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There is no age limit to discovering the joy of reading. Whether you are studying, wanting to learn something new or reading for pleasure lives are enhanced through books.
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Our recommendations
You can find these books on our online catalogue
Adult fiction
Prophet Song
Paul Lynch
Winner of the Booker Prize 2023
The explosive literary sensation: a mother faces a terrible choice as Ireland slides into totalitarianism.
On a dark, wet evening in Dublin, scientist and mother-of-four Eilish Stack answers her front door to find the GNSB on her step. Two officers from Ireland’s newly formed secret police are here to interrogate her husband, a trade unionist.
Ireland is falling apart. The country is in the grip of a government turning towards tyranny and when her husband disappears, Eilish finds herself caught within the nightmare logic of a society that is quickly unravelling.
How far will she go to save her family? And what – or who – is she willing to leave behind?
Exhilarating, terrifying and propulsive, Prophet Song is a work of breathtaking originality, offering a devastating vision of a country at war and a deeply human portrait of a mother’s fight to hold her family together.
The Secret
Lee Child
Chicago. 1992. A hospital patient wakes to find two strangers by his bed.
They show him a list of names and ask a simple but impossible question. Minutes later he falls to his death from his twelfth-floor window - a fall which generates some unexpected attention.
That attention comes from the Secretary of Defense, who calls for an inter-agency task force to investigate. Jack Reacher, recently demoted from Major, is assigned as the Army's representative. If he gets a result, great. If not, he's a convenient fall guy.
Reacher may be an exceptional military investigator, but office politics aren't what gets him up in the morning. As he races to identify a cold-blooded killer and uncover a secret that stretches back 23 years, he must navigate around his new partners.
The Last Devil to Die
Richard Osman
You'd think you would be allowed to relax over Christmas, but not in the world of the Thursday Murder Club.
On Boxing Day, a dangerous package is smuggled across the English coast. When it goes missing, chaos is unleashed. The body count starts to rise - including someone close to the Thursday Murder Club - as our gang face an impossible search and their most deadly opponents yet.
With the clock ticking down and a killer heading to Cooper's Chase, has their luck finally run out? And who will be 'the last devil to die'?
Iron Flame
Rebecca Yarros
The thrilling sequel to the bestseller ‘Fourth Wing’
Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College―Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.
Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.
Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits―and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.
But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.
Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College―and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.
The Running Grave
Robert Galbraith
The Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2023
Private Detective Cormoran Strike is contacted by a worried father whose son, Will, has gone to join a religious cult in the depths of the Norfolk countryside.
The Universal Humanitarian Church is, on the surface, a peaceable organisation that campaigns for a better world. Yet Strike discovers that beneath the surface there are deeply sinister undertones, and unexplained deaths.
In order to try to rescue Will, Strike's business partner Robin Ellacott decides to infiltrate the cult and she travels to Norfolk to live incognito amongst them. But in doing so, she is unprepared for the dangers that await her there or for the toll it will take on her . . .
A Curse for True Love
Stephanie Garber
Two villains, one girl, and a deadly battle for happily ever after.
Evangeline Fox ventured to the Magnificent North in search of her happy ending, and it seems as if she has it. She's married to a handsome prince and lives in a legendary castle. But Evangeline has no idea of the devastating price she's paid for this fairytale. She doesn't know what she has lost, and her husband is determined to make sure she never finds out . . . but first he must kill Jacks, the Prince of Hearts.
Blood will be shed, hearts will be stolen, and true love will be put to the test in A Curse for True Love, the breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Once Upon A Broken Heart trilogy.
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop
Hwang Bo-Reum | Translator Shanna Tan
There was only one thing on her mind.
'I must start a bookshop.'
Yeongju did everything she was supposed to, go to university, marry a decent man, get a respectable job. Then it all fell apart. Burned out, Yeongju abandons her old life, quits her high-flying career, and follows her dream. She opens a bookshop.
In a quaint neighbourhood in Seoul, surrounded by books, Yeongju and her customers take refuge. From the lonely barista to the unhappily married coffee roaster, and the writer who sees something special in Yeongju - they all have disappointments in their past. The Hyunam-dong Bookshop becomes the place where they all learn how to truly live.
A heart-warming story about finding comfort and acceptance in your life - and the healing power of books.
Good Material
Dolly Alderton
Andy's story wasn't meant to turn out this way. Living out of a suitcase in his best friends' spare room, waiting for his career as a stand-up comedian to finally take off, he struggles to process the life-ruining end of his relationship with the only woman he's ever truly loved.
