What is the best book you have ever read?

[KatyDidItAgain]

What was it, and why was it so good?

Mine is Nevil Shute's Trustee from the toolroom for his wonderful portrayal of the main character, Keith.

That's a very traumatic novel Lotsof.
I grew up where that was set.

This is an absolutely impossible request OP.

I am delighted that schools are reading Mistsr Pip. I cried ridiculously on public transport, not even at the really harrowing parts but at the funeral of Grace where everyone was sharing their memories. Incredible book.

Wuthering Heights
Tess of the D'Urberville - I was distraught at the end
Señor Vivo and the Coco Lord - again spontaneous crying and laughing in public
Goodnight Mister Tom - I don't care that it is a bona fide children's book it is incredible

Best in terms of every word counting and a book I would urge absolutely every single person I meet to read is:

The English German Girl - beautiful, well researched and empty is how it left me. It is about the Holocaust and is harrowing in a way that doesn't use graphic images but somehow is just incredibly powerful.

Cote - agreed Anna Karenina IMO is also not the best book ever written. I do like it though but there is better.

Moondog - it is traumatic. I thought it was an incredible story and very we written. I have just bought another Lloyd Jones set in Albania but haven't got round to reading just yet.

I've switched to lighter, easier stuff although have just started Franny and Zooey, looks good so far.

I think the best is Raymond Carver, short stories. Such restraint.

I loved Chekhov too, but it's been a while since I read it.

I never re-read books because there are so many out there for me still to read I don't feel inclined to reread any- except maybe The Life of Pi.

Although I didn't engage with it very well at the beginning, once he's out at sea it all changed for me & various aspects of the book have continued to stay with me.

Didn't like the film though, almost wish I hadn't watched it.

I have loads of favourite books but if I had to choose just one, it would be Pride and Prejudice. I know it's boring of me, but I've read it time and time again, and always see something new in it. Would happily take it to a desert island.

Marsha - not read any Raymond Carver for years. Talking of Raymonds though, am v fond of Chandler too.

The Fingersmith

It's been a few years for me too Remus.

Finally I am getting back to better books, all I could handle was fluff and here when the dc were very little and keeping me awake.

Haven't tried Raymond Chandler, will put him on the list.

Parade's End - Ford Madox Ford

Close seconds are - Cloud Atlas, Never Let Me Go, Mansfield Park, Middlemarch.

(I am impressed and delighted that Mister Pip is on the GCSE syllabus).

So many of mine have been mentioned so I will pick some that haven't been mentioned which I have read recently.

The Stand- Stephen King
11/22/63- SK
State of Wonder- Anne Patchett
Rebecca- Daphne
A Prayer for Owen Meany- John Irving
No Angel triology- Penny Vinzenci
I Capture the Castle- Dodie Smith
Madame Tussaud- Michelle Moran
Daddy Long Legs- Jean Webster

I have so many, depending on my mood.
The books that immediately come to mind are
Never let me go
and
A Portrait of the artist as a young man.
They are like reading dreams.

Lucretia grindle villa triste . Absolutely amazing, fantastic characters, plot, bit of history.

I can't believe there's no mention of Annie Proulx.

Accordion Crimes is essentially a social history of the US as witnessed by an accordion. Awesome. But I love everything I've read by her.

Of mice and men left me crying on the tube at the end of the line, unable to move.

Grapes of Wrath was subtler but has stayed with me longer.

One day in the life of Ivan Denisovich for letting me see how gloriously lucky I am.

Lucky by Jackie Collins is perfectly crafted bilge.

I can't believe there's no mention of Annie Proulx.

Accordion Crimes is essentially a social history of the US as witnessed by an accordion. Awesome. But I love everything I've read by her.

Of mice and men left me crying on the tube at the end of the line, unable to move.

Grapes of Wrath was subtler but has stayed with me longer.

One day in the life of Ivan Denisovich for letting me see how gloriously lucky I am.

Lucky by Jackie Collins is perfectly crafted bilge.