Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books
Here’s what I know about Donna: “Avid reader, support authors through interviews, forensic science graduate.” She posts to her Facebook group, Donna’s Reviews and Interviews, and seems fairly active on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads.

Oh, and she’s super-generous with her time, volunteering for this right away and even taking time out of a festival that I’d ignore my blog while attending to finish this post. Some people and their priorities 🙂


1. Abattoir of Dreams by Mark Tilbury

I read this book at the very very start of lockdown. I’d seen it mentioned a lot in a book group ok Facebook, and that’s sure to grab my attention and eventually I give in and say fine I’ll read it! 

It blew me away. It has one of the most despicable characters in all of fiction, it has an element of supernatural, and its by no means an easy read. 

I count this book as one that started a journey that’s changed my life. 

I raved about it on social media, which led to me receiving my first ever signed copy of a book. I now count the author as a friend and have the central image of the original cover in the middle of a book quote tattoo.

2. Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

This book is very special, set in Barcelona, in 1945, the setting is magical and mystical. The premise is a cemetery of forgotten books. If this not enough to gain your intrigue I don’t know what is. 

3. Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

The Harry Potter books are all amazing and I’d recommend them all if I could. I was an adult when they were released but they get darker as the series progresses and are more adult in content. Although the early ones are great for escapism. If I must choose one the Goblet of fire is one that has so much going on and is where things start to change. 

4. Lessons on Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 

I don’t normally read the books that are book club picks etc as I know how all that works. However this book is special. A woman going out and trying to find a way, however she can, of proving women can and should be allowed to do anything. Set in the 1950s, the main character, Zott, is a scientist, but hits brick walls because she’s female. She uses her accidental fame as a TV star to try and bring about change. 

5. The Secret History by Donna Tartt

I read this for the first time this year, and essentially completely hooked. Its one of the first books I’ve got to the end of and wanted to start again straight away. I’m not really sure I can explain why. 

A bunch if posh uni boys, one from a less well off background, sex, drink, drugs and murder. 

I suppose when you think of it like that, it makes perfect sense! 

My reviews of these books and the many others I read are on 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/donnasinterviewsandreviews/?ref=share_group_link
Be sure to check out the above reviews (and others) Donna’s Reviews and Interviews!


Top 5 All-Time Desert Island Books Footer

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay