Some of you may be running out of things to watch on Netflix, if so, I highly recommend picking up a book that’s been gathering dust or perhaps trying a new genre. Reading not only expands your vocabulary, but also provides much needed escapism in the current climate.
There are ways to obtain books from home that don’t involve supporting online shopping giant, Amazon. For example, both Waterstones (UK) and Barnes & Noble (US) have easy to use websites. There are also library apps such as Borrow Box, which allow you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free (as long as you can find your library card!) Hive.co.uk supports independent book stores (who need all the help they can get) each time you buy a book, ebook or audiobook from them.
Fantasy
Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E. Schwab
I have just finished this trilogy and can confirm it is utterly brilliant. The characters are so compelling and the world-building is incredible. This trilogy will keep you going for a while (you will need tissues for the last book though!)
Suitable for: boys and girls aged 14+
First book in the series: A Darker Shade of Magic – Most people only know one London; but what if there were several? Kell is one of the last Antari— magicians with a rare ability to travel between parallel Londons. There’s Grey London, dirty and crowded and without magic, home to the mad king George III. There’s Red London, where life and magic are revered. Then, White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. But once upon a time, there was Black London…
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NnQdxgGH3/
Mystery
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Having spent seven weeks so far in the top ten of the New York Times best sellers list, Holly Jackson’s debut novel has certainly been a success. It was released much earlier in the UK and I devoured it in a few days. It is full of twists and turns and has a great detective. Jackson’s second novel, Good Girl, Bad Blood, will be released April 30th.
Suitable for: girls aged 14+
Blurb: The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it.
But Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she uncovers secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?
https://www.instagram.com/p/B74CtgOghud/
Romance
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Trilogy by Jenny Han
So successful it was adapted into a series of Netflix films (but the books are better). With the third film being released next year you can get a head start and find out how the story ends. These books will make you feel good in a scary time. They are my all-time favourite romance novels.
Suitable for: girls aged 12+
Credit: Amino
Historical Fiction
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
I think you should go into this book knowing as little as possible. All you need to know is that it is set in January 1945 and the main characters are heading towards a refugee ship, which should take them away from the encroaching Russian Army…
Some of its accolades include the Carnegie Medal, #1 New York Times Best seller and the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards Winner.
This is such an important book that I believe everyone should read.
Suitable for: Everyone
Credit: Goodreads
Sci-Fi
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
A classic sci-fi novel that has remained popular since its release in 1898. When broadcast as a radio drama in the 1930’s, some listeners fled believing that the Martians were really coming! An extraordinary leap of imagination for its time, you can find lots of details and plot twists that have been reproduced in many later sci-fi novels.
Suitable for: Everyone
Credit: Goodreads
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