Inspire's Favourite Reads: Have you voted yet?

We had to make some hard choices to reduce 100 good books to 30, but the final list reflects the variety of tastes and genres of the nominations – there’s something for everyone, from classics to fantasy, romance to crime, memoir to literary fiction.  To help you choose, here’s what some of our staff had to say about the books they nominated (click through to find them on our library catalogue.)

Alex nominated Susanna Clarke - Piranesi

“This book was such a joy to dive into. Piranesi follows the journal entries of the titular character as he explores the near-infinite space known only as "The House". What starts as an account of Piranesi's daily routine soon leads to him discovering mysteries which force him to question everything he thought he knew about his strange world. Would recommend for anyone who loves a charming lead character and a dash of fantasy mystery. An easy and fascinating read.”

Rebecca nominated J.R.R. Tolkien – The Lord of the Rings

“An absolute timeless classic and the father of all fantasy novels, Lord of the Rings has it all - action, romance, loyalty, betrayal and friendship - on a quest to overcome dark forces and bring freedom to all. It celebrates diversity. No wonder it's been in print for so long and there have been many films and other novels based on it!”

Sophie nominated Donna Tartt – The Little Friend

“This is the best book I've ever read - I read it for the first time a couple of years ago and was completely blown away. One day I left a party early so I could go home and finish it. I’ve since done two re-reads and each time has been just as good. Donna Tartt’s an absolutely incredible writer; she’s so good that she sort of spoils you for other people. I feel it's kind of the forgotten middle child of her three books (the first one is very ‘internet famous’, and the third won the Pulitzer Prize and was made into a film), so it deserves more love and recognition on its own merits. The story is a blend of southern gothic, noir and crime, with a dark (but not too dark) and winding plot, full of elements that you can't predict. It’s perfect if you like off-beat endings and stories that aren’t too neat or easy, and if you want to feel as though you’re spending a hot, strange summer in smalltown 1970s Mississippi.”

Megan nominated V.E. Schwab – The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

“This is a book with a fascinatingly original take on the classic ‘be careful what you wish for’ narrative. Focusing on a young woman who gains immortality but can never be remembered by anyone, it combines an intriguing depiction of loneliness with a powerful message about hope, joy, and the power of art.”

Sam nominated Fredrik Backman – Beartown

“Fredrik Backman’s writing is always something special but this is the book of his that has stayed with me the most. I’ve recommended it to people who have loved it nearly as much as me (including my husband who tends to just read sci-fi and fantasy), which I think also indicates it’s something special. It is a book that really draws you in and helps you to connect with all the characters, so you feel as though you know them and want things to work out for them. I think it’s rare for an author to consistently create characters that you care about, but Backman does this every time. I read a lot of books every year, so it is hard to remember most of what I’ve read, but Beartown has stayed with me, despite it being a couple of years since I last read it.”

Carol nominated Lemn Sissay – My Name Is Why

“I found it a very moving and thought-provoking book. Author and poet Lemn Sissay talks about his childhood, much of which was spent in foster care or care homes. He intersperses his narrative with official records, including reports and letters from social workers.”

Kathryn nominated Natasha Pulley – The Watchmaker of Filigree Street

“This book made me widen my reading list to include magical realism, and now Natasha is one of my favourite authors. This was her first book, and I’ve read everything she’s written since. I found this book a bit different to others I’ve read – there are elements of historic fiction based in fact, magical realism, fantasy, steampunk and a queer relationship.”

Carolyn nominated Marian Keyes – Again, Rachel

“I love a book universe, so I’m always drawn to book series’ where I can keep track of previous characters. The Walsh sisters have long been a favourite. Reading Rachel again, 25 years after Rachel’s Holiday was a delight. Marian Keyes always mixes humour and emotional punch for a brilliantly heartwarming read. It felt like catching up with an old friend.”

Tracey nominated Colleen Hoover – It Ends With Us

“I love this book because on the face of it, it appears to be a normal chick-lit book and will appeal to all the lovers of chick-lit and romance. It starts off as the main characters, Lily and Ryle, fall in love and have a baby. It’s a seemingly perfect story, until it’s not! Things start to go wrong for Lily who finds herself in an abusive relationship, which she had also witnessed in her childhood home. Lily has to make a brave decision to break the cycle of abuse to protect her daughter and herself.”

Niamh nominated Markus Zusak – The Book Thief

“I have a lot of favourite books, but this is the book that has stayed with me the longest, and it’s unforgettable! It is so emotional and moving and just beautifully written. The Book Thief is an inspiring story of hope during the darkest times, and the true meaning of humanity and equality. It is so re-readable.”

Wendy nominated Douglas Adams – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

“This is a very funny science fiction book. A supercomputer was built called Deep Thought to find out the answer to ‘Life the Universe and Everything’ (AI anyone?) It also has my favourite character in it, a paranoid android called Marvin whose catchphrase is, "Life, don't talk to me about life!"

Lesley nominated Daphne Du Maurier – Rebecca

“This book has everything. It's a psychological thriller, gothic horror story and a romance! From the opening sentence, it draws you in and each twist and turn of the plot has you gripped. The use of first-person narrative is done with great effect and Daphne Du Maurier uses the landscape and the weather to add to the suspense. When I first read this novel many years ago, the final plot twist made me gasp, I didn't see it coming at all!”

Steve nominated Elif Shafak – There Are Rivers in the Sky

“The book is beautifully written, fascinating and moving. Above all, it is a magical piece of storytelling. I would put it up there with David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas and Sebastian Faulks’ Birdsong, a modern classic.”

Georgia nominated Stephen King – Cujo

“I've always been big on horror / thriller reads and combined with my love for animals this is one of my favourite books ever, and I'd say I’ve read it about 10 times overall. It isn't too long of a read and for me, I think it's some of King's best work, so I’d recommend it to anyone who likes this genre!”

Katherine nominated Robert Harris – Act of Oblivion

“I never thought historical fiction could be so thrilling! This book explores the theme of extremism, drawing many parallels with the current political situation. It delivered a perfect balance of electric storytelling and fascinating detail!”

And now it’s over to you - we’d love you to tell us what books you’re inspired to read from the list.  How many have you already read? Did your favourite book make the shortlist? Speak to your local library staff or email us at reading@inspireculture.org.uk to let us know your thoughts.  Most of all, don’t forget to vote for your Inspire’s Favourite Read!  Voting closes on Monday 7th September, with winners announced in October.