Over60 members reveal their all-time favourite books
We’re always looking for something new here at Over60, but it’s hard to go past an oldie-but-a-goodie. That’s why we asked you to share your all-time favourite books – that means from your childhood all the way through to now. Here’s what you had to say.
1. Anything by Enid Blyton
“I have enjoyed many books over the years, but nothing can ever compare to the joy that came from Enid Blyton books from my childhood. That wonderful Faraway Tree with the amazing lands at the top, and the magical characters. Then there was the Secret Seven and the Famous Five. Just the best!” – Elizabeth McKennariey.
“Secret Seven and Famous Five by Enid Blyton when I was young probably started off my love of reading.” – Susan Marsh.
2. April Fool’s Day by Bryce Courtenay
“April Fool’s Day by Bryce Courtenay. About his own son, Damon, a haemophiliac who contracted HIV/AIDS through an infected blood transfusion. Damon passed away on 1st April 1991.” – Maureen Smith.
“I have never cried as much when reading a book as when I did with this book.” – Janet Hunt.
“So well written and so sad!” – Lorraine Pease.
3. A Fortunate Life by A. B. Facey
“A Fortunate Life by Albert Facey. A very inspirational book to me. The life story of a man who had a hard life and called it fortunate.” – Wendy Harwood.
“Incredible read! Should be on the school reading list!” – Marilyn Joubert.
4. The Green Mile by Stephen King
“The Green Mile. It has every emotion and a bittersweet ending. It was also a great movie and for once they were equal – I normally prefer the book to the movie.” – Avrina Woodyatt A’Bell.
5. Anything by Jeffrey Archer
“As an adult l have loved Jeffrey Archer’s books – Kane and Abel, The Prodigal Daughter, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less etc. All of his books are great reads.” – Julie Sherry.
6. The Shardlake Series by C. J. Sansom
“I'm reading books by C.J. Sansom set during the times of Henry 8th with a lawyer as the main character solving crimes. I've read book two and am reading book three which has made me buy the first and all the following because I just can't stop reading them. They are so well written and keep you wondering what’s next and who’s the bad person. Just great reading. As good as Game of Thrones.” – Krista Dennis.
7. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
“One book I loved was Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I bought that book back in the early nineties and it was one I could not put down, I found myself reading it in even the shower with my arm extended. Most books I read, I put down, pick them up, scan them and then put them down once more, but not that one.” – John Day.
8. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
“To Kill a Mockingbird by the late Harper Lee. I love that every time I read this book I learn more and more about honesty, graciousness, compassion, integrity, humility and strength of character.” – Patricia Jancovich.
“To Kill a Mockingbird gave me a lifelong belief in justice for all people.” – Susan Elizabeth Reid.
9. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
“Thorn Birds I loved the most, but it was made into a terrible American TV show, I think it's about time to remake a movie made by Australians in Australia to honour Colleen McCullough.” – Mary Proctor.
“A lot I have loved, but think The Thorn Birds, would have to be the best.” – Pam Blight.
10. The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
“The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I’ve read it through 6 times, and love it just as much the last time as the first!” – Anne Latham.
“Outlander... I just love the history that surrounds it.” – Joyce Manihera.