Library Lovers Day 2015...Love at first read..staff picks

Love at first read...we all have a book we have fallen in love with. The book cover, the opening lines, the plot, the prose, and the characters that make your heart beat faster... Is this an ongoing affair, one where you re-read a book time and again?

Celebrate Library Lovers Day, Saturday 14 February, by sharing a book you fell in love with at first read. Simply post a love note to a Library Lover’s display, located in each of the Sutherland Shire Libraries from 9-14 February.

Author William Faulkner named Tolstoy's Anna Karenina as the single greatest novel of all time. Who needs a dozen roses, when you can read a dozen books! Library staff picks, those books they fell in love with at first read...)








We are all completely beside ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
This novel was not at all what I expected. I am not going to tell you what the story is about- this book is best read without pre knowledge. Totally captivating in a compelling and original way.
~ Di





Everything I never told you by Celeste Ng
This book resonated with me, as it spoke the truth. It tells of the way people have inner lives that even their closest family members are not aware of and illustrate unintentional way families dictate the way your life turns out. Thought provoking.
~Kelly.





 Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lindqvist
My perfect literary amalgam: horror, sparse Swedish prose, and the moral implications of life after death. I adore this book because, although it contains the undead, it is not a zombie story - it is a poetic exploration of grief and hope in the face of an impossible horror.

~Dasha

Us by David Nicholls

I read this while I was off work recovering from an operation. It made me laugh and cry at the same time.
~Donna






To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I first read this classic when I was 14 years old and it stayed with me. It was an eye opener to injustice in society.
~Julie

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
I have had a long love affair with all the Outlander (aka Cross Stitch) books by Diana Gabaldon and when I got rid of all my books when I moved I kept that series!! Happy Library Lovers Day!
~Meagan








Mordants Need by Stephen R. Donaldson (Book 1 The mirror of her dreams)

Whilst still a teenager, after reading the first chapter of this novel I was hooked.  Terisa's need to have her existence confirmed, even it it was only by mirrors, resonated. I could not put it down.

~Jacinta



The Meredith Trilogy  (Book one: My Brother Jack) by George Johnston
These books are semi-autobiographical and can be read and re-read, because they contain so many layers and references. They are not huge tomes with an excess of words, instead every word counts. There are many underlying themes - Australia between the wars, the two brothers who are so unlike each other, the family's interesting life on Hydra, Australia's cultural desert in the 60s, and the final unfinished commentary on all that has happened in David Meredith's (George Johnston's) life. This makes for rich and satisfying reading!
~Janet



The Wardrobe Girl by Jennifer Smart
A fresh take on what could potentially be a 'cheesy' topic. The author's experience in the industry really showed. Great read.
 ~Sam





A Horseman Riding By  by R.F Delderfield is my favourite. Actually, I take on holidays each year as my "aeroplane book" and I never tire of it.
This book is enjoyable because it is very descriptive, one can visualise the scenery and characters. The story is historical fiction, following several families journeys through The First World War and their changed lives afterwards.
~Wendy



The Princess Bride: S Morgenstern's classic tale of true love and high adventure by William Goldman
This book is an action fairytale that ticks all the boxes - an evil prince, beautiful princess, dashing hero, love, hate revenge, sword fights, mystical creatures and all the other things that make for an exciting read.  I rarely buy fiction books but this classic with it's beautiful wordplay is one that I do own.
~ Angela


Die Again by Tess Gerristen
It is a crime thriller and it really makes my heart beats fast.
~Becky








Which books have you fallen in love with at first read? Tell us in the comments.