Summer is on its way (sort of) and we have a selection of recommendations from our lovely librarians to ease you in to some garden reading. With May being National Walking Month we invite you to join Bill Bryson as he hikes the Appalachian Trail and be thankful we don’t have to watch out for bears in East Sussex. There is also a mother on the journey to understand her child’s condition, a Victorian thriller and a introduction to Black History from some young voices. And, if none of that takes your fancy, then join Emmett on his awesome day for a reminder that everything is indeed AWESOME.

 

Top non-fiction, chosen by Lucy: a Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Part travel diary, part natural history lesson, ‘A Walk in The Woods’ is the true story of Bryson’s attempt to walk the length of The Appalachian Trail; all 2,200 miles of it. Joined by a childhood friend, Bryson’s humorous and informative tale begins with a foray into the mind-boggling world of hiking supply shopping, including amusing discussions surrounding the relative merits of different tent fabrics. However, as the gruelling journey unfolds, more pressing issues present themselves, such as brutal weather conditions and being alone in the remote wilderness with a very fickle companion.

Find the Pbook here

Find the Ebook here

 

Top fiction, chosen by Stillsy: Mother by Hannah Begbie 

‘Mother’ is Begbie’s debut novel – not that you would realise.

The novel’s protagonist is Cath a woman devastated when she discovers her longed for baby, Mia, has cystic fibrosis.

Begbie sensitively explores Cath’s reaction to the diagnosis and how when she does not find the support she is desperate for from her mother and husband finds herself drawn to Richard, a member of a support group who has a teenage daughter with the condition.

Begbie’s own son has cystic fibrosis and as such her exploration of the condition in the book is interesting and informative and really makes you wonder how you would cope if it was your child.

Read the Ebook here

Find the Pbook here

 

Top audio book, chosen by Dann: The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal

The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal is the intoxicating story of one woman’s dreams of freedom in Victorian England and the man whose obsession threatens to destroy them forever . . .

A brilliantly evocative thriller set in Victorian London.  It’s creepy and nightmarish story of obsession and taxidermy.

“He imagines her bladder within her, wet and pink like the inside of a peach, and then apart from her, dried out and white like a crisp pig’s ear.”

For fans of Patrick Süskind’s Perfume [ https://eastsussexlibrary.overdrive.com/media/1677892 ]

Find the Pbook here

Read the Ebook here

Listen to the E-audio here

 

Top children’s fiction, chosen by Andy and Bill (aged 4): Emmet’s Awesome Day by Anna Holmes

My child is starting to get into Lego. It is a retelling of the Lego Movie plot. The story is good and engaging, but at 32 pages long with lots of text and only small pictures, younger children might struggle to see the book through to the end. However, slightly older children should enjoy it more, especially if they are Lego fans.

Find the Pbook here

 

 

 

Top children’s non-fiction, chosen by Ron: Black and British by David Olusoga 

This is written for younger readers but is actually a really engaging and accessible introduction to Black British History.

Much of this information was new to me, because we certainly didn’t learn this at school!

Demonstrates how Black British history could and should be taught throughout schools. If you have young people in your life, or you want to start learning more about British history, this is a fantastic place to start.

Find the Pbook here

Read the Ebook here

Listen to the E-audio here