Histories, novels and plays make up the majority of what I read. The books on this list come from my childhood, my school and what I'm reading right now. It just goes to show the true value of a book, if you still have fond memories of it years later.
Genghis Khan and The Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford (2004)
This history of Genghis Khan is written in a way that does justice to his epic life and presents him as barbaric but fair. Weatherford adds a lustre to an already golden story to create the definitive book on of the great khan of the Mongols
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (2005)
This is a contemporary novel that explains away dyslexia and ADHD as side effects of being a Greek demigod. It hooked me in a way that few books can, as I am dyslexic myself (but not a demigod). Riordan’s series introduced me to reading for the sake of enjoyment and is largely the reason I even have a “favourite reads” list to write.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1890)
Recommended by a friend, I picked up this novella worrying I wouldn’t complete it and would have to study the SparkNotes and pretend I made it over the finish line. I couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s both sinister and supernatural, and a gorgeous example of the Gothic genre. The quirky story moves through Dorian’s sins in a way that is a pleasure to read.
Huey Morgan’s Rebel Heroes: The Renegades of Music & Why We Still Need Them By Huey Morgan (2015)
The laconic frontman of the Fun Lovin’ Criminals turned from lyrics to prose, detailing his heroes of music. Morgan writes with the knowledge of a man who has been-there-and-taken-that and he doesn’t shy away from the grit of the story. Keep Spotify close, as you’ll be using it often.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992)
At 21, Tartt was apparently told by an editor that no woman has ever written a successful novel from a male perspective. This book changed that. It examines the friendship of six students in such depth that the reader becomes part of their gang. But you soon realise all is not what it seems. It’s warm, witty and intelligent, while also being cold, callous and calculated.
Isaac Scott is a news intern at The National
