In Anticipation

…of that standard interview question: ‘Who are the writers that have influenced you the most…?
The simple answer is, I can’t name a particular writer, but can list (oh how I just lurrve my lists) a few books that have for some reason done the following: Influenced or touched me in some way, made me think (a lot) or simply had me laughing out loud – something that is pretty hard for me to do (with books, not in general!)…

Here’s the list (yes, another one)

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Wow, wow, wow. I had this on my shelf for a good few years before finally deciding to read it, because I knew I had to be in the correct place to really take it on. And I’m so glad I waited. What a beautifully written, thought provoking and moving novel. Absolutely stunning. Even though there were a few harrowing scenes, I didn’t want the book to end. I even found myself going over certain sentences because of how beautifully they were constructed. A particular scene involved the lead character coming face to face with an old family pet – and still, I can’t get that lovely image out of my head.

Kaleidoscope by Danielle Steel
I read this many moons ago, perhaps when I was a teenager, but have never forgotten how it made me feel. The suffering of the main character and how her experience differed to that of her other sisters’ is brilliantly put forward. I rarely read books twice but I did with this one (albeit a few years later) because I wanted to experience it as an adult and see if it still had the same effect.
It did.

The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopoholic by Sophie Kinsella
I’m not going to admit to any similarities between myself and the main character. I will say this though; WHAT A FUNNY, FUNNY NOVEL! The scene when Becky pretends to be, I think Scandinavian, (this was a few years back now) made me laugh out loud so much I thought I’d burst. Brilliantly funny.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
The original story of star-crossed lovers. Okay, at school I found the olde English quite annoying (and much to the irritation of our poor English teacher – hilariously funny). But as a fully paid up member of the adult brigade, I’m now able to truly appreciate the beauty of this book and its simple message about love. Something that transcends time, race and language.

Scenes of a Sistah by Lolita Files
How much fun is this book? Very funny and very raw. Centres around the loves and lives of two best friend’s.
Great stuff.

Thirtynothing by Lisa Jewell
Even though the premise was very ‘boy meets girl’, the ride was sooo enjoyable. Snuggling up to read this book was like unwrapping a huge marshmallow. A warm and fuzzy moment in time. Magic.

Lord of The Flies by William Golding
During the guffaws and yawns of my classmates, I was secretly fascinated by this story of a group of shipwrecked young children and their emergence into savagery. Big Brother before the TV series! I suppose this book also allowed early stirrings of a fascination with psychology to emerge.

A Day Late, a Dollar Short by Terri McMillan
This book deals with the raw complexities of a modern family. I especially enjoyed reading from so many alternate perspectives that differed wildly from my own. Which is why, this is one of my favourite Terri Macmillan books. Go girl!

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Just a little bit…exquisite.

The Best a Man Can get by John O’Farrell
So funny, funny funny – reading about the main character’s honest and brutal account of first time fatherhood. There’s so many laugh to yourself (or be labelled a weirdo) moments – one involving a baby and a ceiling.
Enough said.

Blessings by Sheneska Jackson
I remember this being a lovely addictive page turner, set in an American hairdressing salon and finished it wishing and hoping there was a sequel. Must try and read this again one day…

Oliver Twist By Charles Dickens
Another oldie but goodie. This novel dealt with street crime, child poverty and domestic violence, themes that unfortunately are still so relevant today.

© Lola Jaye