Throughout your life, there will always be books that people insist you must read.
Chances are that you may not like them all, but there’s usually a reason these books are held in high esteem.
In the interests of creating a fair list, I called upon several friends for their opinions. After much debate, this was the list we settled on.
The ten books every nzgirl must read (in no particular order or ranking)...
1. The Lovely Bones by Alice Seebold Seebold’s story follows the family of 14-year-old Susie Salmon in the months following her murder. We see events unfold from Susie’s perspective up in her own personal ‘heaven’. This is a beautiful but haunting read – a book you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve finished.
2. Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes One of the most hilarious books you’ll ever read – and one that makes you take a long, hard look at yourself. Rachel’s struggles with a drug addiction, while extreme, reflect a range of emotions nearly everyone can relate to.
3. The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger An epic tale of a love that stretches across time and space. Henry and Clare’s very unique love story will bring a tear to your eye. You won’t want it to end.
4. Catch 22 by Joseph Heller Heller’s classic novel is by no means an easy read. Chances are you will find it very frustrating – I did. But that’s the point. As wartime madness ensues, you come to realise that the novel itself is a “Catch 22” situation. Arrrrgh. Genius.
5. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden Arthur Golden paints a vivid picture of Japan, leading up to and following World War Two. His depictions of two warring geishas will hold you captivated in a mysterious world that no longer exists.
6. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy On the surface this book is the story of two young twins, and a tragedy that affects their family. Their story becomes entwined with many others. Some might find Roy’s writing style confusing and hard to read, but it’s definitely a book that will stay with you after you’ve finished it.
7. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen Jane Austen may not be ‘trendy’, but the woman can write. Even today, the social witticisms of Pride & Prejudice will bring a grin to your face. P.S – I heart Mr Darcy.
8. The Penguin History of New Zealand by Michael King Because we should all know a little more about our own country. And Michael King is a legend.
9. Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding Better than the movie by a long shot. If you’ve never read Ms Jones’ musings, you’re in for a treat.
10. 1984 by George Orwell This book is becoming spookily relevant to today’s society. Read it.
Honourable Mentions… He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo The title speaks for itself - this fresh look at the mistakes we make in relationships is totally worth a read. It will change the way you speak to your girlfriends forever. The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger This is a fantastic book, but is probably ‘tainted’ for those of you who studied it at school.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry I know this is really a children’s book. But it’s one of the sweetest books you’ll ever read, and the messages about love and friendship are universal.
Agree? Disagree? Share your thoughts in the forums.
insist you must read. 
The ten books every nzgirl must read (in no particular order or ranking)...
makes you take a long, hard look at yourself. Rachel’s struggles with a drug addiction, while extreme, reflect a range of emotions nearly everyone can relate to.
wartime madness ensues, you come to realise that the novel itself is a “Catch 22” situation. Arrrrgh. Genius.
and hard to read, but it’s definitely a book that will stay with you after you’ve finished it. 
Fielding