Desert Island Books #1
Welcome to my new series Desert Island Books. Every other Monday, I'll be sharing some bookish conversations with other book enthusiasts. To kick things off, here are my desert island picks. Enjoy!
Desert Island Scenario
You are going to be stranded on a desert island.
You'll have enough provisions to last a year, but no idea when help
will come. You can only take 4 books with you to help pass the time.
What is the first book you would take to the island and why?
My first book has to
be Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. I really like Neil Gaiman as an author. He is
really clever and funny, which makes his books special. Neverwhere explores a
hidden, fantasy version of London, a world where there are Shepherds in Shepherd's
Bush, there is an Angel called Islington and you should definitely 'Mind the
Gap'. The play on words and place names in this book is such a simple idea, yet
ingenious! I think this book would be perfect to have on a desert island as the
setting is familiar (i.e. London) but with a twist, and you can easily get lost
in the world Gaiman creates. It's also my favourite book of all time so of course I'd take it with me!
What is the second book and why have you chosen it?
My second book is
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. This book really helped kick-start my love
of fantasy and YA fiction back when I was a teenager. This was the first of
Clare's Shadowhunter books I read and I fell in love with it immediately. I'm a
real sucker for a historical setting, especially when there is a strong female
protagonist! Add then some fantasy, a hidden world and some sassy moments. It’s
a book that was just meant for me. I've
read it so many times and it never gets dull. I'd take this book with me
because it is one of my comfort books and I think I'd appreciate escaping into
the Shadowhunter world now and again.
What is your third book and why?
My third book is
Emma by Jane Austen. What I love about this book is the characters. Even in
modern times, the characters are all relatable - I know I've been an Emma at
times, and we all know someone as cautious as Mr Woodhouse or as chatty as Miss
Bates. The book reminds me of how village life can be, where everyone knows
each other, tidbits of information and gossip spread quickly, and the smallest
matters can seem to be the biggest scandal! Austen is also pretty witty and had me chuckling along at times! I think this book would be perfect
on a desert islands, as it'll keep me mindful of home and the characters would
be good company!
What is your fourth and final choice of book and why
would you take it?
My final book is
Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman. One thing I love about Backman's books
are his character. They are so realistic and you can't help caring for them.
This book is about prim-and-proper Britt-Marie ending up in a miserable town
called Borg, coaching a football team. This book has a good mix of funny, sad
and heart-warming. You get very invested in the characters, wanting the best
for them as if you actually knew them. I don't think I could get bored of this
book. I would describe it as a book equivalent of a hug - something I think I'd
love on a desert island!
Quick fire questions:
What is your favourite book? Neverwhere
by Neil Gaiman
Who is your favourite author? Kelley
Armstrong or Cassandra Clare, they both got me into reading!
What's your favourite genre? Crime/murder
mystery
What is the worst book you've read? The
Girl on the Train. I just hated all the characters. Didn't like the film
either!
What's your go-to reading platform? Physical
books, usually paperbacks (unless it's special or I can't wait!)
Name a book where you preferred the
film/adaptation? Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Name a film/adaptation where you
preferred the book? As much as I love the films, Harry Potter
What was your favourite childhood book?
I can remember my mum reading the Chronicles of Narnia to me as a kid!
What are you currently reading? Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
What book are you looking forward to
reading? The Five by Hallie Rubenhold. I find history, and in particular women in history, interesting.
What book would you recommend to
everyone? The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and
Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson.