October is made for cosy jumpers, hot chocolates and cosying up with a good book. Luckily, our librarian Eve has got the latter covered for you, with this month’s round-up of reading recommendations. For the adults, tales of suffering, sacrifice and self-discovery; and for the younger members of the family? Detectives and real-life heroes of course! Perfect autumn reading.

 

Top non-fiction: Jog On by Bella Mackie

Divorced and struggling with mental health problems, Bella Mackie ended her twenties in a difficult place.
Following years of suffering with anxiety, she decided to try running as a distraction from her struggles and found that it allowed her mind to slow down, giving her focus and purpose.
This book is an insight into Mackie’s personal journey and how she was empowered to take ownership of her own mental health.
Her heartfelt story shows how running is a powerful tool for managing her anxiety and depression, and ultimately recognition of how it saved her life.

Find the Pbook of Jog On here
Read the Ebook of Jog On here

 

Top fiction: The Summer of Impossible Things by Rowan Coleman

If you could go back in time and alter the past, would you?
How much would you sacrifice to save someone you love?
Luna is about to find out.

After the recent death of her mother, some disturbing news sees Luna return to the place her mother grew up. Here, Luna discovers that she can somehow go back in time and meet a young version of her own mother. She is ready to do all she can to save her mother’s life, even if it means risking her own.

I loved this book for the way it tackles subjects of family, love, and sacrifice and finding courage even in the toughest times.

Find the Pbook of The Summer Of Impossible Things here
Read the Ebook of The Summer Of Impossible Things here
Find the audio book of The Summer Of Impossible Things here

 

Top audio book: Life Of Pi by Yann Martel

Pi lives in India where his father owns the city’s zoo. When the family decides to emigrate to Canada, tragedy strikes at sea. Pi finds himself stranded on a boat with a hyena, an orangutan, a zebra and a Bengal tiger.
In this epic story of one boy’s journey of self-discovery, Pi’s physical strengths, spirituality and courage are all tried and tested. I really enjoyed this book and its thoughtful and original exploration of what it truly means to be human.

Find the Pbook of Life of Pi here
Read the Ebook of Life of Pi here
Listen to the E-audio of Life of Pi here
Find the audio book of Life of Pi here

Top children’s fiction: The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

Ted and Kat watch as their cousin Salim’s pod rises from the ground after he boards the London Eye. They are ready to greet him after his pod returns when they notice they he is not amongst the other people getting off. Where could he be? How has he vanished?
Ted and Kat become self-assigned detectivesin a desperate attempt to search for clues and find their cousin.

Ultimately, it is up to Ted, whose methods are unique, to find the key to the mystery.

Find the Pbook of The London Eye Mystery here

 

Top children’s non-fiction: Everest by Alexandra Stewart and Joe Todd-Stanton

On the 29th May, 1953, Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay were the first people to reach the top of Mount Everest. This is a story of how two very different men battle their way, despite all the odds, to reach the top of the world’s tallest mountain.
The book explores the journey they experienced to achieve this momentous historical event. It describes how Hilary and Norgay became renowned heroes and the impact they have had on Nepal, and the rest of the world.
The incredible illustrations by Joe Todd-Stanton enhance the remarkable narrative and help make this title such a memorable read.

Find the Pbook of Everest here

Have you read any of the books featured this month? We’d love to hear what you thought! Leave your reviews in the comments below. Missed last month’s top five? Catch up on them here.

You can find out more about libraries in East Sussex by visiting the East Sussex County Council website.