Category Archives: Book review

Guest post – Andrei’s Top 5 books everyone should read

Andrei, another of our pupils just starting S5, has also shared with us his top 5 books that everyone should read and I don’t think I would disgree with any of them!

1. “Proud” compiled by Juno Dawson. A collection of LGBTQ+ short stories, poems and artworks by LGBTQ+ authors, poets and artists. There is truly something for everyone in this book which has a variety of writing styles, genres and diverse characters. My personal favourite being “The Other Team” by Michael Lee Richardson, although I don’t play any sports I can relate to the main character (us both being Scottish and transgender). The book perfectly conveys the fears of many LGBTQ+ youth and combines them with the feel good happy elements that overall make it a wonderful and easy read.

2. “The Art Of Being Normal” by Lisa Williamson. The story of a friendship between two transgender teenagers trying to navigate heartbreak, bullying and all the drama that comes with high school. I loved this book as it is another one that shows the struggles of growing up transgender and for those curious I’m sure it could help give understanding to what it’s like to have to deal with parents who won’t accept you, uneducated friends and family and the transphobia that is exhibited by many peers. Overall, I was a big fan of how different Kate and Leo were but how they still got along with each other and it really made the story that bit more interesting.

3. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. After Starr witnesses her unarmed best friend Khalil be shot fatally by a police officer her world changes as she has to decide between being safe and silent or to fight for justice for Khalil and his family. Featured on Wordery’s 55 Books To Read Before You Die (alongside many other fantastic books) and described as “An essential read for everyone” by Teen Vogue i could not agree more. Starr’s determination to do right, her bravery and her love for her family make her an inspirational character which really helps make the book so great. Thomas shows the fear and importance of fighting back and speaking up and also the love between family members who stick together no matter what.

4. “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. The book follows a variety of different characters and their fight to either end or cause the end of the world. If you haven’t read this book then you are missing out. The show, which is very enjoyable, lacks what makes the book so great. The book switches between characters perspectives in chapters yet the style of the chapters make sure you always know which eccentric character’s side of the story you are witnessing in a very unique way that makes the book easy to follow A tremendous read but could we expect much else from such great authors?

5. The DI Callanach series by Helen Fields. For those who love a thriller, this is the perfect series for you. Fields practiced law for 13 years so she certainly knows what she’s talking about making the series that bit more enjoyable. The series follows DI Callanach and DCI Turner as they work with their team to capture very creative and disturbing serial killers rampaging through Edinburgh that leave the reader dying for more. This is a series I managed to absolutely devour within almost a week of getting it, Fields certainly knows how to pace the story perfectly with both the characters personal and work lives. It doesn’t matter where you start in the series, I started with the fourth book myself, as Fields always recaps the reader on the important parts that will come into play later in the book. Although fictional, I would recommend to fans of true crime as Fields incredible writing and gory descriptions make the story feel almost real. Almost

Guest Post – Sarah’s Top 5 books everyone should read

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Sarah in our new S5 has produced a fantastic list of the top 5 books she thinks everyone should read!

1. “Things a Bright Girl Can Do” by Sally Nicholls, set in the period of the First World War, this book follows the perspectives of three women living separate lives only connected by their passion for fighting for the vote. Throughout this book filled with romance and despair we get to see the world of those who are not often celebrated, a beautiful insight to their contrasting lives and earn a greater appreciation for what life was like for suffragists and suffragettes alike. I adored this and found myself walking away with its impact still tethered for a long time. Truly inspirational and morally challenging.

2. “Our Dark Duet” by V.E Schwab. A dystopian novel set in a world where monsters are very real and are born from the sins of others, following the lives of two extremely contrasting individuals who fight together to take down a greater monster that threatens to destroy their world as they know it. This is oddly the second of the “Monsters of Verity” series, however I read this first by accident and found it such an exhilarating read that I had to include it first. It’s a great book for someone looking for an easy laid back read always bound to keep you interested, I read this a few years ago and use is as a great way to get myself back into reading should I find myself in a slump. An action packed and lucrative fantasy guaranteed to keep you hooked till the end. (honourable mention to the first of the series “This Savage Song” that is also an incredible read and maybe a preferable one to start on if you like to keep things in order.)

3. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. A classic that everyone should be aware of, if not, heard of. This book is a staple in the world of literature and for very good reason. Narrated by Death themselves, this book follows the life of a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany, through incredibly difficult times and questioning what she believes in. I found this an incredibly thought provoking read, heart wrenching at times so I’d prepare a big cup of tea and a comfy seat before beginning. “The Book Thief” is another book that shows a world not often depicted, a captivating read that will leave you with a greater sense of self and appreciation.

4. “The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories” Tim Burton. A man famed for his odd and awe-inspiring style brings his unique ways into a book of compacted-short stories. This is not like your common book however I think is an exemplary worthwhile read, perfect for those a fan of the signature Tim Burton style. Not something for someone looking for a long-haul read but I believe it is definitely something you should have at least read once in your life.

5. “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle. Another famed classic, Sherlock Holmes has been ingrained in our society as a renowned detective. This book takes all of his tales and cut them down into separate chapters. I loved this. The language wasn’t too challenging but still complex enough to keep your brain working, a great book for both on the go and committed long hour reading. Perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

Book Review – The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson

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What can I say, I adored this book. It brought out so many emotions in me – sorrow, joy and shock to name but a few. The story itself is based on a Russian folk tale. It draws you in right away. Why does the house have chicken legs? Why does it move? Who is Marinka and why is she building a fence made of bones when we first meet her? Lots of questions and as we find out the answers there are lots of twists and turns along the way.

Marinka is an incredibly relatable heroine who makes many mistakes but ultimately just wants a friend and the opportunity to follow her own path in life, not what others had decided for her, something I am sure we can all empathise with. She is brave and kind and very caring, while also being stubborn and rash at times – strengths and flaws that make her someone we could be friends with in real life. The supporting characters are all also strong and well written, all having an influence on Marinka as she goes on her journey through the course of the book.

I really loved this story, the ending was incredibly satisfying and well earned. Well worth a read for S1/S2 level!

Book Review – The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf

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What a lovely book this is. Although it is probably more suitable for our younger readers, it is still a book that can teach us all so much about empathy and understanding and kindness. Our narrator befriends the new boy in school, a refugee who has had to make a perilous journey to escape the bombs and the war in his own country. Slowly we learn more and more about both Ahmet, the new boy, and Alexa, the narrator culminating in a dangerous plan to reunite Ahmet with his family.

The standout feature of this book for me is Alexa – kind and brave and constantly showing concern for other people’s situations. Everything we know about our narrator is only is slowly revealed to us throughout the book but ultimately these things (age, gender, ethnicity, social status etc,) don’t matter. It is her unselfish actions and how she treats others that define her and show us what can be achieved through kindness and empathy. I’ll be honest, I may have shed a wee tear at the end!

Book review – One Of Us Is Next by Karen McManus

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One of Us is Lying has been one of the most sought after books in our library so does the sequel live up to expectations? Of course it doesn’t disappoint – there is more drama, more gossip, more murder and more twists and turns right to the very end. The school kids of Bayview are challenged to a game of Truth or Dare, something that never turns out well in these situations. As secrets are revealed and challenges get more dangerous, life in Bayview will never be the same again. This time we focus on Maeve, younger sister of Bronwyn from the first story. Maeve shines as the main character, we see her insecurities and fears as she faces old enemies and new threats. The other characters are generally likeable as well, with realistic strengths and flaws. I read it in a a day as it was such a page turner and I was desperate to find out who was behind everything!

If, like me, you like these books and you love a good whodunnit, try A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson for some more twisty, turney murder mystery.