The books that CHANGED MY LIFE
Ella Dove GH’S commissioning editor Ella Dove recently published her first novel, Five Steps To Happy, based on her own experiences of being an amputee. Here, she shares the books that have made her laugh, cry and think. THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME LAUGH
Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce had me cackling on the Tube! As a writer for women’s magazines, I recognised so many hilarious little details in this brilliant portrayal of life at Woman’s Friend in 1940s London. Mrs Bird is the formidable agony aunt who refuses to answer any form of ‘unpleasantness’ in her letters, while young journalist Emmy Lake is a determined, lovable and relatable protagonist.
THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME CRY
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by
Gail Honeyman made me both laugh and cry. It’s packed full of heart and character and is also searingly poignant; you will be both mesmerised and heartbroken. This is everything a novel should be.
THE BOOK THAT GAVE ME A NEW PERSPECTIVE
I read the Noughts & Crosses trilogy by Malorie Blackman as a teenager, and I remember thinking I would never be the same again. It taught me about prejudice, love and the importance of being open-minded.
THE BOOK THAT GOT ME THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME
Henry Fraser was 17 when a diving accident left him paralysed from the shoulders down. Having lost my leg aged 25, his determination to see the good in every day, which he details in his memoir The Little Big Things, provided me with comfort and hope during my recovery. As Henry says, ‘Being challenged in life is inevitable, but being defeated is optional.’ And that’s a mantra I too am aiming to live my life by.
THE BOOK I MOST OFTEN GIVE TO OTHERS
This Is Going To Hurt by former junior doctor Adam Kay. It’s ideal for those who have connections with the NHS, people who aren’t novel readers but are interested in books that make them think, or those who simply want a laugh. Whoever you’re buying for, this book has it all.
Five Steps To Happy (Trapeze) by Ella Dove is out in paperback now