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Villette - Charlotte Brontë’s last novel.
I could not believe the depth of emotion, angst and feelings demonstrated by Lucy Snowe the main character in this book. The different characters she meets and their realisation in the book is amazing, each is so clearly defined and their interplay with Lucy a real experience for the reader. These characters often appear in one chapter and they are interwoven through the book until they appear again later. This book is so different from Jane Eyre also written by Charlotte Bronte. Set aside some time in a quiet place to absorb the ambiance of this book and the various sub plots inside.

A Kiss Through Glass - Anthony Nolan. Was the age of DS1 & I was emotionally involved after speaking to his mum. Fundraised & gave blood to help.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I found a paper back copy on my older brother's book shelf. I was in my early teens and having sprained my ankle I laid on the couch and read it in one day. It made such an impression I remember it to this day and obviously the time in my life. I still have that copy. I imagine it had been a school required read because my brother wasn't much of a reader at that time. I was so sorry for the main character and I really think it was the first time I put myself in some else's shoes.

Such a difficult decision but one book that really gripped me was Ken Follet's 'The Pillars of the Earth'....a story about the building of the magnificent cathedral of Kingsbridge and how men and women struggled against their primitive surroundings to create something eternally beautiful.

Love so many ... What an impoverished life without them! Think I would single out 'Orlando' by Virginia Woolf as a ground-breaking format (since, much imitated) and, of course, wonderfully well written.

My favourite book is Strumpet City by Joesph Plunket. Set in Dublin During the 1913 Lockouts, amazing story of Dublin City and it dwellers, brilliant historic detail.

My favourite books are the 'Department 19' series by Will Hill. They are actually classed as young adult fiction, but it is definitely the most gripping series I have ever read; the story stays with you long after you've read the final page!

Read the Morland Dynasty by Cynthia Harrod Eagles, found it fascinating, each book kept me interested in the series.

the snow child by eowyn ivey
is a grown up fairy tale about a childless couple who long for a child of their own build a little snow man and sculpts the face like a little girl in the morning it's dissappeared and all that remains are tiny footprints in the snow - its magical and at times a little sad but i really enjoyed it.

Johnathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach,

I have read this book more times than I can remember, if you get it then it offers the reader the option to live life as an individual, my six children have also read this and I can sometimes see in them the teachings of the book, I think up to now I have had more than 15 copies of the book.

Time for a re-read I think

Smallcreep's Day by Peter Currell Brown has to be my favourite book. Extremely surreal and gripping from start to finish.

It must be Treasure Island by RLS - childhood reading but still the best adventure story and very re-readable

Pride and Prejudice - love a good romance - and the examination of social manners

I can't say it is my Favourite book, but the one that sticks in my mind when anyone asks me this question is: 'we need to talk about Kevin'. She discusses things which are taboo subjects in such a gripping way.

My favourite book is A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute. He was a wonderful storyteller and this book has it all. From London to the Far East to Australia the book carries you along effortlessly. The characters are well-drawn and likeable. It is a book I can read again and again.Brilliant book.

My favourite is Winter in Madrid even though I wasn't happy with the ending.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte – amazingly feminist for the time, hauntingly beautiful and wildly passionate. Love it!

My favourite book is Jane Eyre, I have always loved this book specially the atmosphere and beautiful writing. I read a lot of books about 4 a week, but this one is always my favourite

Choice of best books depends for me on the time of year. As Christmas is coming, I do like to read 'A Christmas Carol' in the weeks before. Gets me 'in the mood'

My favourite book at the moment is Split Second by David Baldacci. I love the twists and turns of the story. A fantastic author of crime, with a plot which keeps me guessing right to the end. I do love a page turner.

It has to be Queen Camilla by Sue Townsend. It is side splittingly funny, irreverent and thought provoking. Queen Camilla, the sequel to The Queen and I follows the now deposed royal family and their lives in a rough council estate. Princess Anne rolls up her sleeves and gets on with it. She even keeps a horse in her back yard. Charles is still the dreamer. Wills and Harry are wide boys and even the corgis are running with the mongrels from the estate pack.

I must dig it out and read it yet again.

A really beautiful book is The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin. Think I got it courtesy of Gransnet. A story of 'family' love - caring - and protection. Different to anything I have read before.

"Time and Time Again" by Ben Elton. It's the second book of his I've read and he is a brilliant writer. This one is set in 1914. Hugh Stanton is trying to change history, and prevent the war from happening. It's a gripping read.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Have read this many, many times and never tire of this book.

84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff.
One of the few books purely in letter form. Inspiring, wonderful plot and great characterisation.