In celebration of World Book Day 2024, we reached out to our vibrant student community and asked for their favourite reads via our Instagram channel. We had so many fantastic suggestions that it was hard to trim it down to the top 5.
Your suggestions have formed an amazing literary mix that – from heartwarming romances to spine-tingling mysteries. Check out these student-recommended reads and discover the next addition to your reading list!
Love in Lowercase by Francesc Miralles
Love in Lowercase is an internationally bestselling romantic comedy that follows Samuel de Juan, a lonely linguistics lecturer in Barcelona, whose routine life is disrupted when a stray cat named Mishima breaks into his apartment on New Year’s Day and refuses to leave.
This mysterious feline becomes the catalyst for Samuel’s whacky journey from a world of wrong fonts to one filled with new experiences and connections.
Mishima introduces Samuel to his neighbour, Titus, who he has never spoken to, and leads him back to Gabriela, a mysterious woman from his past. As Samuel navigates these newfound relationships and embraces life’s small pleasures, he discovers that love can be found in the most unexpected places.
Love in Lowercase is a charming and uplifting tale that explores the power of small moments and unexpected encounters in shaping one’s life. At 224 pages long, this book offers a refreshing escape for busy students.
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
My Sister’s Keeper delves into the bittersweet and thought-provoking journey of thirteen-year-old Anna Fitzgerald.
Born as a genetically engineered match for her older sister, Kate, who battles acute leukaemia, Anna has spent her life as a donor for Kate’s medical needs. However, when she is asked to donate a kidney, Anna decides to take a stand and sue her parents for the right to her own body.
Throughout the book, Anna grapples with the weight of her family’s expectations and the ethical dilemmas surrounding her sister’s illness. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into Anna’s internal struggles.
While “My Sister’s Keeper” confronts the harsh realities of illness, sacrifice, and unconditional love, it also offers moments of sweetness, humour, and touching humanity. It is a powerful reminder of the complexities of life and the strength of the human spirit.
Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster as you delve into this gripping read that challenges perceptions, ignites empathy, and will tug at your heartstrings.
Find this book on our eBookstore here.
Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King
Jump into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment with Vex King, the visionary writer who has inspired thousands of young people to embrace self-care and manifest positive energy. Drawing from his personal experiences and wisdom, Vex shares inspirational messages to help you create a life filled with good vibes only and help you thrive academically.
Vex offers practical guidance on overcoming toxic energy and prioritising your well-being. He encourages readers to achieve their mental health goals using tried-and-tested techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and positive lifestyle habits.
As a beacon of hope for countless individuals, Vex emphasises the importance of overcoming fear and identifying your purpose in today’s overwhelming world. With his uplifting words, he demonstrates that when you change the way you think, feel, speak, and act, you have the power to change the world.
Join the self-love revolution and let Vex King guide you along this life-changing adventure!
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
We’re back to the heart of Barcelona – but this time way back to 1945! This follows the journey of Daniel Sempere, a young boy whose life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a mysterious book titled ‘The Shadow of the Wind’ in the Cemetery of Lost Books.
Little does Daniel know, his innocent curiosity will thrust him into a world of secrets, intrigue, and forbidden love.
Daniel delves deeper into the author’s enigmatic life and uncovers a sinister plot to eradicate all copies of the book from existence. Daniel soon realizes that he may possess the last remaining copy, setting off a thrilling race against time to unravel the mysteries surrounding the author. Secrets lurk in every shadow and the magic of books holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of the heart.
Prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable literary journey that will keep you guessing until the very last page. “The Shadow of the Wind” is more than just a novel — it’s an immersive experience that will leave you spellbound and longing for more.
You can check this book out here.
The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami
Prepare to be transported into a world where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary in Haruki Murakami’s The Elephant Vanishes.
In this collection of stories, seemingly mundane moments are jazzed up with a touch of magic, leaving readers spellbound and questioning what reality is.
From a man whose favourite elephant mysteriously disappears, to a newlywed couple driven by hunger to hold up a McDonald’s in the dead of night, and a young woman who becomes irresistible to a little green monster hiding in her backyard, each tale is a captivating exploration of the unexpected!
With his signature deadpan humour, Murakami invites readers on a journey across his multiverse, where haunting mysteries and hilarious moments await.
The Elephant Vanishes is not just a collection of stories—it’s an invitation to embrace the extraordinary hidden within the everyday.
Prepare to be enchanted as you delve into the pages of The Elephant Vanishes here where the ordinary is anything but.
There are countless other amazing books out there waiting to be discovered!
Have a favourite that didn’t make our list? We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your top picks and what you love about them.
