This is part three of my list “101 Books to Read Before you Die” collated by book lovers, for book lovers! If you’d like to read part two, then click here.
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Sakhile @notesandwhispers
Poetry by a black woman that feels like a therapy session.
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Amy @amysbookshelf
I read this book while studying it at university and absolutely fell in love! The novella is relatable and beautiful and explore themes way beyond its 1759 publishing date. I always advocate that this book is a great example of how we struggle with mental health, and implore everyone to read it so they can explore this with Rasselas too.
Lauren Taylor @slowreadersclub & Ellen @stackedshelves & @thehouseofthemouse
The atmosphere in this book is everything. It’s completely unsettling and creepy but I loved it.
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It’s a brilliant Gothic mystery novel, but also teaches the very important lesson that we create scenarios in our head which are very different from reality and often judge based on appearances & inaccurate inferences. A great life lesson!
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It's just so good!!! It's an amazingly melancholy tale of the first and second wives of one man and how the lives of the two women intertwine, despite his first wife being dead. The writing syyle is beautiful. And there's a brilliant twist too!
Kayla @dayofbooks
Keeps you on your toes; relatable characters; amazing writing etc.
Nikki @Booksandlemonsquash
It’s super funny, perfectly british, and has both crime and magic. What’s not to love???
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Amy @readwithamy
A cult classic - charming characters and an incredible plot.
Elisabetta Fella @elisabetta.fella
Heartwarming and heartbreaking story of the relationship between a teacher and a student in need.
Tionna @readwithtee
The book is phenomenal has everything one can love: well developed characters, hate to love/forbidden romance, action packed, hilarious banter and magic.
Sophie @sophiji94
I love Lucinda Riley's books and I think the Seven Sisters series might be her best, and although I love the entire series, I think the first one, The Seven Sisters, deserves to be on this list.
Anonymous
One of my favorite fantasy books. Especially the first book of the trilogy. Amazing characters and very interesting plot.
Beth @booksnest
This book is utterly stunning, written about book lovers and for book lovers. I think everyone should read it, it is beautiful.
It’s incredible and though-provoking. Although it’s not my all-time favourite, it is the book that has resonated with me most deeply. It points out a lot of obvious things that we all take for granted — everyone can benefit from reading Sophie’s World. Please check it out — you won’t regret it!!
Vicky @Whatvickyread
It’s one of my favourite series ever and I think everyone should read it. A great historical YA series.
Anna Deutschman @_literarylove
This novel is incredibly impactful. The protagonist, an African American woman, tries to escape her social class in Harlem, New York during the 1940s, but is met with heartbreaking challenges. The challenges that she faces are still relevant in today’s culture.
Wait @sixcrowsbooks
It does such a great job at exploring identity and grief and what it means to live after tragedy. (TW: car crash in which close family member dies; grief; almost drowning; suicidal ideation).
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It's a book about our perceived selves in a digital age. The spectacle of celebrity; the importance of lived experience and the search for facts.
Aoife @prettypurplepolkadots
A funny but heart warming and often sad look at life as a junior doctor in the UK.
Denise @denisemanzor
It gives an insight into a woman’s place in society in both Glasgow and Paris in the 19th century. It also describes the exacting process that was needed for building the Eiffel Tower. It’s the one book I have read that makes me think what my life may have been like if I had lived at that time - if I could have afforded it.
Anonymous
A year on from reading it I’m still impacted by this book.
Anonymous
One of the best thrillers I have read. Super creepy with amazing plot!!
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Juliette @thestudentbookshelf
To understand that novels can still be effective without plot or suspense!
Nafeeza @B00kdragon
It is such a compelling tale about embracing your inner demons and fears and overcoming them. The character arc are amazing. I hope you enjoy it.
Mariel @Marielbellan & Lisa @owlbesatreading
I had to read it for one of my creative writing classes and I fell in love with it. I’ve re-read it every year since then and still find it fascinating.
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Dark and deeply beautiful writing with a simplicity that’s grabs with full force!
Arti Shukla @a.r.t.i.s.h.u.k.l.a
When you come in contact with such heartrending stories is when you realise how cruel & unjust ways our life can assume. This is the story of Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon, a son, a husband, a brother, a patient and in the end a novelist. When Breath Becomes Air is a true account of a doctor who had witnessed death multiple times in a white coat but is now facing the raw reality as a patient. In this no holds barred memoir, Paul comes out unabashedly about his illness, his personal life and the philosophy of anything & everything. He welcomes us in his life and introduces us to the light and dark moments without any inhibitions.
Rainbow @books.sharing_
It is a heart-warming story and this is also the best book I have ever read up to now.
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Annabel @starrypaperbacks
While it's the first of a four book series, it is an amazing introduction into an astrology-inspired, sci-fi world led by an uneasy but determined heroine. There's romance but it bears the question of staying with what you know and exploring the unknown. The heroine is fighting for the truth of her world, her people and her loved ones. It includes interplanetary exploration to many diverse societies with care for details. When I first picked it up it left me eager for the next one.
I’ve had so much fun creating these posts, and reading everyone’s submissions! I will link below the original Google Sheets so you can view the list in full if you would like.
101 Books to Read Before You Die Responses
I hope you’ve all enjoyed! And I hope you can read all these books too!
