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
Lise Gold's Desert Island Books
My book choices
‘Complete Poems‘ by Dorothy Parker
It’s fresh and endlessly re-readable. I love her depressing poems and sarcasm 🙂
‘War and Peace‘ by Leo Tolstoy
I have it on my bookshelf and I would love to have read it, but I also know it’s never going to happen. Being stranded would be a perfect opportunity!
‘The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge‘
Seems like that would come in pretty handy on a desert island.
‘The Handmaid’s Tale‘ by Margaret Atwood
She has this detectably simple writing style which draws you fully into the story without you even noticing. It also feels strangely vital, as if we’re only a couple of bad decisions away from actually living in that world. I would definitely re-read this if I had time on my hands.
‘The Lesbian Billionaires Club’ by KC Luck
I would need something sexy to read because well, being stranded alone on a desert island, you know…
‘Disobedience‘ by Naomi Alderman
Beautifully written and I loved learning about Jewish culture.
‘Soho Loft Romances‘ Series by Melissa Brayden
Her books are very relaxing to read and like her writing style.
Anything by David Sedaris
I find him hilarious. His wit is acerbic and painfully observant but with a very human side to it. He notices failures in others which he’s found in himself first and is well-positioned to recognize it.
My inanimate object choice
A razor!!! I need to be able to shave at all times or I’ll go insane
My song choice
Just one?!! I love all kinds of music, and I also love signing, but I think anything on repeat would drive me crazy. ‘The Windmills of Your Mind’ by Noel Harrison seems like a good choice. I can see myself sitting on the beach at night, watching the full moon while I listen to it. It’s beautiful and poetic and makes me think about life and death.
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