The first Big City Reads distributed 800 books across the whole city to read, discuss, and engage with creativity. We gave clues as to where the books were dropped and shared hiding places on social media using the hashtag #READING.
Our Big City Reads 2019 books
Heartstopper volume 1 by Alice Oseman, published by Hachette’s Children Group
A coming-of-age graphic novel series. Volume 1 tells the story of Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring, two teenage boys who meet at school and fall in love. After being seated together, they develop a friendship that blossoms into love as they navigate friendship, puberty, and self-discovery.
The Boy Who Lied by Kim Slater, published by Macmillan Children’s Books
A young adult thriller about Ed Clayton, a 14 year-old whose younger brother, Sam, goes missing. Because of his reputation, nobody believes Ed when he says he cannot remember what happened, forcing him to uncover the truth himself with the help of a new neighbor.
A Change Is Gonna Come by various authors, published by Stripes Publishing
Featuring poems and stories from 12 Black, Asian and minority ethnic authors – including four previously unpublished writers – this absorbing book offers refreshing perspectives and thought-provoking questions about the meaning of change that will hit home with everyone.
We Are Not Okay by Natália Gomes, published by Harper Collins Publisher
A powerful YA contemporary novel (2019) about four teenage girls navigating school, toxic secrets, rape culture, and the #MeToo movement. Told from multiple viewpoints, it explores the devastating impact of social media, reputation, sexual bullying, and the consequences of silence when girls are targeted.
Project Overview
We left the books on trams, buses, trains and public spaces for lucky travellers to find. The books were there to be taken, read, shared, and most importantly, enjoyed! But when people were done reading, they could put them back for someone else to enjoy.
Sandeep Mahal, former Director of Nottingham City of Literature said: “The idea of the Big City Reads is to celebrate books and reading and encourage everyone to try something new and share their reading experience with other readers. We would like as many people as possible in Nottingham to read the books, post reviews and pass the books on”
Big City Reads 2019 was supported by generous grants from Arts Council England and Nottingham Hospitals Charity. Key partnerships include Nottingham City Libraries and Nottingham Education Improvement Board.
