Here are some of the favourite top ten books shared by customers and friends.
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Sara V 1 Lord of the Rings - Tolkien I loved the way the stories are inter-linked. Read this when I was 13 and would not speak to anyone till I finished it. 2 The Time Travellers Wife - Audrey Niffenegger I have never been so moved by a love story (and normally I hate them). This book made me cry and I had to read it again. 3 Sucking Sherbert Lemons by Michael Carson Read when I was 20 and I laughed the whole way through it. It is about a 14 year old catholic homosexual boy and how he battles against the lure of "irregular motions of the flesh". Very well written. 4 Falling Angels Beautifully written. Tracey Chevalier's style is really simple but effective. 5 Angela's Ashes by Frankie McCourt Fantastic. I was totally immersed into this Catholic lifestyle which juxtaposed extreme sorrow with poverty and hilarious moments. 6 Lonely Planet to Australia Predictable, but this was our bible when travelling. 7 Captain Corelli's Mandolin I read this in Turkey when I was about 26 and loved the characters - was sad and lovely at the same time and you always want him to come back and get the girl. 8 A Prayer for Owen Meany Amazing writing, I love John Irving who writes with great black humour. Owen has a very high, staccato voice which Irving portrays in the novel in capital letters and you find yourself yelling in your head. 9 The Faraway Tree I loved this Enid Blyton classic which Alison tells me still sells well in the shop. 10 The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom I'm not usually into these sort of 'self healing' books but this was simply and beautifully written about a man who is dying and the five things he has learned in life.
| Audrey A | |
| 1 | Fingersmith by Sarah Waters |
| I defy anyone not to enjoy this..has the 2 best plot twists ever! | |
| 2 | Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon |
| So easy to read, funny and sad and offers a real insight into Autism without being worthy or heavy. | |
| 3 | Filth |
| Hard to choose from Irvine Welshes books they all make me laugh. | |
| 4 | Enduring Love |
| I'm a big McEwan fan and this is my favourite of his. Beautifully written. | |
| 5 | Amsterdam |
| Ian McEwan again, if you've never read any of his books then this is a good introduction. | |
| 6 | The Regeneration Trilogy by Pat Barker |
| All set against the back drop of World War 1 - incredible books | |
| 7 | Disgrace |
| By J M Coetzee. A bit grim but a great read. | |
| 8 | Back Roads |
| Another book with a great twist. Tawni O'Dell is the author and this is one that Oprah recommended. | |
| 9 | Are You Experienced by William Sutcliffe |
| About a Gap Year Travelling around India - it will make you laugh out loud. | |
| 10 | After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell. A lovely novel about grief and sadness. |
The Village Bookshop wishes to thank everyone for sharing their top tens. It makes for both a fascinating and informative read.