The Not-So Austen Bookclub discussion

I thought it would be interesting to have this thread. Basically what this idea is asking is for you to look back several years and try to see which books really influenced you in different ways whether it be that they completely changed your life or your mindset.

You don't have to explain why they influenced you however it's recommended to give a brief explanation. It makes it all the more interesting to read about.

It'll be really interesting to see which books have had a huge impact on you.
1
The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base (Read at Age 7)
I just remembered my year two teacher reading this to us. We were all so engaged in the story and trying to decipher the visuals and solve the mystery. So much fun!
2
The Ghost Child by Emma Tennant (Read at Age 9)
A.k.a My favourite book in the entire world. It will never be surpassed. I have never re-read it and it has since disappeared from the world as there are very few copies of it left. I unfortunately don't own a copy. This was the first book I remember that made me feel such strong emotion (A tear fell when I read this)
3
Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling (Age 9-10)
4
The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini (First 3: Age 12 & last book: Age 13
These books completely changed my mindset on everything and I will forever remember the impact they had on me.
5
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green (Age 13)
6
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown(Age 14)
I learnt so much from this book.
7
Slammed by Colleen Hoover (Age 14)
8
Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness (Age 15)
9
Making Faces by Amy Harmon (Age 15)
10
Just One Day by Gayle Foreman (Age 15)

These are just the most prominent in the several books that have changed and influenced my life. There are several others such as the most recent: Animal Farm by George Orwell, Hopeless by Colleen Hoover and A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness which I did not include on this list.

Looking forward to your lists! :) :D

Interesting thread!

1. Harry Potter & the philosopher’s stone by J K Rowling
This book was a significant part of my childhood, as it transformed my dreams into a reality and a passion for fantasy that has continued long into adulthood. Harry’s story reached out to me like no other story ever had, by allowing me to really ‘believe’ in the world of Hogwarts and open my mind to all the possibilities and wonders of fictitious creations. JK Rowling’s series nestled in a corner of my heart, never to be removed (even though we have come to the end of Harry’s journey on the page)…which began with THE BOOK that changed everything.

2. The Lord of the Rings by J R R Tolkien
Despite being too young to understand much of the vast and deeply complex world that Tolkien created, I was still captivated by such scope on the page. This EPIC creation instilled a passion for Middle-Earth and a deep interest and fascination for everything that Tolkien created (creatures, mythology, languages etc.), that has similarly to the above book lasted over the years and intensified as I have grown up. With the films by Peter Jackson my love for this book has grown, and it is a novel that continues to intrigue, as there is so much more to learn!

3. The Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
This book I was presented with as a gift from my mother, when I was 13/14 yrs old and very sick in hospital. Although I was extremely ill as soon as I clapped eyes on the dazzling cover and the shining Aletheometer, I knew that I had just encountered something very special. It was the original cover of this book that I treasured so much and once again, the majestic scope of this story continues to amaze to this day.

4. The 101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
A heart-warming, charming children’s story that took me on the most unforgettable exciting adventure ever! I love adventures and this is one that I so enjoy re-visiting many, many times even as an adult.

5. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
One of the greatest, classic romances there is and a tale that (although dark) is very close to my heart. I will always be searching for my Mr. Rochester!! + I feel drawn to old buildings and gothic.

6. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carol
…need I say more?!

7. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
This truly extraordinary, rich work basically blew me away and had me reading non-stop for about a month. It is also probably one of the largest volumes and most intricately detailed that I have ever had the privilege to read {and I also love the cover too!}. The characters are so memorable and distinctive that I was able to just loose myself entirely in their stories and their lives - -I will not be forgetting them. A special mention to Prior Phillip (who I loved) and also a passion for Cathedral architecture – fascinating!

8. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
I know this novel has caused a lot of divergent feelings towards it, but being a romantic at heart I just couldn’t help but fall in love with Edward and Bella. This is a book that combined by love of YA fiction with fantasy {vampires & werewolves!!} with such enchanting romance as to melt you that it literally was like chocolate for me! A real treat

9. Blind Beauty by KM Penton
As a keen rider and equestrian enthusiast I devoured many horse and pony stories as a child, from ‘The saddle club’ to ‘jinny’s pony tales’ and yet this is one book that I cannot forget. It is a tale that not only reaches out to those who love horses but it speaks to teenagers – a read perfect for 13-16 year olds and one that I read about 6 or 7 times over! A must read, I would have to say and an unforgettable story.

10. Lastly - - Bleak House by Charles Dickens
A darkly sinister, HUGE story that’s filled with memorable characters and cleverly complex multilayered storylines. I just love the complexity of this book and the richness of the stories. I will always remember the case of Jarndice & Jarndice with fond nostalgia!