I meet many people reading great books. Here Alex Glenday backstage at Paul Smith A/W2011 was reading Alexander Mcall Smith’s The Careful Use of Compliments.
Think I’m just a chick who doesn’t get time to read. Seriously? I do more than clothes. What follows are the ten books that have changed my life.
When I was 20, I tried sushi for the first time
Have you ever felt instantly cheated. Asked yourself this question silently. “How could I NOT have tasted this food before?” When I was 20, I tried sushi for the first time. It seems patently unfair to wait two decades to discover a favorite food. Different than a band or film. Primal. “How did we just meet? Where were you when I was 6, 14, 20?” “What took you so long?” Anyway, some books are just like sushi.
1. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
There were some parents who were very anti- Roald Dahl. They felt that he was too imaginative, not educational enough, but my parents luckily for me always loved him. I particularly remember James’s sense of adventure in James and the Giant Peach and the bit about the magic insects striking out against the two naughty aunts and pushing the Giant Peach Over their house (hope I haven’t spoiled that bit for you). I couldn’t get enough of this – James and the Giant Peach under the covers with a torch! The bit where the Giant Peach crushes the baddies is horrifying, but relatable now. I often zone out and think of this scene when someone’s being particularly nasty.
2. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
That this was Sigmund Freud’s favourite novel, doesn’t surprise me. I found it at a very young age. It’s savage as in full of savagery. David Copperfield is one of the greatest books ever written. David is the most well thought out and well rounded character through a novel that I’ve ever read and I experienced this before I ever thought seriously about being a writer. I rarely read fiction these days but this was an eye opener when I was small. I read it in one sitting! Who knew this is how brutal the world could be?
3. Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
I remember walking through the fields at my parents house after finishing this book. I felt as though I had eaten the most beautiful piece of cake ever made. I walked for miles just thinking about it before I worked it out of my system. It’s a fictional account although part autobiographical about a penniless British writer among the down-and-outs of two great cities (Paris and London). In Paris he works as a dishwasher in a posh French restaurant while in London while looking for a job he experiences the poverty of the street people and society. It may not be to everybody’s taste (the dire poverty is hard) but it serves as a perfect foil to the world of luxury which we’re enticed by every single day. It’s the book that taught me to look at the world the way I do.
4. Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen
Lizzie Bennett was a complete NERD, I can relate to that. Nobody could understands her. I can relate to that too. She wasn’t the prettiest girl, but she was smart – and listen y’all, GIRLS LIKE THIS deserve Mr Darcys TOO! This book is like slipping into a beautiful warm bath, a perfectly constructed rom com. It set the scene for so many successful contemporary stories like Carrie and Mr. Big in Sex And The City, and the entire story of Bridget Jones’s Diary. You know deep down how it’s going to play out… loads of things in the way but the girl gets the guy in the end. I’m always relieved when that happens.
5. In Search Of Lost Time by Marcel Proust
I read Proust at 14, I remember thinking back then “This is the type of writer I’d like to become.” It’s often so rambling and it’s very long and so, s0 different from any other type of writing I’ve ever seen. I’ll use any excuse to chat about it… Vivienne Westwood confessed that she had never read it. I was surprised. She reads so much and lots of non-fiction, science, stuff that will help her understand our planet. I told her that if I was shipwrecked on a desert island like on the TV series LOST I’d probably want this box set. It could always be used to fight off an angry Polar Bear.
6. Chéri and The Last of Chéri by Colette
My list of girl crushes is growing. This morning I added Colette. I read her book Chéri and The Last of Chéri while in college and would lug it about to look interesting. It’s about a concubine employed to teach a young man the many subtle ways of love. But the man slowly falls in love with her. He ‘graduates’ leaves the concubine and tries to get back to his normal life. Expected to then marry a person of his own class, he can’t go through with it. The book explores human nature – which to me, along with art, is the most interesting subject there is. They say there are things you shouldn’t discuss at dinner. But if people don’t want to talk about life what do they want to discuss? A good dinner chat should be like a good Woody Allen movie.
