My top 10 favourite ALL TIME books

This was a challenge...

Hello, I’m Molly and I write about my slow and simple life in the Scottish Highlands. Please subscribe to support my work and if you want to read more of my stories. You can also find me on YouTube and shop my Slow Scottish Store

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I’ve read my entire life. It was my favourite way to spend time as a child, apart from getting muddy outside with an animal or two. I had a brief hiatus when I went to university, but I’ve fallen completely back in love with it over the last few years.

I thought it would be fun to try and identify my top 10 favourite books.

I had some obvious contenders that instantly sprang to mind. Mostly the classics that I grew up reading and still have pride of place on my bookshelf. I’ll admit, it was a challenge to further narrow down from there.

Luckily, I’ve been recording the books I’ve read over the last couple of years and now have a comprehensive Notion database that I could quickly scan for contenders. You can view my Notion Bookworm Planner on my Etsy and watch my YouTube video here about how I use it to organise all my reading.

The resulting list includes books I read more than a decade ago and those I only read last year. For ease, I’ve split them into the different categories I tend to read.

So lets get into them…

Classics

Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte

Do you have a favourite book?

Whenever anyone asks me this, Wuthering Heights is the one that springs to mind.

I first read this for my English Literature GCSE. I’d read classics before, mostly the Austen’s, which I’d enjoyed but I wouldn’t say they got me hooked.

This book was different. I became completely immersed in this wild world, with even wilder characters. Each one fundamentally flawed, yet I loved them for that.

I should also note that I adore the other Bronte’s works, like Jane Eyre and the often underrated Tenant of Wildfell Hall, but neither of them quite match Wuthering Heights for me.

A story I can read again and again and never regret it.

Gone with the wind, Margaret Mitchell

Speaking of flawed characters….

I picked up a tattered copy of this from a charity shop when I was a teenager. I’d never watched the film, but the romantic front cover instantly appealed to me.

I find myself drawn to complex characters that you are never quite sure how to feel about. In this book, the heroine Scarlett is fundamentally selfish, vain and often quite cruel. Yet she is also unshakably resolute, fiercely bright and, when required, a real grafter.

By the end of the book, despite your better judgement, you find yourself rooting for her. A wonderful story.

Rebecca, Daphne Du Maurier

A more modern classic. I also read this when I was a teenage. I remember enjoying it when I read it the first time. However, it was only when a re-read it as an adult that I fully appreciated the wonderful writing of this memorable story.

It is a romantic thriller, dripping with vivid descriptions of a mystery house situated on the rugged Cornish coast.

A love story with a twist. Captivating from the very start.

Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Montgomery

The first classic I ever read.

I became rather obsessed with Anne. I read the entire series multiple times. I could quote her from heart and loved nothing more than delving into her beautiful world.

I’m re-reading it now for the first time in my adult life and it is such a delight. A timeless, wholesome story that will stay with me forever.

Modern fiction

The Binding, Bridget Collins

This is the newest book to make the list. I only read it at the end of last year and it made it to my top ten books of 2022 as a late contender.

Everything about this book appealed to me. The unexpectedly beautiful love story, the immersive first person narrative and the backdrop of an original new world revolving around books.

One of the best written fantasy books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, Michelle Paver

Ok, I’ll admit to cheating here. This is a series rather than one book.

If I were to choose one, it would be Outcast, which is the forth in the series.

Again, these are books from my childhood. I was gifted the first one at the age of 14 and fell in love. Its the perfect blend of a coming of age story, mixed with folklore and completely intertwined with nature.

I read it again during lock-down and it has really stood the test of time. A story that will always remain close to my heart.

The man who didn’t call, Rosie Walsh

This one rather snuck on my list.

There are so many modern fiction books that I was tempted to add, especially those from the likes of Marian Keyes or Jojo Moyes.

However, for me, this is one that really stood out. I think it was because I didn’t have high expectations when I started it. The title and cover were fairly sub-par. The blurb was just interesting enough. Yet I found myself hooked within a few pages.

So much more than an average love story with a twist you don’t see coming.

Non-fiction

The life changing magic of tidying, Mari Kondo

The book has a massive impact on my life.

I read it when I first started getting into minimalism. It was my absolute guide book for all things decluttering and organising.

I also enjoyed Mari’s second book, Spark Joy, which has more detailed practical instructions, but I loved hearing more about Mari’s background in the first book, and how tidying has changed her life.

She will always remain the queen of decluttering for me and my house wouldn’t be half as organised as it is today if I hadn’t read this book.

Digital minimalism, Cal Newport

I’ve mentioned this book a fair few times now, so bear with me!

I found this when I was further along in my minimalism journey. I’d tackled my physical possessions, so it was time to assess my digital life.

Cal is an engaging author and I love his no-nonsense approach in this book. Backed by science, this book delves into our relationships with the digital world and the impact it it really having on us.

After reading this book, I finally made the somewhat bold decision to come off social media entirely. This has fundamentally changed how I live and I’ve never looked back.

I’m so grateful to have found this book.

The unexpected joy of the ordinary, Catherine Gray

I first came across Catherine Gray in her fantastic book - The unexpected joy of being sober.

I instantly took to her. Such a talented writer, she is able to blend humour with poignant pain so you are right there with her.

I’ve chosen this book as it appeals to how I want to live my life. It makes us notice the simple every day pleasures, that are the real source of happiness.

A joy to read and one I intend to revisit regularly.

So how about you? What are your favourite books? Have you read any of these one’s listed? I love sharing recommendations with my community so please do drop a comment below.

Until next week,

Molly xx

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