The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern

I think there's a certain mystique surrounding circuses, and this book really taps into that. When you add magic, Victorians and non-linear storytelling into the mix, you end up with something pretty special. Time and again, this book draws me in.

How I Live Now - Meg Rosoff

The film is so-so, but the book is actually pretty powerful. For starters, the main character has issues with OCD and anorexia, not to mention the usual teenage girl angst etc. I really sympathised with her though, and rooted for her throughout the book. This isn't for the faint of heart, however; the book features graphic violence and is quite disturbing at times.

Unnatural Creatures - stories selected. by Neil Gaiman

This is just a delightful collection of stories. Some creepy, some sad and some just downright brilliant, I paid a fair bit for this because of how good it looked. It didn't disappoint - if you can get your hands on a copy, you really should. I personally adored 'Sunbird', 'The Moveable Beast', and 'The Smile on the Face'.

How to be a Woman - Caitlin Moran

I'm well aware that Caitlin Moran isn't everyone's cup of tea/says some fairly problematic stuff. In spite of this, I'd recommend this book - not just because it's the reason I started calling myself a feminist. Personally, I like it because it reminds me that there is someone out there who is willing to stand up and say that women should be allowed to have pubic hair, wear sleeves, not wear thongs, and hire cleaners if they want (or not, if they don't). In times of despair at the misogyny in the world, this book never fails to cheer me up.

Fifty Shades of Feminism - ed. by Lisa Appignanasi, Rachel Holmes, and Susie Orbach

I bought this because of an amazing poem (Saudade by Laura Penny - you should look it up) I saw in tumblr, taken from the book. I wasn't sure what to expect, but what I got was a riot of shocking, brilliant pieces of work. Body image, rape, politics, racism, literature, video games... they're all there. A brilliant book even if you aren't femisnist, not least because it will broaden your horizons like crazy.

The Will of the Empress - Tamora Pierce

I loved the Winding Circle books as a child (much better than the Song of the Lioness quartet IMHO) and this was the perfect follow-on as a teenager. I read it again at least once a year, and despite the imperfect writing, I still love it to pieces. 

Goddesses, Wives, Whores & Slaves: Women in Classical Antiquity - Sarah B Pomeroy

A really good introduction to women in classical antiquity. If you have any interest in Roman or Greek social history, READ THIS BOOK. If you don't, READ THIS BOOK ANYWAY. It's brill.

Kid - Simon Armitage

I studied his poems at GCSE and bought myself this as a treat the other day, because I remembered how much I loved his writing. It hasn't disappointed. Funny in parts, creepy in others, and often wistful. Just lovely.

Rivers of London - Ben Aaronovitch (Called 'Midnight Riot' in Amurrica apparently. I don't know why, but it can't be for any good reason.)

A cracking book about magic, coppers, and London. A sympathetic, realistic protagonist, with a great supporting cast. If you like present-day sci-fi, you should really really give this a go.

And that's my list!