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

I have to admit while I like the idea of solitary island life (I’m going to assume it’s a pleasant experience and not life-threatening), I really take issue with the limitations when it comes to books. I had four international moves in seven years, and my books went each and every time. Saying that, below you’ll find my list of eight books, although I cheated a little…

My Book Choices

Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters

I remember reading this years ago, delighted by two facts. It’s sapphic fiction and her writing is a lot like Charles Dickens, but better because lesbians.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Just in case you didn’t notice with my first answer, I’m a fan of Charles Dickens. His writing, that is. I’m not sure we would have been friends. Great Expectations is one of the most perfectly plotted novels and each time I read it, I’m dazzled. Sadly, it doesn’t have lesbians.

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

OMG. This book was amazing. The first time I read it, I reached the huge plot twist at midnight. Did I close the book and go to bed? Absolutely not. I stayed up all night, reading. Here’s the best part. I have a terrible memory so I’m pretty sure the plot twist will get me over and over.

Tales of the City (9 book collection) by Armistead Maupin

I’ve never read this series, but I’ve heard from many that it’s fantastic. Since I’ll have time on my hands, I might as well find out what I’ve been missing out on.

.  .   

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Here’s another book I haven’t read, but I love fantasy novels. A fantasy story with sapphic characters that clocks in at over 800 pages sounds like the perfect island companion.

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

Once again, here’s a book I haven’t read yet, but it’s been on my radar for some time. I’m a sucker for stories about witches and I have absolutely no idea why, but since I’m on a deserted island, I don’t have to explain it to anyone. I can simply enjoy.

The Stormlight Archive, Books 1-4 by Brandon Sanderson

I’m totally cheating on this one, but I love Sanderson novels. I mentioned I adore fantasy, right? I’ve read the first two in this series, but I haven’t read the third and fourth. And, from a recent experience, I know I’ve forgotten a lot about the series, because I recently read book two and didn’t realize I’d already read it until page 700. Yes, my memory is really that bad, which seems like a good thing for island reading with a limited library.  

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

I just had to choose another book by Dickens, and this is one of my favorites. His books aren’t overly cheery, but one of my coping mechanisms I use when going through a rough time is to remind myself many others in history have had it much worse. So a story about an orphan would definitely cheer me up.

My Song Choice

I can never remember the titles of songs or who sings them. Never. It took a lot of googling to find the one I wanted: Somewhere over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.

Luxury item

A cozy reading chair. I might as well kick back to enjoy the books, scenery, and song on repeat.