By Ainsley Benbow
George R.R. Martin famously once wrote, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.” This powerful quote captures the magic of reading as it opens doors to countless worlds, experiences and perspectives. Not only does reading foster creativity, imagination and adventure, but it brings people together, letting us escape reality and dive into the minds of others. With a single book, we can experience lifetimes beyond our own and gain insights that can change our outlook on the world forever.
Reading covers a wide range of topics - from politics and fantasy to romance and historical literature. It invites people to reflect on their lives and share personal perceptions of books with others, fostering new relationships and topics in conversations. It questions our lives, and motivations, and allows people to be transported into other places, historical events, or the inner world of a character. Therefore allowing people to “live a thousand lives”, books offer countless variations of time and life which enrich our experiences beyond the limitations of a single lifetime.
We may not think about it much, but reading is power. Being able to read our textbooks in school, reading those dreaded math equations, the signs in the street guiding us to our next destination, understanding the instructions to a new recipe or even a piece of unmade furniture. It encourages us to learn new things and live our lives with ease and knowledge. Even for a movie or show, writers produce screenplays with the directions and words of the characters for their journeys within films.
This is why, throughout the upcoming summer holidays which are usually spent with the typical holiday movie classics and days at the beach, (which don’t get me wrong is amazing too), can also be spent with a nice book that may just change your life. Even reading one book throughout the long holidays or the years to come is a nice alternative to being bored or scrolling for hours through TikTok. It can also be viewed as a form of self-care, especially during the busy school year where students are constantly studying, doing extracurricular activities, and working on assessments.
With the summer holidays approaching, our teachers have shared their favorite books to inspire your next literary adventure. These are compiled of their favorite books, most beloved during their childhoods, books they think teenagers should read, books of adventure, and many more. The teachers have also written little summaries of their book of choice, a rating out of 5 and a personal overview of the book.
All of these books can be found at your local library, bookshop, online and many are even in our own school library. Hopefully, you can find something to do over the summer holidays other than the long days at the beach and holiday festivities. Suppose you are in need of a break from busy activities, and need something to do… Bring along with you a book - an intriguing bundle of extraordinary findings that can help you learn, evoke creativity, and dive into alternative worlds through words.
So, this summer, why not let a book transport you to another world? Whether it’s solving mysteries with Maisie Dobbs or exploring dystopian futures, there’s a whole universe waiting for you between the pages.
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(Scroll below for the teacher's favorites!)
Miss Taaffe - Head of House, English Teacher
‘Maisie Dobbs’ (Start of a Series) by Jacquline Winspear
5/5 Rating
According to the Teacher, What the Book is About and the Messaging Behind it:
“This is the start of a series of crime fiction novels, set in England (mostly) in the inter-war period. The main character, Maisie, is a private detective, psychologist and psychic who uses her unique skillset to solve crimes. While fairly easy reading, it explores the increasing recognition of women at this time, the social inequalities that contributed to political instability, and the need to fight for justice and truth.”
Why it is their Recommended Book:
“Not necessarily my ultimate favourite, but certainly a series I enjoy. The protagonist is likable and engaging and the series provides great insights into a period of history that I find really interesting. Also, like all crime fiction, it’s fun to try to work out the mystery before the novel gets there.”
Mrs Rafe - English Teacher
‘Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone’ (Start of series) by Benjamin Stevenson
5/5 Rating
According to the Teacher, What the Book is About and the Messaging Behind it:
“A man meets his extended family for a reunion near Thredbo and someone ends up dead. Great for understanding unreliable narrators and lovers of crime fiction who want to have a bit of fun.”
Why it is their Recommended Book:
“The author wrote this in COVID lockdown and wanted to break all of the things to avoid in crime fiction novels (such as revealing when the murders happen). Great for students in Year 9 and above who want something a bit different.”
Ms Fell - Science Teacher
‘Mr Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore’ by Robin Sloane
5/5 Rating
According to the Teacher, What the Book is About and the Messaging Behind it:
“It is about a small bookstore in San Francisco with secrets. Things are not as they seem… LN library has a copy of it due to my recommendation.”
Why it is their Recommended Book:
“Quirky, fun and engaging.”
Mrs Bell - English Teacher
‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger
5/5 Rating
According to the Teacher, What the Book is About and the Messaging Behind it:
“This amazing book is about a disillusioned teenager, Holden, who has been expelled from school. He spends two days in New York trying to search for what life means and who he is.”
Why it is their Recommended Book:
“This book was published in 1951 and was the most censored book in the US between 1961-1981 - which probably infers that it’s an important book. Holden is not a perfect teenager and although he is privileged he has led a disjointed existence. This book speaks across generations of the difficulties of growing up, leaving behind the innocence of childhood and feeling disconnected from peers and adults. Holden’s first person unreliable narration really helps the reader to enter into his increasingly unstable and uncertain view of the world. This is a modern classic.”
