Based on the BBC radio programme ‘Desert Island Discs’, we’ve adapted this idea to ask castaways to list up to eight books, one song and one luxury item that they couldn’t do without on a desert island.
The rules are fairly simple, any type of book can be selected, but we ask that at least half are lesfic. Choices should be justified in a paragraph or two. Any type of music is allowed. The luxury item must be inanimate and of no use in escaping the island or allowing communication from outside.
Other Desert Island Choices
Haley Cass’s Desert Island Books
My book choices
‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid
It is probably my favorite book I’ve ever read. Not technically a romance, yet it has likely the most achingly beautiful love story at the core. It makes me feel and it makes me think, every time I read it. I think I’d become a better writer just by reading that book more.
‘Behind the Green Curtain’ by Riley Lashea
This book sucked me in from the beginning to the end. Caton and Amelia’s love story is deceptively complex, and I love that you can see it growing and evolving as time goes on. I just couldn’t leave my favorite romance novel behind while marooned.
‘The Goodmans’ by Clare Ashton
With such limited book sources, I’m not going to pass up the chance for two love stories in one, especially when they are this well told. I started this book for Jude and Abby and walked away with Maggie as my favorite. Her entire backstory and current story were entirely compelling.
‘Alone’ by EJ Noyes
I feel this is a controversial choice, bringing a book about someone living completely isolated and suffering the mental health consequences while being completely isolated and likely suffering the mental health consequences. But I think, in a way, I would feel less alone (bad dum tsh) while reading about Celeste. Even if she is a fictional character.
‘One Day You’ll Leave Me’ by Debra Flores
This lesfic novel flew under my radar for far too long. For someone who often hates time travel concepts because I often feel there are too many unanswered questions, I love the plot. It was one of the few times I was actually worried about not getting a real happily ever after even though I knew that, as a romance, the chances of getting an HEA were extremely high.
‘All That Matters’ by Susan X Meagher
It’s just such a comfort romance read for me. I love the easy development between Blair and Kylie to become friends and then something more. It feels so drama-free and organic, but it’s always so interesting and grabs my attention. A nice romance to read by my fire at night, I think.
‘And Then There Were None’ by Agatha Christie
I have – drum roll – never actually read this, even though I always intend to. What better time to do it than when I will have nothing but time? It’s truly something I’ve shockingly put off given that I love a good mystery.
‘The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh’ by AA Milne
(It counts as one book because I own it!) – When I was just a wee little Haley, this was something I never got sick of my parents reading to me and I still own the old copy of it. I’m pretty sure that would bring me more comfort than anything while I’m alone and missing everyone.
My song choice
‘All Too Well’ by Taylor Swift
The thing is – it’s not a happy song, which was almost why I didn’t choose it, even though it is my favorite song of all time.
But because it is my favorite, it had to be done. Let’s be real, I’m not going to be a happy camper (… island deserted-er?) anyway, so I might as well have a song I want to scream at the top of my lungs in my sadness. Plus, I think “time won’t fly it’s like I’m paralyzed by it” will make me feel very reflective.
My inanimate object choice
This is SO hard. It took me forever just to narrow it to my top three: my blanket for some warm, home comfort, a sharp, sturdy knife… for obvious multi-purposes, and an internet-less laptop with a never-ending power supply so I can write.
I know with my logical brain that I should take the knife so that is what I’m going to do. I could learn new hobbies other than writing. Whittling. I can carve my ideas into trees or caves with it! Man, I would get so good with that knife.