Tag: Ten Books That Changed My Life

Thanks to my friend Hannah for nominating me! So here are the 10 books that shaped me more than any others...

10. The Tiger Who Came To Tea - Judith Kerr

(Image via: http://www.thetigerwhocametotealive.com)

This was one of the first books I ever remember reading, and I read it over and over again! I just loved the illustrations and the story so much, this has to get a place on my list!

9. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - J.K. Rowling

(Image via: wikipedia.org)

The book that started it all. This may not have been my favourite of the series looking back, but it's the one that got me hooked as a child and really encouraged my love of reading, as I grew up with the characters.

8. Noughts and Crosses - Malorie Blackman

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Lightyears ahead of the current crop of YA Dystopian novels, this was one of the first books I read as a teenager. Set in a world with an alternate history which reverses racism as it has appeared in our own society, it didn't sensitise anything and I remember being stunned by its conclusion.

7. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime - Mark Haddon

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This was one of the first 'grown up' books I read at the start of secondary school, and although I only ever read it once, it's stayed with me ever since. It's a glimpse into the mind of someone on the autistic spectrum and the first-person narrative really gets under the main character's skin.

6. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood

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This was an important book for me in college, as I began to form my outlook on the world. It's not the easiest book to get through, as the narrative is constructed very unusually. However I pretty much read the last half of it in one sitting and it's the type of story which stays with you long after you put the book down.

5. Life of Pi - Yann Martel

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It's so hard to say what I love about this book without spoiling the end! But honestly, if you're struggling to get through the first half then bear with it. It makes you really consider your own outlook on the world and look at your spiritual or religious leanings. I still came out of it with the views I had when I went in but with a broader understanding of other views. If you're open-minded and curious, this is a must-read.

4. Leviathan - Thomas Hobbes

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I honestly LOVED the lecturer I had for first year political philosophy, every module he's ever taught me has been so fascinating. Lectures on Plato, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau were some of my first at university, and they introduced me to some powerful ideas. Leviathan is seriously tough to read, but I'm glad I did as it was fascinating and made me really think about human nature.

3. One Day - David Nicholls

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This was another of the first 'grown up' books I ever read. I'm not really into 'chicklit' (unless I'm on holiday, there's too many books I want to read to spend much time on fluff!), so I generally avoid books where romance is the main storyline. However One Day was an honest, real look at relationships and I couldn't put it down. Also the narrative device doesn't seem like a gimmick at all. Don't let the film with Anne Hathaway put you off the book!

2. Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy

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I feel as though it's a mix of the writing and the storyline, but even thinking about this book feels a bit like a punch in the stomach! It's definitely a tragic story, but it's beautifully written. The BBC mini-series adaptation with Gemma Arterton is pretty faithful to the book, so definitely check it out.

1. 1984 - George Orwell

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Being able to study 1984 at A-Level was such a great experience. It's one of those books you hear is good but you don't understand how good it is until you read it for yourself. The book is easy enough to read but there are complex themes beneath the surface and for me it was a really important part of me beginning to think more politically.

I nominate everyone who reads this post! If you feel inspired to do your own you're more than welcome to post it in the comments.

Which of these have you read? And what books would make your list?

Jasmine x