Annie Kapur

Ghost stories are often called some of the scariest pieces of writing of all time, and they make up a great majority of the horror genre. Written from the beginning of literature onwards, people have always been interested in the movements of those who are already gone and have written many stories for and about them. Some are based on real experiences, some are completely fictitious (well, you better hope they are) and some have grounding in historical or fantastical realities.

As the 2020s approaches, it is time to look back on to the decade that is probably best to relate it to. The 1920s, also coined as "the Jazz Age" or the "Roaring 20s," was an age of progressive gender relations, an age of decadence and finally, with the Wall Street Market Crash, an age of absolute terror by the end of the decade.

With race, gender, and politics becoming evermore popular, the 1940s were probably most famous for bringing everyone together during one of the most violent wars in human history: World War II. As the world rose against Adolf Hitler, books and films took over the shelves and screen to become the most popular forms of entertainment—and music was roaring out in the most stylish of fashions.

I love sharing book lists with people and I love it even more when people contact me telling me that they've enjoyed some of the stuff they've read by me and taken away one or two books from the list to read. I rarely do lists concerning my personal favourite books of all time and yet, I know that I should because there are people out there that should know that I am not just about the classics.

There were many great things about the 1980s, first of all there was the music. The music of the 80s was the beginning of the dance scene, which was a smooth mixture between the synth of the 70s and the pop music that was slowly climbing and about to make a resurgence well into the 90s. Another great thing about the 80s was the TV shows. I have to admit to my fair share, such as Dallas and that sort. Finally, yes, we have some of the greatest albums of all time including Michael Jackson's Thriller which went on to become the greatest selling album of all time.

Philippa Gregory will always have a special place in my heart as being my favourite author of all time. The woman is an incredible writer of voice and personality. Her books are a timeless example of what happens when history meets fiction and when that meets great writing. Her first person accounts in which her books are normally written are brilliant evocative of the time, place, speed, history, relations and much more of what she is trying to convey.