You're the One That I Want(107)
6. RSVP – Helen Warner
I was asked to read this for my blog a few years ago. When I started reading it I had no idea what to expect, but I fell in love pretty quickly – not just with the storyline, but also with the writing style. Thoroughly enjoyable and engaging.
7. Birdsong – Sebastian Faulks
As you might be able to tell from my list so far, I’m quite a sucker for romance. So throw a war into the mix along with a love that has everything battling against its existence, and I’m a goner.
8. The Age of Miracles – Karen Thompson Walker
The days are getting longer, bringing with them severe consequences and danger as people try to deal with the changes they bring. Such a simple idea, courageously told through the eyes of a young teenage girl.
9. The Secret – Rhonda Bryne
Years ago I was introduced to this book by a great friend and it totally changed my outlook on life. Instead of focusing on the negatives I’ve learnt to look at the positives. Needless to say, I feel a whole heap happier for doing so!
10. The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas – Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter
The inclusion of this book has nothing to do with one of its authors being my husband … Ha! Seriously, though – I’ve seen how much both guys have cracked up writing this set of books and, in turn, how much children have giggled their way through them. Books don’t have to contain millions of long words to be great – they just have to capture the imagination.
Giovanna’s Top 10 Movies
I know I’m going to kick myself for forgetting some classics, but these are the ones that came to the forefront of my mind. Do you promise not to judge me after you see my list of favourite films? Promise? Okay, here goes …
The Notebook
Need I say more? It’s the ultimate love story that gets me every time I watch it. I never get bored of Noah and Ali’s story. And that ending? Oh man …
I Am Sam
I don’t think this is really well known, but it’s been one of my favourites for over a decade. Sean Penn plays a father with a developmental disability that results in him battling for custody of his daughter (Dakota Fanning). Set to a Beatles soundtrack this film is touching, humorous and heartbreaking.
Fifty First Dates
I love this film! Mostly because I have a huge love of anything with Adam Sandler in it, but (along with the humour you’d expect) this one provides more innocence and romance.
Cinderella
This was a difficult choice as I could’ve easily put Sleeping Beauty, Snow White or The Little Mermaid. All four are about growing up and feeling the need to belong … and finding your Prince Charming, of course. Surely every girl has one of these princess stories in her top ten?
The Sound of Music
This reminds me so much of my nan. It was one of her favourites and she got us all hooked on its charms. I loved the idea of being part of an all-singing, all-dancing family who roamed the hills in their floral outfits. I’m pretty sure our love of this film was what resulted in me, Giorgina and Mario continuously putting on shows for my nan. I’m guessing we weren’t as good as the Von Trapps, though – she was always asleep by the end of our performances.
The Wizard of Oz
Judy Garland is one of my all-time heroes and this has to be one of the best films ever made. Simple! I played Dorothy in my local drama group’s production of this when I was nine years old … the majority of things that have happened in my life since have snowballed from doing that show. To me, it’s a story about believing in yourself – not a bad lesson to learn.
Grease
Another film from my childhood – but obviously far cooler than The Sound of Music – Grease taught me everything I needed to know about attitude and being cool. I had no attitude and I was not cool in the slightest, but that didn’t stop me thinking of myself as a Rizzo over a Sandy.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
I first watched this film a few years ago (yes, I was late to the party), and was instantly mesmerized by Audrey Hepburn with her effortless poise and beauty! The film is romantically bonkers. It’s easy to see why this is such a classic and still highly thought of.
Forrest Gump
This film came out when I was nine years old. I can remember my parents going to see it at the cinema and them coming home and saying how much they enjoyed it. It was years before I was allowed to watch it myself, though. Forrest Gump contains so many beautiful morals and eye-opening thoughts, not least the comparison of life with a box of chocolates. The simplicity and innocence captures your heart from the first flight of that soft white feather to the last.
Titanic
I went to see this at the cinema when I was twelve years old with my best friend Sarah Tayler, our mums and siblings. It’s a flipping long film and all that water made me need a pee half-way through – but aaaaaaaah! It’s just so blooming romantic, heartbreaking and tragic.