As he tries to solve the seemingly unsolvable mystery of his broken relationship, he contends with career catastrophe, social media paranoia, a rapidly dwindling friendship group and the growing suspicion that, at 35, he really should have figured this all out by now. Andy has a lot to learn, not least his ex-girlfriend's side of the story.
What You Are Looking For is in the Library
Michiko, Aoyama | Translator Alison Watts
'What are you looking for?' asks Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian, Sayuri Komachi.
She is no ordinary librarian. Naturally, she has read every book on her shelf, but she also has the unique ability to read the souls of anyone who walks through her door.
Sensing exactly what they're looking for in life, she provides just the book recommendation they never knew they needed to help them find it. Every borrower in her library is at a different crossroads, from the restless retail assistant - can she ever get out of a dead-end job? - to the juggling new mother who dreams of becoming a magazine editor, and the meticulous accountant who yearns to own an antique store.
The surprise book Komachi lends to each will have transformative consequences.
Murder on the Dance Floor
Shirley Ballas
Behind the sequins and sparkle of Blackpool Tower Ballroom's famous Dance Festival, the competition is about to turn deadly…
When a promising young dancer collapses during the opening tango of the festival, Lily Richmond, dance legend, teacher and one-time world champion, is convinced that murder is afoot. There's only one person who can help her delve into the mystery: her former student and private detective, Susie Cooper. But Susie vowed she'd never return to the ballroom - let alone go undercover as a professional dancer when there's a killer on the loose.
As the competition gets even fiercer and the bodies start to pile up, can the unlikely dance-detective duo unravel the rumours from the rumbas and expose the murderer's identity, before they strike again?
Adult non-fiction
This Book May Save Your Life
Karan Rajan
The hilarious, myth-busting survival guide to the human body from TikTok's favourite General Surgeon.
Though the odds are stacked against us, the human body has an extraordinary tendency to survive...
Full of hard-learned lessons and health hacks from Dr Karan Rajan's years working the hospital wards, This Book May Save Your Life is a head-to-toe ode to our amazing bodies - warts and all - that will help you to worry less and live better for longer.
Here, Dr Karan explains the weird and wonderful bodily functions that keep us going, and offers practical advice to help you thrive when things go wrong.
Politics on the Edge: A Memoir From Within
Rory Stewart
The Times Political Book of the Year
Over the course of a decade from 2010, Rory Stewart went from being a political outsider to standing for prime minister - before being sacked from a Conservative Party that he had come to barely recognise.
Tackling ministerial briefs on flood response and prison violence, engaging with conflict and poverty abroad as a foreign minister, and Brexit as a Cabinet minister, Stewart learned first-hand how profoundly hollow our democracy and government had become.
Cronyism, ignorance and sheer incompetence ran rampant. Around him, individual politicians laid the foundations for the political and economic chaos of today. Stewart emerged battered but with a profound affection for his constituency of Penrith and the Border, and a deep direct insight into the era of populism and global conflict.
Uncompromising, candid and darkly humorous, Politics On the Edge is his story of the challenges, absurdities and realities of political life and a remarkable portrait of our age.
Unruly: A History of England’s Kings and Queens
David Mitchell
Think you know your kings and queens? Think again.
In Unruly, David Mitchell explores how England's monarchs, while acting as feared rulers firmly guiding their subjects' destinies, were in reality a bunch of lucky sods who were mostly as silly and weird in real life as they appear today in their portraits.
From King Arthur (spoiler: he didn't exist) to Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies), David tells the founding story of post-Roman England: a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, excessive beheadings, and uncivil wars.
A funny book about a serious subject, Unruly is for anyone who has ever wondered how we got here - and who is to blame.
The Woman In Me
Britney Spears
The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope.
In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.
Written with remarkable candour and humour, Spears’s ground-breaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.
Wild Hope: Healing Words to Find Light on Dark Days
Donna Ashworth
Wild Hope is Donna Ashworth's powerful new collection of wisdom to help us find hope, peace, self-acceptance and inspiration on the days we feel worn down, helpless or sad. Written with love and understanding, Donna - who is also the bestselling author of I Wish I Knew - reminds us that amidst our daily struggles and constant outpourings of bad news we have so much to hope for, and that every one of us can play a part, big or small, in making the world a better place.
With poems such as 'Surrounded by Treasure', 'That Thing You Do', 'Through the Wringer' and 'Rope Ladder', Donna helps us to remember that most people in this world are good, and that acts of kindness and love within our individual spheres of influence, however small, all contribute to a better future. She also gently guides us, no matter how busy or overburdened we may be, to practice better self-care and self-acceptance.