7. The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
This is Fitzgerald’s finest work. In it Gatsby is a man trying to find a life he wasn’t born into, it reminds me a little of Don Draper’s struggle in Mad Men. At some point or another we have all felt this way. No one understands our desires to be what we want to be. At school I was told I should become a doctor. Um, right! I retreat to Gatsby at times when I meet a difficult fork in the road. Fitzgerald had Gatsby break through class and personal barriers for everyone.
8. Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life by Justine Picardie
A book I found recently (and bought copies for everyone at Christmas) was Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life. It’s wonderful – and I thought about how much, without meaning to, how Coco inspires me. She grew from nothing. Maybe we have similar characters…. I don’t know. One of the things I love about the book is the research. The author Justine Picardie had full access to the Chanel files and wrote it in Chanel’s apartment in Paris at Chanel’s desk. There has been so much written about Coco Chanel’s life which is untrue. Everything about this book is truthful and beautiful, the story, the pictures, the paper and the fact that Coco Chanel continued to work until the day that she died. Amazing!
9. The Fat Duck Cook Book by Heston Blumenthal
I think Heston Blumenthal is the perfect food writer in The Fat Duck Cook Book. In a way I’m drawn to him because he’s writing has a lot to do with experimentation and an inquisitive nature which I identify with, but when I read his books, I feel like I’m in the presence of an intelligence which is far greater than mine. I love his scholarliness and the way he wears it so lightly – I learnt a lot from meeting him. I’m all for not meeting people you adore because I think, in the end, it’s easy to be let down (it’s happened). But Heston was charming, clever and unassuming, the sort of man that I end up being friends with. Now when I see him on TV, I look with the innocent hope of somebody who’d like to think he would say hello to me and remember me if we met again.
10. On Writing – A Memoir Of The Craft by Stephen King
I love non-fiction above fiction and have given away so many copies of On Writing – A Memoir Of The Craft by Stephen King to writers who ask me about things like… the difficulty of writing, where does one find inspiration and how do you unclog writer’s block? Like I’d know!!!! (Well maybe the last one). A friend of mine, who’s a writer in London, introduced me to this book when I was halfway through writing my second book The Goddess Experience. Had he given it to me earlier, I would never have started, because I read it and thought, “This is it, the way he explains things is so easy and clear, I want to be able to write without fear.” The book opens with a mini-memoir (like a mini autobiography) and tells of his return to work after his horrific accident. The second half of the book explains his struggle and the craft of writing. It’s remarkable, revealing and brave. It’s HILARIOUS and he’s a GENIUS and it’s a book that when you read it, you do that really irritating thing of reading out loud from it to your friends (although King says NEVER do it with your own work if you’ve written a book script. Put it in a drawer and let it rest a little.)
And about that reading out load thing from published books. I do it all the time. Drives people crazy. Is there anything more annoying in the world?
rosa says:
I’ve been inspired by Proust too. My whole life has changed after reading his work and really love the Great Gatsby as well!
May 15, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Gisèle says:
Sounds cool. Love them both hard. Ten was a bit tough, I have an awful lot of books. xx
May 15, 2011 at 5:46 pm
Camilla Rothchild says:
Beautiful post. And although I know you’re saying that these books inspired your own writing for your Goddess Guide books. I suddenly got panicy because NO ONE writes like you and you have a very unique clear voice.
