Leanne, Executive Assistant
“My book for sharing on World Book Day is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. I chose it because I really love the humour in it, and I’ve recommended it to everyone I’ve ever been friends with because it’s a fun read that feels light and enjoyable, but actually has a lot to say about the nature of humanity. It’s one of my favourites!”
Sandeep, Director
“I would like to recommend two books! Firstly, Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams. This book is glorious. It’s layered, smart, hilarious and hopeful. I’d also pick Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud as it is a very special debut novel. It deserves to be huge!”
Emily, Volunteer
“I would recommend Sanctuary by V.V. James as it perfectly blends fantasy and town drama in a way that really explores social structure and and how quickly the whole system can come crashing down. I would share it with others because, not only is it an utterly compelling read, but it also helps you evaluate your own society and culture, why we do the things we do, the context behind it and how we can learn to be better.”
Matt, Communications Manager
“Hilary Mantel’s Beyond Black. As the world gets ready to go Mantel crazy and lose themselves in the phenomenonally complex tales of Tudor intrigue, it’s worth remembering she’s more than just a (Thomas) Cromwellian. The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher is one of the finest short story collections imaginable but the utter horror of Beyond Black wins through as it’s partially set in Nottingham. A book that’s impossible to summarise other than to refer to the title: it is darker than dark and will haunt you for years.”
Ruby, Intern
“My story for sharing on World Book Day is I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. I loved this story because it captures adolescence so well – the narrator is petulant, imperfect, changeable and endearing all at the same time! This, alongside the romantic description of the castle and countryside is what makes the book so charming. It’s definitely one to share because, above all, it’s about family and sisterhood.”
Richard, Projects Officer
“Rabih Alameddine’s The Hakawati invites us to consider our importance in the world, kindly trashes our egos, and politely condemns our self-righteousness. What do we do instead? Embrace our humility, the novel suggests. In a moment where these uglier qualities proliferate, I can’t think of a better novel to share with the world.”