I've just bought a first edition (the one on the left in the photograph) of one of my all time favourite books, one I regularly return to - The Otherwise Girl by Keith Claire. I first read this hauntingly beautiful novel on New Year's Eve 1978. I know because my original paperback version says so on the inside cover. (I used to make a record of when I'd read a book but don't bother now as it takes me so long to get through one these days, apart from when I'm on holiday). The Otherwise Girl is a short read (possibly aimed at young people originally) and I devoured it in one sitting. I think you have to - it's that kind of book. It's the story of teenager Matt who goes to spend one summer in an English country village with Tawney, a friend of his parents. He's met off the bus at midnight by the spunky Chloe .... and so a very special tale unfolds. This book is about friendship, coming of age, love, loss and the hardest thing - letting go. To say more would give away too much if you haven't read it. It stands the test of time (first published in 1976) and would make a fabulous film but quite how you go about suggesting that, and to whom, I haven't a clue. I've tried to find out about the author but there's nothing, which kind of fits with this book. The story sucks you right in and stays with you long after you've read it - at least it did with me This probably isn't going to be regarded as one of the greats of English literature (and there are many of those that I have no intention of reading) but it's a little book I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone - if you can get hold of a copy, as it's long been out of print.
Writing this post has left me wondering which stories that have stayed with the reader long after the book is finished, and are revisited over and over again like old friends, would other people recommend as a "must read"? Just leave a comment here about your choice if you'd like the chance to read The Otherwise Girl (I have a spare paperback copy on my bookshelf and will add some other goodies), and I'll randomly select a winner on 6th July .