Tag Archives: book list

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

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.