Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Could Reread Forever

Hello readers! This week I’ll be talking about some of the amazing books I’m happy to re-read again and again. This list is part of the Top Ten Tuesday feature, which invites literature lovers to create a weekly post on a book-related theme.

This meme was launched by The Broke and the Bookish and has been hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl since January 2018. To get involved, simply visit her website by clicking here. 

Born A Crime, Trevor Noah

Wow, just wow. Comedian and Daily Show host, Trevor Noah, describes growing up in apartheid South Africa. This will make you laugh and cry, then you’ll turn back to the beginning and read it all over again.

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Susanna Clarke

Imagine Jane Austen, with sprinkle of magic and a big dollop of the Napoleonic wars. Susanna Clarke’s alternate English history includes fairy lands, magicians and (inescapably) politicians. But, be warned, an e-reader will come in handy – this epic novel is roughly the weight and size of a brick. 

White Teeth, Zadie Smith

All of Zadie Smith’s books are outstanding but, if you can only read one, make it White Teeth; a compelling story of family and identity in North West London. You’ll pick it up again and again.

Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen

I can’t remember when I first fell in love with Pride and Prejudice, but I believe it must date from first reading about Mr Darcy’s beautiful grounds at Pemberley… Jane Austen’s most popular novel is a wonderful mix of romance and satire.

Hogwarts, Warner Bros Studio Tour

Harry Potter series, JK Rowling

I’m counting this entire series as a single book, to avoid a list dominated by JK Rowling’s wonderful world. Even as an adult, the Harry Potter novels are near the top of my re-read pile. I’d recommend a trip to Warner Bros Studios, to take the Hogwarts Tour.

Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel

This outstandingly written novel follows a real historical figure. Thomas Cromwell rose from a poor background to become the trusted advisor of King Henry VIII. Some people have said they dislike the narrative style, but I thought it made Wolf Hall stand out. 

Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

We’re finally (finally!) going to get a television series based on this iconic fantasy story. Good Omens is the tale of an angel, a demon and a not-so-ordinary boy. Slightly dated now, it’s still a must-read, if only for the Nice And Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch.

Wild Swans, Jung Chang

I’ve reread Wild Swans a couple of times and will most likely pick it up again. Jung Chang covers decades of Chinese history in a brilliant telling of her own life and that of her mother and grandmother.

Rivers of London, Ben Aaronovitch

The plots ramble, and some sections are a little bizarre but this fact-packed series is full of fun, London-based adventures. Following a murder on a chilly night, young copper, Peter Grant, is thrown into the Metropolitan Police’s department for supernatural crimes.

Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier

Terrifyingly chilling with an opening line to rival Pride and Prejudice, this novel is a great twist on a traditional ghost story. Save it for dark winter nights but beware of Mrs Danvers!