I look to you for honesty and guidance!! Can’t wait for your next book. Need it in my life. xox Camilla
May 15, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Gisèle says:
I find it IMPOSSIBLE to write without reading great writers. Problem is I like too many Camilla. They are lethal and impossible to resist. xx
May 15, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Megan Valentine says:
So glad to see something more than fashion on a blog. There are so many great and inspiring books out there i don’t know how you managed to compile them to just 10 (although maybe wuthering heights should be there too?). Funnily enough i first read your books aged 14 and decided that i wanted to be able to write like you! x
May 15, 2011 at 7:31 pm
Gisèle says:
Hi there Miss Valentine (love your surname) thanks for your beautiful words. There are so many great and inspiring writers out there it’s hard to whittle down. When someone else calls you a writer, can’t say it feels comfortable using it about myself sometimes. Do you find this? Yes Wuthering Heights is amazing.Think I’ll read it again now. xx
May 15, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Bláthnaid Richardson says:
ah Gisele! no mention of the twilight series??!! SHAME ON YOU!!! (hee-hee! I joke, I joke!)I have been eyeing up Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life by Justine Picardie for a while now but I read the one by Edmonde Charles-Roux (you know the one that was the inspiration for the film “coco before chanel”?) but I didn’t like it. (I didn’t like the film too much either but that’s for another discussion!)I’m a bit of a historical biography junkie and when they are written poorly they are so difficult to read. Unfortunately, I personally found this to be the case with that book. I loved antonia frasers book on Marie Antoinette and Sarah Bradfords book on Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. They would be some of my personal favourites! and I can’t believe you included Roald Dahl in your list! I love love LOVE!!! Roald Dahl. When ever someone asks me what my favourite writers are I always say Roald Dahl, which always receives a strange response! ok phew at least I’m not the only one! also delighted to see a few of my other favorite books make an appearance on your list, great gatsby, check! the fat duck, check! pride and prejudice, check! and the others will be added to my summer reading list. Thanks! xx
oh and carrying on from our previous Audrey Hepburn discussion, did you manage to pick up the 50th anniversary book on breakfast at tiffanys? it’s a really lovely one with gorgeous photographs in it.
May 15, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Gisèle says:
Hey re Breakfast at Tiffany’s 50th Anniversary Companion. I think it’s great. Good choice.
http://godd.es/BreakfastAtT50
But Sarah Bradford’s historical biography on Jackie O (American Queen) http://godd.es/AmericanQueenbook I don’t have but would love it. Would prefer the actual book to Kindle version though (For keeps sake). Thank You for these really great shares Blainthnaid. Better stop or I’ll fill a suitcase. xx
May 16, 2011 at 1:32 am
Bláthnaid Richardson says:
Hey G! Sorry to jump back a few (quite a few actually!) posts but I just read this and thought I’d pass it on. I don’t know if you’ve read it already but I said I’d copy and paste anyways. It’s really really beautifully written! Only an addict can really know and speak so honestly on the subject of addiction. I really want to read his books after reading this! Have you read any of them? xx
http://www.russellbrand.tv/2011/07/for-amy/
btw I know this has absolutely nothing to do with fashion and might be a bit morbid to post on such a joyful site as thegoddesguide.com but I really wanted to post it onto you!
July 26, 2011 at 11:22 pm
Gisèle says:
Hey Blathnaid,
Russell is really lovely and a very talented artist. I shared a car with him a little while ago to the airport, or more correctly his driver was taking Russell to the airport and I was going the same direction so they offered me a lift. He’s a very lovely man (or boy as I prefer to call it). And woman sounds so very grown up so I stick with the word ‘girl’. I read this and considered it to be very appropriate. I thought Any Winehouse was a magnificent talent. She was scheduled to be in the next Goddess Guide. Had agreed to an interview this September. Unfortunately that will never be now. She was so talented but let the black dog stalk her mind. You’re right about Russell, he’s written very beautifully about addiction in a clever and honest and refreshing way. Something I could never do unless it were to talk about chocolate. Oh and he’s also very kind too, without his dig out I would have remained stranded and missed my flight. He’s one of the good guys. xx
August 2, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Abigail Orr says:
I loved reading your post, I’m a big bookworm and loved finding out what was on your top 10. Made a little memo in my notebook to purchase ‘Down &Out in Paris & London’ & ‘Coco Chanel’ so thank you for sharing.
