Half term 'I am reading' - staff picks

1. 1984 by George Orwell

A popular choice, currently being read by Mrs O'Shaughnessy, Mrs Tuddenham and Mr Smith (Pastoral).

Mrs O'Shaughnessy: "This book will really make you question how much we are being monitored in today's society and whether Big Brother is really watching."

Mrs Tuddenham: "This novel follows Winston Smith through his life as a member of ‘the Party’ where every move he makes is monitored. Winston keeps a diary, which in itself is a crime against the party. He fears at any time that this will result in his death."

Mr. Smith: "The tale of a low ranking member of "The Party" who is tired of oppression and constantly being surveyed. Big Brother is always watching."

2. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Recommended by Ms Clarke:

"A great fantasy novel for younger readers. If you want to get swept off to another world then this is the perfect book for you."

3. White Teeth by Zadie Smith

Recommended by Miss Randhawa:

"This book is a funny, heart-warming and exciting read. If you like stories of war, adventure and inter-generational family dramas, then get stuck into this book!"

4. Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

Recommended by Miss Bedesha:

"A beautiful book exploring the forgotten story of Shakespeare’s son who inspired his famous play Hamlet. If you enjoy delving back in to the past you too will be hooked."

5. Star Wars: Ashoka by E.K. Johnston

Recommended by Mr Archbold:

"This book is action packed and develops the character of Ahsoka. If you are a Star Wars fan this book is a must. It tells the story of how Ahsoka dealt with the aftermath of Order 66. If you love Sci-fi, space, action or adventure this book is worth a read."

6. The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri

Recommended by Miss Rennie:

"This is a book based on the author’s experience over two summers volunteering in Athens at a Refugee centre. 

It is truly gripping and moving. I have always followed the Syrian refugee crisis and the news surrounding it, but this book brought to life the very real emotional turmoil and struggle experienced. The descriptions are vivid and it gives a true perspective on the plight of refugees, instead of the usual clinical news coverage we find."

7. Grave Secrets by Kathy Reichs

Recommended by Mr Jackson:

"Kathy Reich's books offer an insight into the world of Forensic Anthropology. Reich herself works in this area and this gives her books a great deal of accuracy when describing the processes involved.

The protagonist, Temperance Brennan, gets involved in all types of cases, solving crimes all over the world.  Yes, they are formulaic and cliché, but sometimes that’s just what I need to relax."

8. A History of the World by Andrew Marr

Recommended by Mr Williams:

"This is a book about the great change-makers of history and their times, people such as Cleopatra, Genghis Khan, Galileo and Mao, but it is also a book about us. For the better we understand how rulers lose touch with reality, or why revolutions produce dictators more often than they produce happiness, or why some parts of the world are richer than others, the easier it is to understand our own times.

Fresh, exciting and vividly readable, this is popular history at its very best."

9. Coal Black Mornings by Brett Anderson

Recommended by Mr Smith (Geography):

"Brett Anderson is the lead singer of one of my favourite bands, Suede.  Suede have been recording music since the 1990s and remain a phenomenal act live.

This book is the first in a series Brett is writing about his life.  It deals with his early life, up to the point where Suede started to hit the ‘big time’.

Like his song lyrics, Brett’s writing is wonderfully poetic which makes it a very enjoyable and insightful read!"

10. We Need To Talk About Race by Ben Lindsay

Recommended by Mr Jenkins:

"This is a fantastic book that points the reader towards instances of institutional racism and what should be done to make a more inclusive society."

11. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Recommended by Mrs Horswell:

"Austen is a classic for a reason: her stories about family and social life in 19th-century England are full of dry wit and cleverly crafted characters, from the insufferable gossip Mrs Jennings to the unbelievably, hilariously dull Mr Palmer. Meanwhile, two sisters face the trials of love, genteel poverty, and a society in which everything is measured by class. 

Give Austen a try - you won’t regret it!"

12. The Book of Revelation by William A. Anderson

Recommended by Mr Nyarko:

"This book explores historical events with images 

being decoded and relating to future events. I am really enjoying the book because of how the events fit together, enlightening you about what happens next."

13. The Man With the Gold: An Autobiography by Mr. T

Recommended by Mr Darrell:

"This book is about Mr T's ghetto childhood, his remarkable family, his determination to make something of himself and his strong convictions and beliefs. It shows that with sheer determination and belief you can achieve anything in life."

14. And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Recommended by Miss Savani:

"Hosseini tells a tale of a family split apart by poverty and desperation. The story looks deeper into how everyone has to make tough decisions and make sacrifices which not only affects themselves but the people close to them."

15. It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life by Lance Armstrong

Recommended by Mr Ford:

"This is the story of one man's inspirational battle against the odds, charting his progress through triumph, tragedy and transformation.

However for me, his accomplishments are tarnished. This book was published before he admitted to having taken performance enhancing drugs in all seven of the Tours de France in which he competed between 1999 and 2005. He was officially stripped of these wins by the UCI, the world governing body for cycling, in 2012."

16. The Hard Way: Adapt, Survive and Win by Mark 'Billy' Billingham

Recommended by Mr Aston:

"An extraordinary story that shows what can be achieved through hard work and determination.

The book demonstrates that even the most underprivileged can succeed in life if they put their mind to it, and I would definitely recommend it to any student who is thinking about a career in the military!"

17. Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to Happiness by Bill Bailey

Recommended by Mrs Lowndes-Ford:

"Bill Bailey is a fantastic comedian but he stands apart from others due to the fact that he creates humour through music.

In this book, Bill Bailey is on a path to discover what REALLY makes people happy in life! Is there a knack to it? Is it the joy of playing a round of crazy golf, eating your favourite food or just being in a forest? 

This book is packed full of wisdom and laughter and is a great "lift’’ during these challenging times!"

18. Unnatural Causes by Dr. Richard Shepherd

Recommended by Mrs Thompson:

"A fascinating, albeit difficult, insight into the world of forensic pathology. This book follows the work of one of Britain’s top forensic pathologists as he attempts to decipher the pathological clues left behind by the dead to solve unexplained deaths."