This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
In this week's installent of our regular rummage around book bloggers' bedside tables, we're visiting Victoria from Victoria Loves Books. Based in London, Victoria is an avid reader of all genres and maintains hope that she will, one day, attend Hogwarts. Over to you, Victoria.
My nightstand is a very special place. All of my books stare at it longingly, wishing they could be one of the lucky titles to have been given a spot there. Why? Because only my very favourite books make it onto my bedside table.
I know it sounds silly, but I like to keep them close by. Sometimes I pick them up, stroke them and flick through their pages. Other times, when I’m feeling a bit low, I’ll grab one and dive in, welcoming the feeling of going back to old friends. 
My bedside table pile starts with Harry Potter. I wasn’t one of the original fangirls and actually came to the books quite late. My husband bought me the first book when I’d just given birth to my little girl; I was tearful, my daughter was very difficult and I was desperate for an escape from my sad feelings, so got stuck right in.
Harry Potter was the most amazing release for me. It helped me to escape to a whole new world and forget about how sad I was feeling. I devoured them hungrily, reading all seven books in a week and sobbing uncontrollably at 2am when I had finished the final book and knew it was all over. For an entire year after that, I read nothing but Harry Potter over and over. I still go back to it sometimes when I’m feeling low and it always makes me feel better.
Of course, alongside the Harry Potter books, I also have The Tales Of Beedle the Bard, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through The Ages and Harry Potter: Film Wizardry (the second most expensive book I've ever bought). You’ll also find Harry Potter Page to Screen alongside the others, which is easily the most money I have ever spent on a book. It cost £50 and is all about how they turned the books into the films; it's HUGE and weighs an absolute tonne, but it’s incredible.
There’s also a programme from the Harry Potter Studios Tour, which sits here happily mocking the real books (the ones that haven’t made it to the hallowed space on my nightstand). ‘I’m not even a real book, I’m only a guide!’ he whispers. He’s the troublemaker of the group. I wouldn't be a true Potterhead, of course, without having both hardback and paperback versions of The Casual Vacancy and the hardback of The Cuckoo's Calling (paperback is pre-ordered), would I?
Next, we have my absolute favourite book in the entire world: The Lady Of Hay by Barbara Erskine. This book changed my whole outlook on reading. Before this, I only ever read crime and horror – the gorier and bloodier the better. My aunt MADE me read this book and I'm so pleased she did because it's just incredible and it opened me up to trying new genres.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is easily joint first with The Lady Of Hay. It's the most outstanding love story in the entire world; captivating, romantic and utterly heartbreaking, I love this book. (Don't watch the film. JUST DON'T DO IT. It's all so, so wrong. Henry was an arse in the book).
Pictures Of Lily by Paige Toon: I don't need to explain this really. It is just perfect. Absolutely perfect. I love Ben – he is my ultimate Book Boyfriend. I'm lucky enough to have this signed by Paige too! She wrote, "Dear Victoria, Our personal favourite. Lots of Love Paige Toon x"
The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella (Queen of Chicklit). This is, without a doubt, my favourite of all Sophie’s books. Sophie ALWAYS makes me laugh hard and this particular book is just superb for cheering you up.
Yours Truly by Kirsty Greenwood. There was never any doubt about this one making it into my special pile. I've read it so many times and I absolutely love it with all my heart. What makes this book even more amazing is it’s both signed and I am mentioned in the acknowledgements. I mean, how amazing is that?
Of course, no special pile is complete without a Ryan Gosling photo, in which he’s declaring his love for me. I have to give thanks to the lovely Laura, a fellow book blogger at She Loves To Read, for this one.
There are other books on my pile that I haven't spoken about, but I love them just the same. These particular ones though, are incredibly special to me.
Now, I must go. Ryan has lipstick smeared on his face and I need to clean it off before my husband gets home. I have no idea how it happened …