Can you remember the last time you read a book that transfixed you? A book that made you sit up and look at the world in a different way?
Perhaps it was a character that you identified so strongly with you felt like you'd make a new friend for life. Or the story left you with a strong sensation of hope or inspiration. Some reads have the ability to make a life-changing emotional impact on us, and alter the way we look at an issue, a situation or the world after reading. Here are seven of our recommended life-changing novels.
1. To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee
This is one of those rare stories that you read and never forget. In July 2014 the Bailey's prize highlighted 20 life-changing books by women in their #ThisBook campaign. Top of the list was Harper Lee's influential novel. Liberty director Shami Chakrabarti describing Harper Lee's 1960 novel as "the book that introduced many of us to our belief in human rights." Buy a copy here.
2. The Handmaid's Tale – Margaret Atwood
The chilling story centres on Offred, a woman living in a repressive regime with one role: to breed. Selling millions of copies worldwide, this haunting science-fiction novel, set in a dystopian future, resonates with readers around the world for a reason. It poses the question 'what if it came true?' Buy a copy of the copy here.
6. Wonder - R.J. Palacio
In a world defined by looks what would it be like to live with a facial deformity? Wonder is a kids' book but the story resonates with kids and adults alike. Auggie is a 10 year old boy born with a severe facial deformity. He spent two years wearing a space helmet everyday and Halloween is his favourite night of the year as he gets to dress-up. It's a brilliant book. Moving, funny and eye-opening, this is a book you read and immediately want to share with friends. Grab a copy here.
7. Down and Out in Paris and London - George Orwell
Part autobiographical, the novel is an eye-opener into the underworld life of the poor in Paris and London in the late 1920s. The sights, smells, desperation of street life is exposed in gritty detail. Alongside the flashes of humour and colourful characters, we learn the very sobering truths about the reality of life for the penniless and destitute of the time. Buy a copy here.
When creating this list, we looked for reads where the story, the characters or issues produced a powerful emotional response. We'd love to hear your favourite life-changing reads too. Tweet us @MyDailyUK.
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