Hope exists when nothing else can. On the darkest of days Wild Hope will help you find more light.
Feel-Good Productivity: How to do More of What Matters to You
Ali Abdaal
The secret to productivity isn't discipline. It's joy.
We think that productivity is all about hard work. That the road to success is lined with endless frustration and toil. But what if there's another way?
Dr Ali Abdaal - the world's most-followed productivity expert - has uncovered an easier, happier path to success. Drawing on decades of psychological research, he has found that the secret to productivity and success isn't grind - it's feeling good. If you can make your work feel good, then productivity takes care of itself.
In this revolutionary book, Ali reveals how the science of feel-good productivity can transform your life. He introduces the three hidden 'energisers' that underpin enjoyable productivity, the three 'blockers' we must overcome to beat procrastination, and the three 'sustainers' that prevent burnout and help us achieve lasting fulfilment. He recounts the inspiring stories of founders, Olympians, and Nobel-winning scientists who embody the principles of Feel-Good Productivity. And he introduces the simple, actionable changes that you can use to achieve more and live better, starting today.
Armed with Ali's insights, you won't just accomplish more. You'll feel happier and more fulfilled along the way.
Mary Makes It Easy: The New Ultimate Stress-Free Cookbook
Mary Berry
Trust Mary to make home cooking stress-free, easy and delicious!
In this collection of 120 recipes, Mary shares her tips and tricks from a lifetime of culinary knowledge.
Divided into clear chapters, featuring one-pot recipes and five-ingredient meals, easy bakes and desserts, as well as prep-ahead and store cupboard favourites, this book contains foolproof food that the whole family will enjoy.
Each recipe is beautifully photographed and accompanied by no-fuss tips and advice on preparing ahead and freezing. 'Mary Makes It Easy' brings Mary's years of experience straight into your kitchen.
The Twat Files
Dawn French
When I was younger I wanted to be an interesting, sophisticated, semi-heroic, multi-layered person.
But… That kind of perfect is impossible. Being an actual twat is much more the real me. Sorry to boast, but I am a champion twat.
'The Twat Files' are my stories of the times when I've been a total, utter twat. Time and time again, I've been a massive eejit. But the more I think about it, the more I understand that the moments where I've made mistakes, misunderstood stuff and messed up are key.
That's where all my learning happens and where I laugh the most. Being a twat is universal and my twatishness is no different to yours. Except perhaps, that mine has been horrifyingly public on occasion.
My hope is that reading these stories of my twattishness might remind you of just what a massive twat you also are, that we might celebrate and revel in this most delightful of traits, together.
5 Ingredients. Mediterranean
Jamie Oliver
5 Ingredients Mediterranean is everything people loved about the first book, but with the added va-va-voom of basing it on Jamie's lifelong travels around the Med.
With over 125 utterly delicious, easy-to-follow recipes, it's all about making everyday cooking super-exciting, with minimal fuss - all while transporting you to sunnier climes.
You'll find recipes to empower you to make incredibly delicious food, but without copious amounts of ingredients, long shopping lists or loads of washing up. 65% of the recipes are meat-free or meat-reduced, and all offer big, bold flavour.
It's a real celebration of hero Mediterranean flavours and ingredients - quick and easy recipes for exciting everyday cooking.
Children and young adults
The Baddies
Julia Donaldson | Axel Scheffler
Suitable for ages 0 – 5
This fabulous picture book from superstar author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is a riot of slapstick fun and silliness.
The Baddies are the meanest, nastiest ghost, witch and troll in the land.
They just adore being bad, and fight over who is the worst.
When a little girl moves into a nearby cottage, the Baddies can't wait to scare her out of her wits.
But the little girl quickly shows them that you don't have to be big to be brave, and baddies don't always win.
Dormouse Has A Cold
Julia Donaldson | Axel Scheffler
Suitable for ages 0 – 5
Dormouse is sniffing and snuffling - being ill is hard! But with some help from Doctor Stoat and a visit from her friends as she snuggles up at home, she soon starts to feel better. What will cheer her up? Lift the flaps to find out, then join Dormouse and her friends for a fun trip to Acorn Fair.
Wonka
Sibeal Pounder
Suitable for ages 7 - 9
Before Charlie, before the Chocolate Factory, comes a story of invention and imagination . . .
Ever since he was a child, Willy Wonka had dreamed of making chocolate and sharing it with the world.
As a young man, he arrives at the world-famous Galeries Gourmet, determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time.
