With the winter chill and rain settling in, it doesn’t take much for us to want to stay huddled in our duvet.
With this in mind, computer screens or TV box-sets can feel a little tiresome, and chances are you might have already watched the episode a few times before.
So we’ve rounded up a list of the books that’ll have you curling your toes in anticipation and flicking over pages faster than the story can keep up.
So take a leaf out of our book, and delve into some of these tales:
Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn
This is the crime thriller that you NEED to read before heading to the cinema for the Hollywood effect. Following the lives of Amy and Nick, Gillian Flynn delves into the dark world of broken relationships, hurt and betrayal. When Amy goes missing, Nick is the prime suspect. But did he do it? Treat yourself to this page-turner before the ending is ruined for you by a trip to the cinema.
Lace – Shirley Conran
Step away from your own personal dramas and indulge in the world of four women, Judy, Kate, Pagan and Maxine, who are summoned to a New York apartment to confront their past. Between the lies and hidden secrets unfolds the truth that one of these ladies is the mother of the host. As they unlock the past, the women remember the things that tie them together. Although it takes a while to wade through the opening chapters, we promise you it’s worth the effort. Conran’s writing is sharp and pays close attention to detail making Lace a way to lose yourself for a few hours on a rainy day.
The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Pull up the duvet, and dream of decadence by losing yourself in the pages of The Great Gatsby. Considered one of the greatest American novels, you won’t regret a night in when you’re transported to the roaring twenties. Your heart may break with the charm of Jay Gatsby, but sometimes it’s nicer to fall for the fictional lead than have your heart broken with the lads down in Coppers.
Goodnight Mr. Tom – Michelle Magorian
Sometimes all we need is a cup of tea and a trip down memory lane. This book probably haunted you during second year English, but now you can appreciate it was a classic that deserves to be read and loved again and again. The story carves out the lives of pre-war Britain, where William Beech has been sent to live with Tom Oakley in the countryside. As the two adjust to a new life with company and friendship, their world is thrust into turmoil by World War II. William is sent back to London – will him and Tom’s friendship survive the war?
Be warned, you’re going to need a box of tissues. And possibly a teddy to cuddle.
In Cold Blood – Truman Capote
The first non-fiction book to hit out list is also a chilling story that will have you guessing each move with the flick of a page. In Cold Blood is one of Truman Capote’s greatest pieces, detailing the 1959 murders of Herbert Clutter, a farmer from Holcomb, Kansas, his wife, and two of their four children. Truman Capote’s engrossed interest in this story leads the author to reconstruct the murder and the investigation that led to the capture, trial, and execution of the killers. The writing is meticulous, detailed and surprisingly empathetic.
Chances are you’ll stay up nights until you get to the end. This is an incredible read.
To Kill A Mockingbird – Harper Lee
Fall into the world of the Deep South with a rich story laced in detail from Harper Lee. To Kill A Mockingbird is one of the classics that should be found on every book shelf. Wallowing in the world of Scout Finch, the coming-of-age story brings the very unjust realisations of wealth, class and racism accustomed to life in Alabama.
Based on the on the author’s observations of her family and neighbours, as well as on an event that occurred near her hometown in 1936, To Kill A Mockingbird pulls you into the story from chapter 1 and will break your heart in more ways than one. Buy yourself a copy of this book, and prepare to delve into it
One Day – David Nicholls
This story is basically the Dawson’s Creek of love literature, with all the angst and heartbreak of falling for a best friend. Emily and Dex are two friends with one of those complicated relationships that dominate a young woman’s early 20s. He’s the friend, but he’s always been something more, and then you throw in your career, arguments and growing pains centred around St. Swithin’s Day.
This is chick-lit in the most beautiful and funny way possible. Don’t be fooled if you watched the film. It doesn’t even slightly compare to the masterpiece of the words on the page.
