Top Ten ALL-TIME FAVOURITE Books From Past 3 Years

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

The Last Leaves Falling by Sarah Benwell - If you want a heart-stopping, tear-jerking, utterly incredible read, pre-order this story of a Japanese teenager's struggle with ALS. A truly outstanding book.

Love in Revolution by BR Collins - Wonderful historical story about two girls falling in love during a revolution in an unnamed Basque country. Superb chemistry, stunning characters, and I'd have to agree with Jill from the Bookbag when she said it had "the best ending EVER."

Bone Jack by Sara Crowe - This is an absolutely stunning book; it's incredible to think that a debut novelist could have produced something this wonderful. I love the way Sara Crowe ties in thoroughly modern problems -like foot and mouth and PTSD - and the supernatural elements.

This Book is Gay by James Dawson - The one advice guide that EVERY school should have multiple copies of. The perfect book for teens who are themselves LGBT*, or who know someone who is or might be (in other words, the perfect book for every teen!) this is warm, witty and altogether wonderful.

Pea's Book of Holidays by Susie Day - Simultaneously a love letter to Enid Blyton, a critique of her work, and a modern-day adventure similar to those she wrote, this is breathtakingly good.

The Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson - Sensationally good historical crime, set in the Marshalsea prison in 1727. Hurled in there due to his debts, gambler Tom Hawkins is left desperately trying to solve a recent murder, partly to get his freedom and partly because his new cell-mate Samuel Fleet is the chief suspect. Tom and Fleet are incredible characters, with Fleet one of the most complex and fascinating I've seen for years, while the prison, with the Master's Side being almost like a village for those who could scrape together money to pay for it, and the Poor Side being a stinking pit, is brought brutally to life.

This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales - Incredible voice, brilliant characters, and an amazing ending. Also, rereading my review, this was the first book to ever make me cry on public transport - quite a lot have managed since then!

Five Children on the Western Front by Kate Saunders - Heartbreaking sequel to a timeless classic, which somehow improves on the original. Absolutely stunning, massively recommended. I love that the Psammead is developed so brilliantly, while I cried my eyes out throughout the book.

Far From You by Tess Sharpe - I read this on New Year’s Day and was left in floods of tears wandering around London for six hours or so after finishing. The first half of 2014 was incredibly strong; this was one of the very best. The Sophie/Mina chemistry is stunning and Sophie is an utterly amazing lead character.

The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson - Everyone knows how much I love this one, and I'm worried about spoilers, so won't say much. But it's a truly wonderful read with fantastic characters.