Kelly Farmer’s Desert Island Books

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

My Book Choices

Gold by E.J. Noyes

This was the first sapphic romance I read, and it was everything. I love stories where the main characters go through a lot of personal growth in order to become the best version of themselves. And oh boy, do Aspen and Cate go through the ringer! I also have a soft spot for athletes and sports playing a role in romances. Strong women on and off the athletic field (or in this case, ski hill)? Yes, please.

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

This small but mighty book was a game changer. The, well, four agreements sound so simple, but they can have a profound effect on how you view the world. It’s been a re-read many, many times. Plus, if I’m stranded on a desert island, I’ll definitely need something to keep things in perspective!

Hamilton’s Battalion by Rose Lerner, Courtney Milan and Alyssa Cole

Okay, this might be a slight cheat because this book is three stories in one. But I absolutely love each story! They’re all just so much fun. The romance between Mercy and Andromeda in Alyssa Cole’s “That Could Be Enough” is just…swoon… (Truth be told, I could pack this list with Alyssa Cole books.) Every time I see this book on my shelf, I smile.

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Yes, I read a lot of self-help books. This one came along at the right place, right time and literally changed my life. It helped me stop being such a Negative Nellie and shift my thoughts to more positive ones. What I like most about this book is that it doesn’t have a bunch of worksheets and exercises I’m never going to do. It’s more like, “Stop whining, get off your ass and take action toward your dreams.”

The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley

The first adult romances I read as a youngster were Regency romances. Fast forward grumble-many years, and here is a Regency-set story with literally everything I want in a book. A slow burn, achingly sweet romance between Philippa and Tommy. Bluestockings taking down a pompous dude. A scandalous family of adopted siblings who utilize their skills to help people who’ve been wronged. It also points out how utterly ridiculous the ton and its rules were. I never want to leave the Wynchesters’ world!

The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann

This was either the first or second title by Suz I read, but definitely not the last. It was the first romance I remember reading where the heroine was, just, imperfect, and totally owned and called herself out for being crabby. I loved it. The fact that her name is Kelly has nothing to do with it. 😉 It’s also the first book in the heart-pounding Troubleshooters series (so many firsts!). The audiobooks for that series got me through many, many days of a long work commute. 

The Secret Ingredient by KD Fisher

I went through a lot of potential titles for this list, and kept coming back to this quiet, lovely book. I dig romances with everyday people doing everyday things. Adah and Beth and their friends are people I’d want to hang out with. Okay, I’d like to be more than friends with Adah. 😉 They’re both chefs, so reading about all the delicious food would get me through long days and nights on that desert island. It’s a butch/femme, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine romance that ticked all the boxes and warmed my heart.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Here’s another right place, right time book. I was coming to terms with my own sexuality when I read it. Despite being in my forties, I could completely relate to a lot in the book. Several times, I sat back and was like, “Woooowww. Yeah.” It made me wish we had these diverse young adult books when I was a young adult. Maybe it wouldn’t have taken me so long to figure things out! 😉