The Rule of Three...

It is often said that things happen in three's…it is not clear exactly where this comes from, however if you have seen The Craft (great film!) you will know that in witchcraft the 'Rule of Three' is a widely held belief that whatever energy a person puts out into the world - good or bad - it will be returned to that person three fold; 'by the power of three make them see, make them see'. If bad things happen, we often have an expectation that they will happen in three's, waiting for the next thing to go wrong.

Rather than concentrate on the bad, I thought I would focus on the good things that come in three's and had some interesting responses when I asked my friends; three wise men, three wishes, Hanson, Destiny's Child (the final line-up obviously!), gammon, egg & pineapple, the Batman trilogy, Three Times a Lady. Even though this list is small, it probably provides quite an insight into the minds of me and my friends!

The 'rule of three' is also a writing principle that suggests that things that come in three's are funnier or more effective than any other numbers of things; Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, Three Billy Goats Gruff. This leads me on nicely to the theme for this post; the trilogy.

The books within a trilogy are all connected in some way, whether it is by the characters, setting or theme. The reader is able to invest more in a story and a character, and it is often upon completing the final instalment of a trilogy that I feel most bereft!  I must say here that it is extremely frustrating to finish a book which is part of a trilogy and have to wait a year until the next one is published. Before you read on, I can confirm that all of the books featured in this post are available to buy!

The trilogies that I will mention in this post are; the Delirium trilogy by Lauren Oliver, the Millennium trilogy by Stieg Larsson, and, His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman.

Delirium
Pandemonium
Requiem 

"Love: a single word, a wispy thing, a word no bigger or longer than an edge. That's what it is: an edge; a razor. It draws up through the centre of your life, cutting everything in two. Before and after. The rest of the world falls away on either side."
Lauren Oliver, Delirium

The Delirium trilogy is a young adult dystopian story set in the future. I read the first book after it was recommended on Twitter, and subsequently recommended it to all of my friends. The power of social media! The story centres around a strong female lead, Lena, who lives in a society where love is considered as being a disease - amor deliria nervosa - which will eventually result in death. In order to 'save' people from this disease, every child must have the 'Cure' upon reaching the age of 18 through a surgical procedure. We learn relatively early in the story that Lena's mother committed suicide rather than have the Cure, and that as a result Lena and her sister are brought up by her aunt and uncle.

Throughout the three books there are many twists and turns, including a complex love triangle, with each book ending on a cliffhanger. The concept of love being a disease is an intriguing one that will really make you consider the consequences and the importance of all kinds of love, and how we often take it for granted.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,
The Girl Who Played with Fire,
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest

"Friendship - my definition - is built on two things. Respect and trust. Both elements have to be there. And it has to be mutual. You can have respect for someone, but if you don't have trust, the friendship will crumble." 
Stieg Larsson, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

I am certain that even if you haven't read this you will have heard people talking about it. The Millennium trilogy starts with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo where we meet the central characters; Lisbeth Salander, a computer hacker, and Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, who are brought together to undertake a private investigation on the case of a missing woman who has not been seen for thirty six years. Salander is not your conventional heroine, in fact initially she is not very likeable at all, however I think that this is part of her charm. Throughout the course of the trilogy we gradually learn of Salander's past and how this has influenced the woman she has become.

Do not let the length of the books put you off, they are a gripping read and trust me, you will not be able to put these books down until you have reached the conclusion. The Millennium trilogy is unpredictable, violent, dark and in places sadistic. These elements can make for difficult reading at times, but are needed to achieve the overall effect which is explosive. The one thing that will remain consistent will be your admiration and desire for justice for Salander, for whom you will route for throughout.

Northern Lights
The Subtle Knife
The Amber Spyglass

"Every little increase in human freedom has been fought over ferociously between those who want us to know more and be wiser and stronger, and those who want us to obey and be humble and submit."
Philip Pullman, His Dark Materials

I have referred in previous posts to books that will stay with you long after you have finished them, and that you will wish to revisit time and time again. For me, this trilogy is certainly one of them. In the first book, Northern Lights, we are introduced to Lyra who has been raised as an orphan in an alternate world to our own. Lyra is given an alethiometer, or truth teller, which is said to answer any question that is asked of it by a skilled user. Throughout the course of the story it appears that no one is able to read the alethiometer as well as Lyra, and it is indeed this instrument which plays a key part in her destiny. Lyra displays many admirable qualities such as strength, courage and loyalty, also using deceit and manipulation where necessary.

Throughout the story we move between alternate worlds, meeting weird and wonderful characters, considering issues of justice and morality. Although the trilogy is cited as children's fiction, it touches upon very adult themes. I won't say any more than - to do so would ruin the experience for a first time reader!


It proved difficult to narrow it down to just three trilogies, I have read so many good ones…I would love to hear your thoughts on any of the above if you have read them, or any that you would recommend.

"You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend"

The title of this post expresses a feeling that I have experienced many times; when I have truly loved a book I am always sad to finish it and it takes me a little while to be able to start another. I thought it was an apt title for this post as it coincides with the week during which World Book Day falls, and will focus on books that have inspired both me and my friends.

