Hi all!
In honour of my big birthday, I wanted to share 30 books that shaped me in 30 years. These are books that had a huge impact over the course of my life. I’m not going to write what they are about, I’ll just explain why they had such an effect on me. Without further ado, let’s get through the list!
1.) The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
I feel like this book ignited my love for reading. I’m pretty sure this is where it all started. This magical series took me to many whimsical and exciting worlds.
2.) Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
I’m fairly certain this book/series would hit most people’s lists. Harry Potter took the entire world by storm and none of us have ever been the same. It is still so popular all these years later.
3.) Dork in Disguise by Carol Gorman
This book saved me during the school years, when I needed a reminder that it was far more important to be myself, than to change in order to fit in. It is so underrated in my opinion.
4.) Sweep by Cate Tiernan
I’ve talked about Sweep many times on my blog before. It still stands as my favourite YA series of all time. I was swept up in a world of magic when I read these books for the first time. I may have taken the name Hunter from this series and used it in my own novels. I have re-read this series more than any other. I’ve even written my own fan-fiction based off the characters. I hope my daughter loves them too someday.
5.) Lord Loss by Darren Shan
Darren Shan is the only author I have ever written a fan letter to and it’s because of his Demonata saga, which turned my world upside down. I read the first four books, fell in love and then never finished the series, because they weren’t available at my local library. A couple of years ago, I bought the omnibus editions, reading them from beginning to end. It still blew me away all these years later. Lord Loss is my favourite literary villain, alongside Pennywise.
6.) Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
I remember sitting in literature class at Deakin University, reading Wuthering Heights and falling madly in love. It was such a romantic, yet tragic story, that tore at my heart. I remember watching the BBC version and sobbing. I also got to see the theatre production, which was excellent. It is my favourite classic.
7.) Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
It was only a matter of time before I brought up the Queen herself. Interview with the Vampire came into my life, when I was in the throes of my first love. My ex-boyfriend and I shared a passion for The Vampire Chronicles, which was very special to me. After we broke up, I discovered my own appreciation for her, separate from his and in 2014, I met her in New Orleans, which is still one of the best moments of my life.
8.) Coriolanus by William Shakespeare
I took a subject at University, entirely dedicated to the works of Shakespeare. It was, without a doubt, my favourite class. We had to give an oral presentation on one of his books. I chose Coriolanus. I would like to believe I nailed it. It was a great moment for me, during my time in college (how American). Other Shakespearean plays that are near and dear to my heart are: King Lear, The Merchant of Venice, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo & Juliet and The Tempest.
9.) Evil Under The Sun by Agatha Christie
This book ignited my love for Agatha Christie. I love showing off her complete collection of works on my bookshelf. There is something about this book that stands out from the others. The film adaptation is wonderful too.
10.) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
I remember picking up this book before the Shadowhunter craze took off. I bought it with money I had earned from my first job, reading it in one sitting. A few months later, I read it in one sitting again. To this day, I have read every single book Cassandra Clare has ever published.
11.) Killer McKenzie by Eve Martyn
Eve was a very dear friend of mine. My daughter Abigail, shares her middle name as a tribute. I’ve talked about Eve on my blog before. She was my writing mentor and a woman I looked up to. When she released her first novel, I got a copy immediately and devoured it. It was touching and hilarious, just like her. Eve once told me (before she passed away) that she had been planning to write a sequel, that would’ve featured a new character based off me. It never came to fruition, but I’ll never forget her telling me that.
12.) Heart and Salsa by Suzanne Nelson
This book is part of the S.A.S.S. (Students Across The Seven Seas) series. I own the entire collection. This particular book follows Cat, who travels to Mexico, in order to build an orphanage. I deeply resonated with the story, during a difficult time in my life. My best friend had just left to go to another high school and as a result, we drifted apart for a few years. In the book, Cat feels the same about her best friend. However, she learns to become her own person, independent of her. It came at the perfect time, helping me to grieve.
13.) Blackwood Farm by Anne Rice
I’m back with another novel by Anne Rice! This is my favourite book of hers, hands down. As strange as it sounds, this novel killed my fear of dying. Anne’s vampires become so lonely and bored, as eternal life stretches out before them. Once the novelty of immortality wears off, they begin to feel extremely empty. Some even try to end it all. It made me realise that life is short for a reason. We have a chance to make an impact, do great things and appreciate everything on a much larger scale, because our time is limited. I wouldn’t want to live forever and I have Anne to thank for that.
14.) The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
I’m not a religious person by any means, but this book taught me that in life, we are impacting others without even realising it. At any given moment, our actions and words may create ripple effects, with consequences we aren’t aware of. The film adaptation is just as special.
15.) The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
This is another book I’m sure would grace a lot of people’s lists. I read it during strong bouts of anxiety, when I needed to be reminded to live in the present moment. The now is all we actually have. People that suffer with anxiety, usually live in the future, which is the scariest place to be. We can only live one second at a time, if we want to truly be at peace.
