How does Donna Tartt combine gothic academia and greek mythology in her captivating debut novel? What do the characters tell us about the dark side of human nature? And, did her own university experience influence the story?

Listen to Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett discuss one of the most celebrated debut novels of all time – The Secret History by Donna Tartt.

Step into the world of German fairytales with Mr Meir as he reads aloud in German from one of the lesser-known stories collected by the Brothers Grimm.

In this tale, the wolf takes center stage – a creature full of mystery, cunning, and symbolism in German folklore. Listen closely, hear the language come alive, and discover how these classic stories continue to spark imagination across generations.

It’s more than a story; it’s a glimpse into a rich storytelling tradition – and a chance to experience it in the language it was first told.

Kickstart 2026 with 'Atomic Habits' - the bestselling guide to productivity - or 'Mediterranean Every Day' - a gorgeous recipe book; or immerse yourself in the world of medieval women, Black history, or German poetry, amongst others. The library's latest non-fiction purchases also include the latest books by visiting speakers, historian Al Murray and geographer Tim Marsall. Enjoy!

Listen to Mr Matjila read from The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak–a beautifully written and deeply moving story about love, memory and belonging, set between Cyprus and London. Through the voices of unforgettable characters (and even a thoughtful fig tree) the novel explores how the past shapes who we are, and how stories and nature can help us understand loss, conflict and hope.

Let Mr Matjila’s reading guide you into Shafak’s rich and imaginative world, where history, family and identity intertwine. It’s a powerful reminder of how books can open our minds, deepen our empathy and transport us to places we might never otherwise see.

Rodinsky’s Room is an atmospheric and thought-provoking non-fiction book that blends mystery, history and personal investigation. Following the discovery of a forgotten room in London’s East End, Rachel Lichtenstein and Iain Sinclair explore the life of its vanished occupant while uncovering the hidden stories of a once-vibrant immigrant community. Its mix of real-life detective work, cultural history and reflective writing makes it an engaging and challenging read, especially for those of you who are interested in identity, memory and the changing landscape of modern Britain. 

Recommended by Dr Hayward and Mr Pelton

The History of Art in One Sentence is a genuinely enjoyable and unique take on art history that never feels heavy or intimidating. Verity Babbs takes what can often seem like an overwhelming subject and breaks it down into funny one sentence summaries, making different movements and artists easy to understand and surprisingly memorable. One of the best things about the book is its sense of humour, Verity Babbs includes entertaining stories and unexpected details about artists ranging from the Italian Renaissance through to the Young British Artists, which keeps the book feeling lively and engaging. What I especially liked is how the book doesn’t oversimplify for the sake of it, instead, it creates curiosity and encourages you to think further, often leaving you wanting to research the artists in more depth. When Babbs visited Channing, she spoke about wanting to make art history feel more open and this really comes across in her writing. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone studying art, as well as to readers who are simply curious and want an accessible, enjoyable way into the history of art. 

Click on the link to explore an exciting and carefully curated reading list, featuring something for every reader. From thrilling sci-fi and chilling gothic fiction to powerful political and historical memoirs — and so much more — there’s plenty here to challenge, inspire, and spark your imagination.

Listen to Dr Hayward read and review Will Hill's tense psychological cult mystery, After the Fire. 

Listen to Dr Spinks read from Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. This is one for the festive season. Set in Ireland during the 1980s, Keegan's novel deals with the Magdalene Laundries, the power of kindness, and moral courage. 

Listen to Mr Raine as he brings to life Michael Shaara's portrayal of the Battle of Gettysburg in The Killer Angels.

Listen to Ms Penglase read from Mark Haddon's mystery novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.