Finding a favourite book is one of life’s greatest moments, and there will come a time where one will stop you dead in your tracks. You might relate wholeheartedly to a character’s situation, sit awe-inspired by a beautiful, unfolding relationship, or simply relish in the author’s writing. As we now enter unprecedented times of anxiety and uncertainty, reading that book you forgot changed your life might give a welcome escape from real life – and give some much-needed clarity.
That’s what the marie claire team are doing at least, so we’ve shared the books that stopped us, changed our perspectives, and still sit like trophies on our bookshelves. From Lee Harper and George Orwell and Dolly Alderton, the range is varied but that’s the beauty in books. Scroll down to see what our team holds dear (and are now happily re-reading).
Kathryn Madden, Acting Features Director
Does a new classic count? I’m obsessed with Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know About Love. The first half is fun, recounting the writer’s carefree university days, but it’s the second half that really stole my heart. Dolly’s observations on love are simple yet profound, and utterly tear-jerking. Read it for a happy cry.
Grace Back, Digital Content Manager
I was just a teen when I discovered the witty Maggie Alderson and Pants On Fire (which I still attribute to kickstarting my dreams of becoming a journalist at a fashion mag). The book follows a young journalist who moves to Sydney to work at Glow magazine after having a breakup. Glamorous parties, female friendships, debauchery and a twisting love story, I still get a smile when I see this sitting on my bookshelf. Time for another read?
Jana Pokorny, Fashion Director
The Mitford Girls or anything by Milan Kundera. Currently reading 9 Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty.
Isobel Larkin, Digital Content Editor
I wouldn’t consider it a pleasant read but I think George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four has never been more relevant than now. I remember reading it and thinking how lucky we were not to live in a surveilled society like Oceania. But now when I revisit the book, I can’t help but draw parallels between Orwell’s dystopian novel and 2020. Eerie.
Anna McCooe, Lifestyle Editor
Valley Of The Dolls by Jacqueline Susann is tragic, rivetting and a bit smutty but it’s 50 years old so you can get away with reading it as a precursor to feminist literature.
Robyn Fay-Perkins, Photo Editor
Pan’s Labyrinth by Guillermo del Toro and any Jane Austen novel.
Sarah Hughes, Creative Director
I’m going to tackle the Game of Thrones series by George R.R. Martin. I paused reading it to watch the tv version. Hopefully, the books will fill the void the show left.
Ella Blinco-Jury, Market Editor
To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee, a book that made me reflect/gave me perspective on life and my own privilege. Also, a daily reminder to try to always be kind, have empathy towards others and try to practice greater understanding for other peoples situations.
Lucy Taylor, Junior Features Writer
Little Women – Louisa May Alcott. Louisa was well ahead of her time. One of the best books I will probably ever read.
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