16.) Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Another favourite for most people. This book taught me to be fearless in my artistic expression, fueling my passion for creativity every chance I get. I’m an extremely creative person. I enjoy coming up with fresh ideas to write about, influenced by what is happening in my life at the time. My whole life is about creativity. I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. I’m so thankful a book like this exists for people like me.
17.) Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
I own every Rainbow Rowell book ever published, because she’s my favourite YA contemporary author, alongside Morgan Matson. The protagonist, Cath, is a character I relate to the most. She’s quiet, introverted, loves to write and struggles with the concept of change – me all over. She made me feel so much more comfortable, simply being me.
18.) The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
To this day, I still feel like this is one of the most important books I’ve ever read. I feel everybody should read it, regardless of their race or social status. I met Angie Thomas at the Melbourne Writer’s Festival in 2017. I also wrote a very passionate review about the book – check it out here. Following this post, I was contacted by a publishing company to review one of their new releases. I am so proud of it. It felt like a defining moment in my blogging career.
19.) Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
I had to include this book because I was named after it. I actually adore this brilliant work of literature. I read it in March 2018, devouring it body and soul. It’s so hauntingly beautiful and gripping.
20.) Paper Towns by John Green
Paper Towns is my favourite John Green book. I relate very strongly to the male protagonist, Quentin Jacobson. Like Cath from Fangirl, he struggles with the concept of change. He romanticises life and others, ultimately leading to heartbreak and disappointment. He is me in male form. I love this scene from the film adaptation below. I felt the exact same way when I was finishing high-school, leaving my friends behind.
21.) Astrology Pond & Facing the Stars by Rebecca Rossi
Maybe it’s a bit narcissistic to include my own two novels, but how could I not? They shaped me because they are two of my biggest accomplishments in life. My third novel, Aligning the Signs, will join them someday soon. If you want to learn more, click here.
22.) The Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
I’m forever thankful for this series because it introduced me to two incredible authors from Melbourne – Amie and Jay. I have been supporting them for years now. I’ve met them several times, attended their book signings, written reviews for their books and even got a photo with them when I was pregnant! You can check that out here.
23.) Everybody Needs a Bridge by Colleen D. Scott
I am adding this one because it was the very first book sent to me in exchange for an honest review. I was so excited when I got the email from the publishing company, wanting my genuine thoughts. You can check out that review here.
24.) Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Surprisingly, a book lover like myself had never joined a book club, until last year. Strange the Dreamer was the first book we read and it was an instant 5 star story. I am still in an online book club and loving it. It suits my introverted nature, as I don’t have to meet up with others in person. It’s called Books with Friends. Click on the name to access their X page!
25.) Madly in Love with Me by Christine Arylo
This is a non-fiction, self-help book, all about loving yourself. I started my self-love journey in 2012 and it’s still going strong! I really credit this book. It is filled with honest activities to complete and real-life stories from women that have struggled with their own self-worth. If you need to become your own best friend, check it out.
26.) Malory Towers by Enid Blyton
Back to Enid Blyton, Malory Towers is a series set in an all-girls boarding school. I have probably read these books at least 10-15 times in my life. Even though they are dated and a tad dramatic, I learnt a lot about how to be a decent person from them. I have a temper, similar to the protagonist, Darrell. I could really relate to her sudden outbursts. There were a lot of subtle hints on how to manage anger and treat others as they should be treated.
27.) Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
When this book came out, I was 18 and obsessed with my ex-boyfriend, who actually looked like a goth vampire. I have to be honest, I thought we were Bella and Edward. It was quite embarrassing. I got swept up in the whole craze. I know I’m not the only one!
28.) Circle of Three by Isobel Bird
I have to mention this book because in high-school, I was invited to take Year 11 literature, when I was still in Year 10. I really wanted to impress my teacher and prove I had a right to be there. We were all asked to do book reports on symbolism. Everybody chose classics but I bravely went with a YA book about witches – Circle of Three. I’m very lucky it paid off and I’ll never forget it.
29.) Fearless by Francine Pascal
My sister would agree that this series took over our lives when we were teenagers. With over 40 books, it is an wild, epic ride. I am not ashamed to admit, I created a playlist to go along with the books when I was younger. I don’t have it anymore but it included a lot of Linkin Park. It’s honestly so underrated and worth reading.
30.) IT by Stephen King
I saved the best for last! It’s funny, whenever I was asked what my favourite book was, I could never answer. I didn’t realise it was because I hadn’t found it yet. I can now confidently say that It is my favourite book of all time. I finally read it this year and it was an experience. I annotated my entire copy, going on an epic journey with the characters. It’s also my favourite horror movie. The remake, not the original – although that one is solid too!
I really hope you enjoyed this list. Let me know what books have shaped your life. Thanks for reading!
Peace & Love xoxo