Day Three, Top Three

For day three of the writing challenge, I am sharing some of my favourite fiction. Books, films and TV shows are regular forms of entertainment that can portray powerful stories and hold sentimental value. Here, are my top three:

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#1 The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer (can also be found under: Where the Moon Isn't)

This is quite possibly my favourite book of all time. The novel won the Costa Book of the Year Prize after its release in 2013 as well as the Betty Trask prize in 2014. I have read it about three times since. It is amazing. Through a cleverly disjointed story line, the book follows nineteen year old Matthew's journey through mental illness, caused by a tragic accident involving his younger brother, Simon.

The Shock of the Fall, 2013

The complexities of the book's timeline are well thought out and beautifully written by Filer, who was also a graduate of Bath Spa University, (living in the same city as a published author is my little claim to fame. Hehe). His book is emotional, engaging and powerful, gripping you right from the start of the blurb:

'I'll tell you what happened because it will be a good way to introduce my brother. His name's Simon. I think you're going to like him. I really do. But in a couple of pages he'll be dead. And he was never the same after that.'

The beautiful way in which the book is written will have you reading non-stop, through a character that is understood by readers of any age. Experiencing the process of Matthew's grief, makes for an entertaining read for anyone that is looking to be 'wowed'.

#2 This Is Us

Oh my goodness. Anyone that has seen this program will surely understand why 'oh my goodness' is the one thing I can say about the series, over and over again.

Written and produced by Dan Fogleman for NBC, this is a heartbreaking comedy drama about the crossovers of different paths and life's deeper meanings. I'll tell you now, you have not experienced heartache unless you have watched this show. It is heartache that will make you cry, uplift you, and make you feel nostalgic about things that haven't even happened in your life.

I cannot sell this show enough. The character's in the Pearson family, who are the center story line, are so unbelievably believable, it feels like you know them. The entire journey of season one and two will leave you pining for more; if not pining over the glory that is Jack Pearson, played by Milo Ventimiglia who you may recognise from a little show called Heroes.

This Is Us, 2016

You have no idea how much I have to refrain from telling you how season two ended, beautifully leading on to season three, which is set to kick off by spring this year. Of course, I want to convince you to watch it, but I can't risk giving away the intensely emotional and clever story lines.

Each aspect of the character's lives is well portrayed by a very talented cast, that includes singer-songwriter Mandy Moore, and 2018's Black Panther and Predator actor, Sterling K. Brown. I have seen both seasons twice through and still am still as shocked as I was the first time around. I love these people. I love their lives, and cannot wait to see what season three has in store for them (don't worry, it's so good you'll be able to binge watch it like mad and catch up before the next season's release.)

#3 The Labyrinth

An absolute classic. David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly in a twisted tale of power and fantasy, self-discovery and adventure. This 1986 Jim Henson film is timeless.

The Labyrinth 1986

'Through dangers untold, and hardships unnumbered,' Sarah (Connelly) fights her way through the Labyrinth to the Goblin City, where King Jareth (Bowie) has taken her baby brother with the intent of turning him into a goblin. Accompanied by a catchy 80s soundtrack, Sarah encounters many creatures on her journey through the Labyrinth, in a story of trust and deception, fear and friendship. I unashamedly can recite the lines of this movie and will introduce it to anyone as a feel good fantasy. Anyone who is a fan of the unknown, and appreciative of a man such as David Bowie absolutely owning the tights that King Jareth wears, will truly love this classic tale.

I love to share stories. If you have a top three favourite fiction list, please comment on this post and inspire others to read or watch something amazing.