It’s World Book Night tonight and that means that 187,500 copies of selected books will be given away in an attempt to reach those who do not read for pleasure. It’s said that about a third of people have no interest in reading for pleasure, a figure that inspired the inaugural World Book Night back in 2011. Every year the event has grown and grown and the books have become sought after each year.
Tonight, books will be given away in hospitals, prisons, colleges, schools and homeless shelters and you can find out about events near you at the World Book Night website. However, if you’re interested in finding out what this year’s books are, then here’s the list:
A Baby at the Beach Café – Lucy Diamond
(Women’s Fiction)
A nice light read, especially for reluctant readers. A Baby at the Beach Café is a follow on novella to the bestselling The Beach Café.
Am I Normal Yet? – Holly Bourne
(Young Adult)
Evie just wants to be normal and made a fresh start now she’s off her meds. Perfect Young Adult fiction that tackles the mental health stigma we see today.
Last Bus to Coffeeville – J Paul Henderson
(Literary Fiction)
A break out from a nursing home, a friend with Alzheimer’s? This is a non-stop read that bounces you from one page to the next, especially chosen to appeal to reluctant readers.
Shadow and Bone – Leigh Bardugo
(Young Adult/Fantasy)
The first in the gripping Grisha trilogy, Shadow and Bone is YA fantasy that may well appeal to fans of Harry Potter and the Hunger Games.
The Rotters’ Club – Jonathan Coe
(Literary Fiction)
The Rotters’ Club was the winner of the Everyman Wodehouse prize and takes a satirical, and sometimes hilarious view of 1970s Britain. Everything from prog rock to the Birmingham Pub bombings is covered in this hugely readable novel that will appeal to all.
Band of Brothers – Stephen E. Ambrose
(Non-Fiction/Military)
This iconic story of the ordinary men who became WWII’s most extraordinary soldiers is engaging, action filled and is likely to appeal to many fans of military non-fiction.
Perfect Daughter – Amanda Prowse
(Women’s Fiction)
A lovely read about family, children and how life gets in the way, Perfect Daughter will appeal to those who like stories that relate. An easy read from a best selling author.
Now You See Me – Sharon Bolton
(Crime/Thriller)
Even if you’re a reluctant reader, Now You See Me is a great introduction to a great genre. If you love television crime shows, this one is for you!
Whispering Shadows – Jan Philipp Sendker
(Translated/Thriller)
Book one in the Rising Dragon series, Whispering Shadows will have you on the edge of your seat as you follow Paul Leibovitz as his life unravels.
Treachery – S. J. Parris
(Historical Fiction)
Treachery is the fourth book in the Giordano Bruno series, a heretic fleeing the inquisition, and if you like historical fiction on the television, you’re going to love this book.
Reasons to Stay Alive – Matt Haig
(Non-Fiction)
A great read for anyone suffering from depression, Reasons to Stay Alive is the true story of how Matt Haig turned his life around and learned to love again.
Someone Else’s Skin – Sarah Hilary
(Crime/Thriller)
Fast paced exciting crime, introducing D.I Marnie Rome and the winner of the Crime Novel of the Year award.
Too Good to be True – Anne Cleeves
(Crime /Thriller)
This quick and easy crime novella is the perfect introduction to the genre, and to fiction in general. Set in Scotland, this will appeal to those who like tartan noir!
Love Poems – Carol Ann Duffy
(Poetry)
Who doesn’t love a bit of poetry? Love Poems from the Poet Laureate is the perfect introduction to poetry, and great for those who don’t feel they have the time to invest in a big read.
I Can’t Begin to Tell You – Elizabeth Buchan
(Historical Fiction)
If you love a good spy drama and you’re a fan of historical fiction, whether that be in books or on the television, I Can’t Begin to Tell You is gripping historical fiction.
So there they are, the fifteen selected reads for World Book Night 2016, and whether you’re looking for some light fiction, or you’re looking to find a book for a reluctant reader, all categories are covered here!
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