20. HITCHHICKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY- DOUGLAS ADAMS
Although a truly brilliant 'trilogy in five parts,' the book I would truly recommend from this hilarious sci-fi series is the first and original 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.' Following a hapless protagonist, Adam's documents the aftermath of the destruction of the world in truly mad and weirdly comedic style. Casually cataloging aliens and robots alongside tea and cricket, this defiantly English book borders on the bizarre, well and truly claiming the title of sci-fi everyone can enjoy.
19. ATONEMENT- IAN MCEWAN
Perhaps now better known for THAT library scene in the 2007 film adaption, Atonement is still not a book to be missed. Penned by the extremely talented McEwan, the true value of this novel lies in the beauty of his writing, making it a somewhat slow but incredibly powerful read. Atonement focuses on the repercussions of a single childhood mistake, travelling from idyllic country house British summers to the depths of the Second World War and into modern day London reflecting painfully and viciously on the consequences of a single lie echoing down the years. Brutal and tragic, and unmissable.
18. THE TIME TRAVELLER'S WIFE- AUDREY NIFFENEGGER
Although the plot of The Time Traveller's Wife may sound a little bizarre, Niffenegger is the only author I have ever encountered who has managed to pull off a plot of fantastical proportions with such effortless realism. The story of a man with a genetic condition which causes him to unwittingly travel through time, The Time Traveller's Wife focuses on the complex love story between Henry and Clare, who he meets when he travels back in time to her childhood. Poignant and enrapturing, the wonderful portrayal of relationships and the questioning of free will in the novel makes it a hundred miles from the sci-fi themes it entails.
17. THE ADRIAN MOLE SERIES- SUE TOWNSEND
Starting in the 80's with The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4 and going right up to 2009 with Adrian Mole: The Prostate Years, the diaries of Adrian Mole are some of the funniest, easy to read books I have ever encountered. As one of the hardcore fans who has eagerly awaited the next installment ever since I was old enough to get Townsend's humorous take on the banality of life and satire on everything from politics to erectile dysfunction, I can't recommend the irritating yet endearing Mole and his life of mishaps and misunderstanding highly enough.
16. TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES- THOMAS HARDY
Certainly not a tale for a light bit of Sunday morning reading, Tess of the D'Urbervilles is a true tale of Victorian misery and poverty without relief. However, if you can soldier through death, struggle and abandoned lovers, its certainly a read worth pursuing. Incredibly well written, Hardy's commentary on the sexual double standard of nineteenth century society is fascinating, and few books so artfully and faithfully depict the toil of the lower classes as in his fantastic prose.
15. THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL- ANNE FRANK
The only non-fiction read I've included in this list, the diary kept by Jewish teenager Anne Frank in her years of hiding during Nazi occupation in the Netherlands is heartbreaking, yet essential in understanding the horrors of the Holocaust, and the nature of humanity. Written with an incredible maturity and style, the events encountered by Anne Frank and her family are unbelievable, and the chance to experience them in her own words is unforgettable.
14. REBECCA- DAPHNE DU MAURIER
An unexpected mystery novel set in the genteel upper classes of early twentieth century England, Rebecca focuses on a young brides obsession with her wealthy husband's dead first wife. Shocking and exciting, this novel contains one of the great twists of literature.
13. LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY- JRR TOLKIEN
More books sadly eclipsed by their film incarnations, The Lord of the Rings series is a heavy-going but well worth pursuing read. Bringing epic high fantasy to the masses, the complexity with which Tolkien constructs his magical world is breathtaking. Constructing multiple realms, characters and even languages each with their own fantastical backgrounds, Lord of the Rings truly transports you to Middle Earth. Best of all, the construction of fantasy does not force compromise on plot or narrative; dark and gripping, the journey of the ring is truly fascinating and absorbing.
12. THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME- MARK HADDON
Award winning mystery novel The Curious Incident is incredibly unconventional. With its main enigma based around the death of a dog, Haddon's most famous novel is realistically and sensitively narrated by a fifteen year autistic boy, perfectly capturing the obsessive and meticulous mindset of Aspergers. Focusing on themes of family and disassociation, the novel is rich with twists and insight, striking the perfect balance between a gripping detective story and a view of life and society from an outsider.
11. BIRDSONG- SEBASTIAN FAULKS
Focusing on the dual plot of a mans life before, during and after World War One, and his granddaughters quest to trace his life, Birdsong is the best work of war fiction I have read. Straddling its roles as a story of love and a story of devastation, it is a tragic and immense novel, poignantly honest about the lasting destruction of the idyllic and passionate in the aftermath of devastation and inhumanity.
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