a world of Buffer-baum birds, North going Zax and South going Zax, circusfish, ham-ikka-schim-ikka-schnam-ikka-schnapp and of course Whoville. And to be honest, I still do. Dr Seuss inspires my mind to wonder and his words captivate my imagination- adding a silver lining to any grey cloud.

 

 

In Cold Blood

I read this just before I started my GCSE's (lucky me it turned out to be one of the Novels we had to study in year 11) and was completely engrossed from start to finish. The fact that it was true makes the story that more chilling. You can tell the amount of time Capote put into researching the event and you can really feel his close connection to the narrative and characters; in particular Perry Smith.
You get a fascinating insight into the complex psyche of the murderers who brutally massacred a family of 4. It’s strange but you actually become so intertwined with the lives of Smith and Hicock you find yourself listening to the reasoning of these two monsters. And with Perry, who seems to be stricken with grief and torment, I find myself actually sympathizing with him. It's this effect which is why I find the Novel so enticing; challenging me in a way that I don’t think any other book has been able to do.
Its like no other crime Novel. Within the 1st chapter the Clutter family is murdered and you know who the criminals are. So what’s the point of the other hundred odd pages?? Well, Capote beautifully portrays the after effect of such an event. Showing the impact the murders has not just on close family and friends, but the town as whole, the police investigating the case and although not explicitly laid out, the effect it had on Capote himself. The man is a true pioneer to the genre.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven

It’s not often that you read a book and it changes your perspective on what you think about life. But I read five people about a year ago on holiday and it made me laugh, cry, reminisce and truly warmed my heart. It’s a simple story of one man and the significance of his existence. Its makes you feels as if all the things your do day to day (not matter how minute) can leave a grand impression. And that even though you may only cross paths with another for the slightest of moments; those moments can help shape your life, who you are and how you think for ever. Something about this Novel really resonated within me, leaving me with and immense feeling of self worth. If you feel like everything maybe going up shit creek, read this book and everything just feels that little bit better.

Trainspotting

Now I have to be honest, when I first read this book it wasn't out of choice. It was actually part of my English Literature at uni- something which I am very grateful for. I think I watched the film YEARS ago (long before I probably should have been allowed) and even though the film is utterly fantastic; the book is on a whole other level (not a better one mind, just a different one). The two can’t be compared- they are two separate entities evoking entirely different thoughts and emotions.
Unlike the film where the characters and charming, comedic and to an extent likeable; the book portrays a group (who in all forms) are grotesque. Yet this is what makes the Novel so intriguing. Forcing you to listen to a voice that you would otherwise ignore, and take notice of a world that is often overlooked. It doesn’t glamorize drugs and the characters destructive lifestyle, but it doesn't demonize them either. It's just and open and frank portrayal of a subculture, which by the rest of society are dismissed.
This Novel is enticing, captivating and enriching. Welsh brilliantly creates a reality effect with the use of actual place, time, culture, music, and of course the dialogue, which although is hard to get your head round to begin with and first, the story and its effect wouldn’t be the same without it!