Prof. Polimeni - Languages Teacher
‘The Heart of a Boy (Cuore)’ by Edmondo De Amicis
5/5 Rating
According to the Teacher, What the Book is About and the Messaging Behind it:
“The importance of education, patriotism, harmony among diversity, mutual respectful friendship.”
Why it is their Recommended Book:
“‘Cuore’ recounts the ordinary life of young people whose appreciation of their diversity transforms them into extraordinary human beings. It’s a story that will resonate with any generation at any given time.”
Ms Bryce - Librarian
‘The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies’ by Alison Goodman
4/5 Rating
According to the Teacher, What the Book is About and the Messaging Behind it:
“This book has the setting of a Jane Austen novel and focuses on the lives of two sisters named Gus and Julia (otherwise known as Lady Augusta and Lady Julia). They are bored by life in high society, and Gus especially is tired of being judged for being unmarried. When an opportunity presents itself to help a woman in need they leap into action. This book is a wonderfully fun read, a bit of mystery, a dash of romance, and plenty of action.”
Why it is their Recommended Book:
“What I loved most about this book was the fact that the main character, Gus, challenges all the expectations of women in her time. She thinks for herself, challenges expectations placed on her, and uses her position to help others in need. She also just has a lot of fun on the way, making this book a brilliant holiday read.”
‘Waiting for the Storks’ by Katrina Nannestad
5/5 Rating
According to the Teacher, What the Book is About and the Messaging Behind it:
“Set during WWII, this novel is the heart-wrenching story of a young Polish girl named Zofia who is taken from her family when Poland is invaded by Hitler’s troops and is assimilated into a German family. Whilst not a true story, it is based on the Lebensborn Program which saw children with Aryan features kidnapped from their homes, sometimes never to return. Eventually, the reader will learn of the origin behind the title, which is a poignant moment in the book.”
Why it is their Recommended Book:
“I have many favourite books so picking just one is quite difficult, however, I was drawn in by the story of this young girl and her struggle to maintain her Polish identity throughout the book. Having an understanding of the suffering of others, whether from the past or in the present, makes you a more compassionate person, and kindness is a quality that this world just needs more of. It is also just a well-told story for a history buff to spend a weekend being engrossed in!”
Mr MacDonald - History Teacher
3 Top Reads (all rated 5/5)
1984 by George Orwell
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
According to the Teacher, What the Book is About and the Messaging Behind it:
“These books are on understanding the Human condition.
Short summaries for each:
1984 - George Orwell
In a dystopian future where the government controls everything, Winston dares to question the Party’s power. He dreams of a world without Big Brother’s watchful eye and falls in love with Julia, risking their lives for a forbidden romance.
Animal Farm - George Orwell
Tired of being exploited by humans, a group of animals on a farm revolt and take control. Led by the charismatic pigs, they establish a new society based on equality. However, as power shifts and the pigs become corrupt, the dream of freedom turns into a nightmare.
Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
In a future where books are banned and “firemen” burn them, Guy is a firefighter who questions the meaning of his job. When he discovers the power of literature, he risks everything to preserve knowledge and challenge the oppressive regime.”
Why it is their Recommended Book:
“Firstly, choosing one book is an impossible task. I chose these books as reading these as a teenager changed my world view. All these books are not very long as you could easily finish each book in a weekend. Yes, they are a bit dystopian and probably more suited for older students, however, they are still a must-read at some point in life :) ”
Mrs Cooksey - Math Teacher
‘The Bee Sting’ by Paul Murray
5/5 Rating
According to the Teacher, What the Book is About and the Messaging Behind it:
“The Bee Sting examines the life of a dysfunctional family. By following the lives of each family member, the reader learns their past, struggles, and perhaps their fate.”
Why it is their Recommended Book:
“This book is excellent! I couldn’t put it down. The characters are relatable and interesting and the last 50 pages are thrilling!”
Mr Munro - History Teacher
‘Wheel Of Time: Eye Of The World’ by Robert Jordan
5/5 Rating
According to the Teacher, What the Book is About and the Messaging Behind it:
“This is the first book of an amazing Fantasy trilogy set in a world of peril and danger. It is a story of good versus evil, and persevering to triumph against almost impossible odds.”
Why it is their Recommended Book:
“This is the first of a Fourteen book series, so it isn’t for the faint of heart. There is a streaming TV series based on this series, but, as always, the books are far superior. If you read this first book, expect to get pulled into this rich and vibrant world, full of wondrous characters and terrifying adversaries.”
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