It’s exam season again and the panic is rife. No one has done enough revision and your brain is constantly jumping between your modules in a way that is either genius or totally insane – your exam marker will decide. We’ve all heard the advice that you need to make sure you have time to relax as well as revise, but sometimes it’s really difficult to actually make your brain stop whirring away. So here is a list of great books from your childhood that you should reread to gently take your mind off of revision (and because you’ll be surprised how much you still love them). Enjoy!
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling –
Yes, of course we had to start with Harry; we are the Harry Potter generation after all! Take some time out and start from the beginning, and let the wonderful world that J.K. so lovingly created wash over you.
2. Saffy’s Angel by Hilary McKay
This is the first of the Casson Family series and its just lovely. They’re the artistic family you just want to be part of.
3. The Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman
Another wonderful series that shouldn’t be marred by a slightly odd film adaptation. Sign me up for a daemon!
4. Artemis Fowl by Eion Colfer
I loved Artemis so much as a child, the fantastic underground world of the fairies completely enthralled me. I also heard that Disney is making it into a film, so this is the perfect time to reread the series.
5. Sabriel by Garth Nix
Not many of my friends have read this series so for some this may be a first time read, but, trust me, it’s great. It’s a series full of strong female characters, intriguing magic, and terrifying dead things.
6. The Shadow Catcher by Michelle Paver
If you fancy warmer climes, the Daughters of Eden series is set in Jamaica and the UK. The trilogy follows the story of three women in the same family trying to find their place. Also Michelle Paver’s Wolf Brother series is pretty great too.
7. Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison
After the sad news of Louise’s death earlier this year, there is nothing to do but fall back into the arms of the Ace Gang and try not to cry too hard. The confessions of Georgia Nicholson have never failed to make me laugh, and surely we all need something funny to take our minds off exams.
8. The Twits by Roald Dahl
Quite honestly, I could have chosen nearly any one of his books but the Twits is one of my favourites, I mean who doesn’t love a grumpy old couple playing pranks on each other?
9. The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis
This is one of the less well known novels in The Chronicles of Narnia, but it stands well on its own if you don’t fancy reading the whole series again. However, I would definitely suggest doing just that – there is so much in it that you probably missed the first time around.
10. Why the Whales Came by Michael Morgurgo
As an avid fan of every book of Michael Morpugo’s that I read, choosing my favourite for this list was tricky. I grew up on an island, so this novel really sparked my imagination. However, The Dancing Bear was a close second, and if you’re looking for a shorter read it might be a better choice.
11. My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
It might be because I’m from Jersey and that’s where Gerald (or Gerry as I like to call him) eventually set up his pioneering conservation trust, but I really love this book. It’s well written and funny, you will find yourself falling in love with his family and Corfu. There are also two amazing adaptations done by the BBC, and they are airing a new one at the moment that is looking good so far.
12. Witch Child by Celia Rees
When I was making this list one of my friends reminded me of this book and I literally jumped for joy remembering how good it was. It’s a brilliant novel about witch-hunts and intolerance. I’m so excited to reread it.
BONUS: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Ok, so this won’t be one from your childhood but it’s definitely worth a read. It’s a much more scientific way of looking at witches, vampires and demons, it’s set at a University, and the second novel has one of most vivid descriptions of Elizabethan life I have ever had the joy to read.
So there is my list. I hope you have enjoyed it and get reading!