10 of my favourite books
If you're looking for a list of top business or life changing books, my list isn't for you. These books are old favourites, comfort reading, Sunday afternoon on the sofa selections. Although I rarely read fiction these days, I make an exception for some of the books listed here.
1. Naughty Bunny by Richard Scarry
I've had this book since I was 2. It's such a sweet story with wonderful illustrations about a bunny who's a bit of a handful. If I had to give away all my books except one, this would be what I would keep.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
We read this at school when I was about 14. I hated it! Somehow I managed to get through a whole term without reading more than the first chapter. Later I studied English Literature and read Persuasion. I started reading all of Jane Austen's works and P&P became a favourite. My husband has listened to it on audiobook and he's now a fan!
3. Greenmantle by John Buchan
I probably started with The 39 Steps and then worked my way through several of John Buchan's books. I can't remember how I came to read Greenmantle but it might have been inspired by my great interest in TE Lawrence. I'd just seen Lawrence After Arabia featuring Ralph Fiennes and set out to learn all I could about Lawrence. Somewhere along the way I read that he could have been the role model for one of the characters in Greenmantle.
4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Again, not a favourite of mine at school but an acquired taste later. I've re-read Jane Eyre many times. A perennial favourite!
5. Vein of Gold by Julia Cameron
Most people talk about The Artist's Way. Vein of Gold resonated with me. Possibly because it connected with my own exploration of essence and genius.
6. The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer
I was blown away by this book when I first read it although I couldn't fathom what Wayne Dyer meant by 'connector'. It would take a few more readings before my own life experience helped me understand. Again, rooted in essence and genius, I pick up this book often.
7. The Art of Extreme Self-Care by Cheryl Richardson
This book introduced me to Thomas Leonard and his book The 28 Laws of Attraction. It also gave me great ideas for improving my own self-care, which has been known to lapse!
8. Don't Tell Alfred by Nancy Mitford
I love all of Nancy Mitford's books but Don't Tell Alfred is the best. We now live fairly close to Chatsworth where Nancy's sister, Debo lived as Duchess of Devonshire. I met her once at Hay Festival where she was talking about and signing her book. I mentioned that I was a fan of Nancy's writing and she said, yes, we miss her.
9. Wintering by Katherine May
The word I use most often to describe Katherine's book is lyrical. Beautiful writing, it sent me down a whole host of rabbit holes looking for more detail about the stories and references Katherine mentioned. I was lucky enough to have Katherine as a guest on my podcast just before the book was published.
10. South by Ernest Shackleton
My Antarctic fascination started around the same time as my interest in TE Lawrence. I devoured everything I could lay my hands on. But South was the best.
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