Nicholas Sparks shares his top five favourite books in this World Book Night exclusive!

Posted by Carleen Peters in Book News, Sphere

Last week we told you all about the brand new film tie-in edition of The Notebook and why we think it would make a great addition to the World Book Night 2012 list of the UK’s Top 100 favourite books.

This week The Notebook author, Nicholas Sparks, takes time out of his busy writing schedule to share his current top five favourite reads:

I read a lot — usually several books per week, unless I’m actively writing myself. So while I’ve chosen five of my favourites, this list is hardly exhaustive. I think reading is so important, and I encourage you to do more of it! Here are some of my recent favourites:

THE ORCHARD by Theresa Weir. The book does not come out until September 2011 from Grand Central Press, but it’s a beautifully written memoir and one I can’t recommend enough. Make sure you read it when it comes out!

THE AFGHAN CAMPAIGN by Steven Pressfield. A gripping historical novel that offers perspective on the current situation in Afghanistan.

UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand. An amazing story about an ordinary person in an extraordinary situation who remained positive and loving despite everything he endured. It’s a testament to how resilient the human spirit is. Hillenbrand is also an incredible writer, and this book is the standard by which all non-fiction/biographies should be written.

THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruis Zafon. Truly one of my favorite books of all time.

BORN TO RUN: A HIDDEN TRIBE, SUPERATHLETES, AND THE GREATEST RACE THE WORLD HAS NEVER SEEN by Christopher McDougall. I was a college runner and I coached track for several years, so running is a real passion of mine. This is one of the best books about the sport.”

On World Book Night 2012 400,000 copies of twenty-five specially selected books will be given away across the country FOR FREE. These twenty-five titles will be chosen from the list of books in the Top 100 at midnight on August 31st, all of which will be chosen by you! So don’t forget to show your support for Nicholas Sparks and The Notebook by logging on to the World Book Night website and following the instructions there.

Casting your vote is quick and easy and every vote really counts. Votes are being accepted from anyone, no matter where you live in the world, so we would love for all you Notebook fans to make your mark now!

Voting for the World Book Night 2012 Top 100 closes at midnight on 31st August 2011.

And if you’ve not fallen in love with The Notebook yet, click here to read an excerpt from the first chapter.