ERL staff 'Must Reads'

Today I asked our staff:

"What book would you recommend above all others... a must read - fiction or non-fiction."

Here's what they had to say:

Nicholas & Alexandra by Robert K Massie
The story of the last Tsar of Russia & his family. This book started my love of Russian history & literature. It's a beautifully-written & tragic story.
- Lyn


The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
I loved reading 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It was beautifully written but what I liked most was that the narrator was Death. The persona of Death had empathy, character and, at times, a wry sense of humour. Reading the book made be feel differently (better) about death.
- Rose


Daemon | Freedom TM by Daniel Suarez
Definitely for me it's Daemon and Freedom TM by Daniel Suarez. Two-part techno-thriller by a vastly underrated writer. Fizzing with original and terrifying ideas with an incredibly fast pace. What really sets it apart from other thrillers is its deep and thought-provoking social commentary on the nature of popular governance and economic freedom. A must read.
- Liam
(Note: I'm putting in a request that we get Daemon at ERL)


The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
I have just read J.K Rowling's new book written under the alias Robert Galbraith called The Cuckoo's Calling. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Set in modern day London, the story revolves around the "suicide" of a model & the P.I that is asked to investigate the death by her family despite the police concluding the death to be a suicide.

A murder mystery with lots of twists & turns that keep you guessing right to the end.
- Heidi


The Round House by Louise Erdich
The Round House by Louise Erdich is a must read, it actually won the American National Book award. It's a real page turner that involves a terrible crime and fantastic coming of age story. it's  written in a beautiful mythic style.
- Leonie


Dystopian lovers.. Genesis of Shannara by Terry Brooks (series)
How about the Genisis of Shannara a trilogy by Terry Brooks. A fabulous tale that combines our world and the world of magic. It's an exciting tale that has wonderful characters and a great battle between good and evil. Teenagers and adults will love it!
- Leonie


Graphic Novels.. Saga Volume One and Saga Volume Two by Brian K. Vaughan
The Saga 1 and Saga 2. Graphic novels involves a Star Wars epic type prophecy story that breaks all boundaries. I can't wait for the next episode. You will be amazed.
- Leonie


The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
I really enjoyed the Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion, made me laugh out loud and kept me awake at night until I finished it.
- Maria


Father Bob: the larrikin priest by Sue Williams
Also Father Bob: the larrikin priest. Filled in lots of gaps about him I didn't know. Some of the anecdotes are hysterical. Overall he seems a very lonely soul with an enormous heart and great sense of social justice.
- Maria


The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Anne Shaffer and Annie Burrows
My must read book is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Anne Shaffer and Annie Burrows. I chose this book initially because I loved the quirky title. This story is set in Guernsey during the German Occupation and it is a real eye opener in illustrating the optimism and humour of the human spirit whilst forced to live in such unfortunate circumstances. I cried and I laughed while reading, which is always the sign of a great story! I recommend for everybody to read this touching story.
- Nicole


Skulduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy

I'd recommend the Skulduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy. I was intrigued by the title and the cover art and thought 'Why not just give it a shot? See what it's all about.'. I'm so glad I did because it payed off big time! I fell in love with the witty and magical characters that are Skulduggery and Valkyrie, and i keep finding myself wishing I was in the story with them, joining them on their adventures.

- Hayz

Any titles by Cathy Glass
I can recommend a great author Cathy Glass. I have read all her books, once you start you can not put them down. She is a foster carer and writes about the children she has fostered. Here are some of her titles - Hidden, The night the angels came, The saddest girl in the world. I have recommend her to a few people and they've all had the same reaction
- Tracey

So, what would you add to the list? Let us know via the comments of the blog, on Facebook or Twitter. Tag it #ERLMustReads

Cheers, webgurl