Also great to see who influenced your work as I am a huge fan, purchased your first book from a bookstore in Rome and its my bible, I love it. xx
May 15, 2011 at 11:10 pm
Gisèle says:
I really enjoyed writing it Abigail. Thank You. And Rome??? Probably the greatest city ever made. Ever. (In my humble opinion). I’ve never seen the Italian translation. xx
May 16, 2011 at 2:01 am
katie says:
other great books include:
Interview with a vampire by Anne Rice (the film is just as good)
100 years of solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Captain Corellis Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres
Dan Eldon the journey is the destination
and lastly Georgaina Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman
May 15, 2011 at 11:28 pm
Gisèle says:
Is that a challenge? : ) This list looks great. I’m confident I’d really like Interview with a vampire. The Film was magnif as was ‘The Duchess’ movie so the Georgaina Duchess of Devonshire book by Amanda Foreman sounds good. http://godd.es/TheDuchessbook
I love the Georgians! Read, write, dance…. Live long! Thanks for these shares Katie. xx
May 16, 2011 at 2:27 am
rosa says:
Gisele, I strongly recommend 100 years of Solitude. The great inspiration. But i think you’re gonna love another one of Marguez’s – Love in the Time of Cholora. One of the most romantic and passionate love stories that i’ve ever read (it has been made into film too). Besides, i’ve been greatly inspired by your books too. Found it in Bangkok and loved it instantly. Really love your style xxx
May 16, 2011 at 6:32 am
Gisèle says:
Bangkok???? Very cool Rosa. Was it in Thai? I know there’s a Thai translation of The Goddess Guide.
Thanks for these shares… two really great choices. They will be forever classics. Wow Bangkok, everyone raves about it. Let’s hang when I visit? xx
May 16, 2011 at 8:38 am
Lianne Marie Binks says:
I thoroughly approve of all of these choices *smiles*
I am also inspired to make a similar list so thank you!
May 16, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Frances Johnstone says:
Hope you like the books which I have borrowed from friends and begged from some very clever people. Space precludes me from giving you a huge list,but I think you’ll like these three… Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson, Rebecca by Daphne du Mauriet (some say it’s like Jane Eyre)and Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos De Laclos.
In conclusion…
Below are some of the nice things that I have thught about you today since reading your post.
What is it about Gisele Scanlon?
Why is she so bloody cool?
Super cool post. Thank You xxx
May 16, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Geraldine Mulpeter says:
I like this site because its escapism from the reality of having no money. I mean if only I could afford louboutins, sisley, organic food, trvelling to hip spots on a regular basis. Unfortunately no, I live in the real world. Do people really live like this?!
June 4, 2011 at 1:12 am
Gisèle says:
Hi Geraldine,
You’re right, some very wealthy people are privileged. A very tiny few. Not worth getting bothered about. I’m usually smuggled into places under the cover of darkness to see what they see as I’m not in their bracket.
My job is to try to pick out nice little things so that you and I can experience a little bit of that nice life too. Recipes that we can make at home, make-up techniques that we can use with any products. A nice room somewhere as a treat.
My Gran has a saying… ‘Money doesn’t mind who owns it’ in that some people who are very wealthy aren’t always happy. And then some very wealthy people are so humble and lovely and play it down…. you wouldn’t even know. I don’t judge peeps by money because when I was very young, I was very poor.
My Mum and Dad worked hard and life gave them a lucky break, but until I was ten we had very little but we were happy with the small things.
So, I always try to make the small things the most important in my life, the things that we (you and I) can enjoy together; a beautiful book, a nice pen, a lovely candle. A nice pizza.
Many places that I get access to have superb experts that cost the world to see but I’ve always tried to get as much of their expertise for you as I can so I can share it here for free. Unfortunately it’s always work with me. I’m surrounded by luxury but it’s in my work, in my personal life I try like everyone to capture a tiny little bit of that luxury as a treat.
I’m off now before I get sucked into the twitterverse forever n ever Geraldine. Like a poor little Alice in Twitterland : ) xxx
June 4, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Geraldine Mulpeter says:
hey yeah i agree with everything you just wrote:). ah i’m getting old and cynical. 29 is old :).
June 5, 2011 at 1:30 am