But hounded by a trio of jealous chocolatiers, and tricked into a lifetime of washhouse drudgery, Wonka will need a little luck and a whole lot of magic – along with some help from a few friends – to fulfil his destiny.
Because if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
This delicious tale of dreams, friendship and chocolate is based on the major motion picture, Wonka, directed by Paul King, who created the story and wrote the screenplay with Simon Farnaby. The story is brought to the page by bestselling author Sibéal Pounder.
No Brainer: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 18
Jeff Kinney
Suitable for ages 7 – 9
In No Brainer, book 18 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, it's up to Greg to save his crumbling school before it's shuttered for good.
Up until now, middle school hasn't exactly been a joyride for Greg Heffley. So when the town threatens to close the crumbling building, he's not too broken up about it.
But when Greg realizes this means he's going to be sent to a different school than his best friend, Rowley Jefferson, he changes his tune. Can Greg and his classmates save their school before it's shuttered for good? Or is this the start of a whole new chapter for Greg?
Impossible Creatures
Katherine Rundell
Suitable for ages 9 – 11
Christopher is visiting his reclusive grandfather when he sees an avalanche of mythical creatures come tearing down the hill. This is how he learns that his grandfather is the guardian of one of the ways between the non-magical world and the Archipelago, a cluster of magical islands where the creatures we tell of in myth live and breed and thrive alongside humans.
They have been protected from being discovered for thousands of years; now, terrifyingly, the protection has worn thin, and creatures are breaking through.
Then Mal appears in Christopher's world. She is in possession of a flying coat, is being pursued by a killer and is herself in pursuit of a baby griffin.
Mal, Christopher and the griffin embark on an urgent quest across the wild splendour of the Archipelago, where sphinxes hold secrets and centaurs do murder, to find the truth - with unimaginable consequences for both their worlds.
The Blunders
David Walliams
Suitable for ages 9 – 11
Meet the Blunders: Bertie, Betsy, their children, Brutus and Bunny, along with their beloved grandma Old Lady Blunder, and their pet ostrich, Cedric. An ostrich is not a sensible pet, but then the Blunders are not sensible people.
This family of upper-class twits lives in a crumbling country house named Blunder Hall. When their home comes under threat, they must embark on a series of comic misadventures to save it.
Absurd and hilarious, The Blunders is David Walliams’ funniest book yet. A laugh-out-loud tale of the most blundering and lovable family in history.
The Chalice of the Gods
Rick Riordan
Suitable for ages 9 – 11
The original hero. A brand-new adventure.
Percy Jackson has saved the world multiple times - battling monsters, Titans, even giants - but these days the modern-day son of Poseidon is hoping for a regular final year at school.
Too bad the Greek gods have other plans, and three new quests for Percy to complete.
First up: the cupbearer of the gods, Ganymede, is missing his golden chalice. Not only is this embarrassing (why do the gods keep losing their magical items?), it's also potentially disastrous. One sip from the cup will turn any mortal into a powerful god. And the old gods do not take kindly to newbies.
Can Percy and his friends Annabeth and Grover find the chalice before it falls into the wrong hands? And even if they do, will they be able to resist its awesome power. . .?
Heartstopper. Volume 5
Alice Oseman
Suitable for ages 14+
Nick and Charlie are very much in love. They've finally said those three little words, and Charlie has almost persuaded his mum to let him sleep over at Nick's house ... But with Nick going off to university next year, is everything about to change?
By Alice Oseman, winner of the YA Book Prize, Heartstopper encompasses all the small moments of Nick and Charlie's lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.
Contains discussions around mental health and eating disorders, and sexual references.
Powerless
Lauren Roberts
Suitable for ages 14+
Only the extraordinary belong in the kingdom of Ilya . . . The exceptional. The Elites. The Elites have possessed powers for decades, gifted to them by the Plague, while those born Ordinary are just that, banished from the kingdom and shunned from society.
No one knows this better than Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary posing as an Elite. When she unsuspectingly saves one of Ilya’s princes, Kai Azer, she’s thrown into the Purging Trials, a brutal competition to showcase her ‘Elite’ powers.
If the Trials and the opponents don’t kill her, the prince she’s fighting feelings for will if he discovers what Paedyn really is . . . completely Ordinary.
eResources
Press Reader
PressReader gives you unlimited access to 1000s of digital newspapers and magazines from around the world, so you can stay connected to the stories you love: PressReader
Overdrive
While we are being asked to stay at home where possible have you given Overdrive a try? Access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks.
Borrowbox
Borrowbox provides access to 1000s of eBooks and audio books: Borrowbox