Recommend a Read for World Book Night

Please use the form below to recommend a read for World Book Night! This could be a book you've read recently, or an inspirational read from years ago! All entrants will win a free book!

Scroll down to see recommendations from students and staff from across the College!

A Place to Call Home by Carol Matthews

'This book sends me through a roller-coaster or emotions. Happiness and sorrow flows through the pages. The book for me, tells me that even in a fairytale there is no such thing as perfect. Life is this way and as much as it hurts, and as awful as life seems, you will find a beautiful place at some point, meet some amazing people along the way. Some things aren't fair but there is niceness to be found.'

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T . Kiyosaki

'This book gives excellent straight forward financial advice and examples of real life situations.'

Because of You by Dawn French

'This is such a heartwarming story. It makes you really feel for the subject of the story and makes you feel happy and sad throughout. Tissues definitely required!'

Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

'A great book showing the different human rights, violations and oppressions women face worldwide. A great insight for students studying international politics, relations or cultural/religious studies. '

Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney

'Beowulf is a poem that survives from the Anglo-Saxon period - the era that brought the English language to the island of Britain. Brought up-to-date by Seamus Heaney, the poem encapsulates the human condition and deals with topics that are pertinent today: war and colonisation, the treatment of women, masculinities. A challenging read, but worth the effort to hear voices from the distant past.'

Abbey Road by David Hepworth

'This book tells the story of recorded music, how it was never meant for anything other than classical music. At that point making records was not even on the horizon. It takes you through eras of pop and rock. How men in white lab coats and grammar school backgrounds ran the operation. Fascinating stuff for music lovers!'

The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini

'I thought I'd worked out the plot from the first two chapters but it ended up nothing like I'd thought it would! The only downside for me was that there were some strong pockets of sweary language in it, however I was too invested in the story to stop reading it.'

Let Me In by Claire McGowan

'You knew from the start of this book that both of the main characters had hidden secrets. Each chapter revealed a little bit more and you just needed to get to the end of the book to find out what these secrets were. A brilliant read.'

Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling

'I keep reading these. I can't put them down. I think they are great books to read. I get completely lost in the books and they are even better than I had imagined!'

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind

'This book really takes you back in time and you are made to feel like you can smell the perfumes created in such a horrific way!'

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

'This book is filled with fantasy and adventure. I encountered witches, gobblers and armoured bears whilst exploring the world of Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon!'

Hello Mum by Bernadine Evaristo

'I would definitely recommend this book because it educates people about true-to-life situations and consequences.'

You can win your own copy of this book if you Recommend a Read using the above form!

Superheroes: Inspiring Stories of Secret Strength by Sophia Thakur

'This is a book jam packed with inspiring real-life journeys of over 50 British idols and how they have achieved the status of 'Superhero' by overcoming challenges. A hugely positive read!

This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay

'A witty non-fiction memoir of a junior doctor, working in the NHS. I couldn't get enough of  this book! This book will make you laugh and cry.'

She Is The Poem by June Bates

'This book says the words you're too scared to even think at times. It talks of experiences, good and bad, that gay girls go through all the time. I also use the book to quote to those I love when my original words don't quite say it as well as she does. '

Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo

'Reading this book was like an introduction to an existential world. Everything about it is perfectly captivating. Leigh Bordugo is an insanely talented writer and her imagination exceeds all expectations. Read the book!'

The Radleys by Matt Haig

'Dark humour that shows how family life isn't much more complicated than it is for vampires in hiding, well except for the bloodshed! Definitely gripping, highly recommended.'

The Humans by Matt Haig

'How bizarre human life is from a purely mathematical alien viewpoint? And yet, somehow there is something special about the chaos that is being human. This is a fascinating page turning insight into ourselves. Definitely one of Matt Haig's best books. '

Demon Slayer by Koyoharu Gotouge

'I recommend this book as I love the story - the overall world building and storytelling is amazing!'

Animal Farm by George Orwell

'Animal Farm was first recommended to me by my teacher in the Book Club. And ever since I have recommend it to everyone else because it is a great book for everyone to learn about the power of language and how powerful it is when used to control and manipulate. Quite simply, this book is an allegorical masterpiece of literature.'

Lord of the Rings by J. R. Tolkien 

'It's really interesting book to read. It may not be for everyone but I think it is brilliant and love the characters!'

The Last Cabalist of Lisbon by Richard Zimler

'It is a very interesting fiction crime/mystery book set in 15th Century Lisbon. In a time where being non-Catholic was dangerous, a gruesome crime brought the spotlight to a jewish family. The nephew of the victim tries to solve the puzzle left behind by his uncle - it is the kind of book that you won't want to put down as you will crave to know how the story finishes. If you liked The Da Vinci Code, this book is for you!'

Night Owls and Summer Skies by Rebecca Sullivan

'This story is really sweet and so inspiring. The character development throughout the book is amazing!'

Ignite Me by Taherah Mafi

'It's number three in a series of five books. It's a fantasy about hidden romance and a teenage girl with superpowers. It's a slow-burner that builds up to be really rather thrilling.'