We asked you to share your favourite reads with us. Thank you to everyone who sent in their recommendations. Here are the ten books recommended by colleagues:
1. The Death and Life of Charlie St Cloud by Ben Sherwood
Recommended by Krystal Allsopp (Accounts Assistant in Hospitality Finance)
Krystal says: ‘It grabs you from the first page and pulls you in, taking you on a journey that will stay with you long after you’ve closed it.’
2. ‘A Small, Good Thing’ by Raymond Carver, a short story from Where I’m Calling From
Recommended by Natasha Moulton (Senior Library Assistant in Academic Liaison Services)
Natasha says: ‘I love this story because it beautifully illustrates the depth of emotion and ultimate kindness that is present in all of us.’
3. The Corduroy Mansions series by Alexander McCall Smith
Recommended by Melissa Mulhall (Assistant Director in Education & Student Experience)
Melissa says: ‘I adore all McCall Smith’s books, the stories and lives of his rich characters. This one stands out due to the affinity between humans and their pets – namely, a dog called Freddie de la Hay.’
4. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Recommended by Brenda Brunsdon (Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team Manager)
Brenda says: ‘I love books that focus on the mystery of time and this is probably the best I’ve read. Any book that connects you with the characters so much it makes you cry has to be special, and I sobbed at the end of this one!’
5. PopCo by Scarlett Thomas (Professor of Creative Writing and Contemporary Fiction at Kent)
Recommended by Catherine Morris (Environmental Adviser)
Catherine says: ‘PopCo manages to combine mystery and the world of children’s toy invention and satisfies my inner geek with interesting explanations of basic cryptography.’
6. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Recommended by Daniel Harding (Deputy Director of Music)
Daniel says: ‘No film or television adaptation can capture its seasonal magic, and no Christmas is complete without Dickens’ literary present to the world.’
7. Normal people by Sally Rooney
Recommended by Olivia Miller (Press & Public Relations Officer)
Olivia says: ‘I read this modern-day romantic novel before it became a phenomenon and it’s an emotional rollercoaster, prompting feelings of nostalgia, comfort, frustration and heartbreak – sometimes all at the same time!’
8. The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
Recommended by Jonathan Thirwell (UX Developer)
Jonathan says: ‘It’s a coming-of-age story about survival and fighting prejudice as apartheid rises in South Africa. It’s a fantastic read, with brilliant characters and is relevant for our current times.’
9. Witches Abroad by Terry Prachett
Recommended by Nicola Baldwin (Marketing Assistant in Hospitality)
Nicola says: ‘Pratchett’s books are always funny and insightful, but this is the book I always come back to for a good reread.’
10. Wonderland Avenue by Danny Sugerman
Recommended by Ben Watson (Accessible Information Adviser)
Ben says: ‘An absolute riot of excess, disfunction and wilfulness, it epitomises many rock and roll platitudes. You could sum up Sugerman’s philosophy in the words of Viv Savage from Spinal Tap: ‘Have a good time all the time’.’
Keeping sending your ideas for other ‘Top 10’ features to: stories@kent.ac.uk