The Oxford Dictionary definition of the word 'inspire' is "To fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something…" It is always useful to have a dictionary definition, however if you were to ask each person what 'inspire' means to them, there would be many variations. When I asked this question of my friends and fellow readers, I received the following responses:

"Makes you feel like you want to or can do anything; it gives you hope"

"Encourages you to try harder/be better. Makes you want to achieve"

"Something that changes my outlook on life usually by giving me an insight into something I don't tend to come across on a day to day basis"

"Inspire means to recognise what's achievable through another's achievements"

For me it can mean a number of things: something that encourages you to make a change; a message that stays with you, giving you the will to make a difference and to speak up when you know that something isn't right.

Usually I would provide a synopsis of each book mentioned within the blog, however I have decided not to do this so much this time. I am hoping that the words of other readers will be enough to encourage you to read the inspiring stories mentioned, if you haven't already done so.

There are so many books that have inspired me; books that have stayed with me long after I've finished the last page. It has been difficult to settle upon just one for the purposes of this post, but I am sure that those of you that have read my chosen book will agree that it has a lasting effect on the reader. I have chosen The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

"When she came to write her story, she would wonder when the books and the words started to mean not just something, but everything"
Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

I will only tell you two key details about The Book Thief; it is set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death. This probably gives the impression that the story is going to be a rather bleak one, and elements of it must be given the time during which it is set, however it is also beautifully written and uplifting. We are introduced to many inspirational characters throughout the book, however for me Hans Hubermann is the hero throughout, quietly exerting a positive influence and inspiration on those around him. For me, The Book Thief portrays three key ideals; that a small act of kindness can give someone a reason to live; the importance of friendship; and, where we see injustice we should speak up and not simply be bystanders to it. Words can be as powerful as any physical act, and it is important that we are therefore careful about how we use them, and equally as careful as to how we interpret and use the words of others.

That is enough from me…below are some thoughts from friends about the books that have inspired them and why (in some cases I have added a very brief synopsis):


"You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I'm grateful"
John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars tells the story of two teenagers, Hazel and Augustus, who meet at a cancer support group. Hazel has terminal cancer and Augustus is a cancer survivor. The story focuses on their developing relationship, whilst also providing a realistic insight into the impact of their illness on themselves, each other and those around them.

"It has inspired me to not waste time on problems, but to find solutions, to love life to the full and to embrace new opportunities".


"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…Until you climb into his skin and walk around in it"
Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

"It is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read. It makes you realise that everyone is equal and deserves a chance. The quote above is so true to everyday life and something I always try to remember when I go to judge someone before taking time to know them."

"I love how it's written from the perspective of a child. The simplicity and innocence of how everything is described makes it all the more powerful when as a reader you interpret the meaning behind things and realise what is actually going on. The book deals with many themes including racial injustice, class, loss of innocence, gender roles, understanding and compassion. Of all the themes within the story, the one that stands out for me the most is the idea that people aren't always what they seem to be. A person may be better, worse, just different or could have redeeming characteristics that offset other less pleasant aspects of their personality. This is something that has always stuck with me and an idea that I'm sure everyone can relate to or had some experience with." 

"I hate to hear you talk about all women as if they were fine ladies instead of rational creatures. None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives"
Jane Austen, Persuasion

"It is set in Autumn in Bath, is beautifully written and I love it because it's about second chances, love and loss. Anne Elliott is my heroine because she's able to rise above what is naturally expected and get what she wants…I always think how impossible it seems that an 18th century very poor woman could have time to even write a book, let alone get it published and then stand the test of time. Jane Austen was a genius no question but she was also doggedly determined - and that makes me think how could I ever say I 'couldn't' do something when she did that…not that I think I could do what she did, but her determination inspires me to think that potentially I could and should do what's important to me, and not stop for anything."

"Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst and unsurprised by anything in between"
Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

"It has without a doubt inspired me although I can't really pinpoint how. It is the autobiographical work of Maya Angelou and at 16 I must have studied every line of the book. Growing up in Neath I honestly can't say I ever came across racism and the book is so raw in its account of what growing up in Southern America was like for a young girl in the 1930s that even at 16 it made me think how incredibly lucky I was in my life and my upbringing. It's so hard to believe that one person made it through everything that Maya Angelou did and at the end turned turned out to not just be normal but truly inspirational."

"None of us ever know all the possible courses our lives could have and maybe should have taken. It's probably just as well. Some secrets are meant to stay secret forever. Just ask Pandora".
Liane Moriarty, The Husband's Secret

The story centres around Cecilia and a letter that she finds addressed to herself, written by her husband and only to be opened upon his death. Needless to say that Cecilia reads the letter, and throughout the book we see the consequences of that decision for both her and the other women whose lives it has altered.

"The Husband's Secret has inspired me with the premise that one moment can determine our entire lives. It reminds me that actions have consequences and that you should always try to be your best self."


I hope that you have enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing and researching it. I hope that it reflects a love of reading and if nothing else encourages you to read one of the books mentioned, or prompts you to revisit a book that has inspired you.

I did say I wouldn't name names but I must say thank you to the friends that have contributed to this blog…their words have inspired me and their writing ability has certainly put mine to shame…you know who you are!