Read Alike – If you liked these books, why not try these?

Reading for Pleasure: December 2021

Have you enjoyed reading a particular book and looking to read something exactly like it next? A book by the same author, or something in the same genre or subject perhaps? Or even because they are wacky and original. 

For December in our “Reading for Pleasure” series, we will be featuring books that are like some of the popular books that are available here in the library. 

Anita and Me 〰 Brick Lane

If you liked Meera Syal’s poignant tale of growing up in multicultural Britain “Anita and Me”, why not try Monica Ali’s “Brick Lane”, an epic saga about a Bangladeshi family living in the UK and explores the British immigrant experience.  

Monica Ali is a bestselling writer whose work has been translated into 26 languages. She is the author of five books: Brick Lane, Alentejo Blue, In the Kitchen, Untold Story and Love Marriage. Brick Lane was shortlisted for the 2003 Man Booker Prize for Fiction and was made into a film that was released in 2007. 

The Map of Time 〰 The Eyre Affair

If you liked “The Map of Time” by Felix J. Palma, an inventive story that weaves sci-fi and fantasy with history, pick up this original, ingenious and wacky read from the shelf, by featured author Jasper Fforde. His debut novel, “The Eyre Affair”, was finally published after 76 rejection letters in 2001.  

It spins a tale that intertwines mystery, comedy and intrigue in a post-modern world. It follows the literary detective Thursday Next, whose job includes spotting forgeries of Shakespeare’s lost plays, improving narrative plotlines and rescuing characters that have been kidnapped from literary masterpieces.  

If this has piqued your interest and curiosity, head over to our libraries on campus to discover our “Read Alike” recommendations and suggestions on both fiction and non-fiction titles.  

    

Identity: who are you?

Reading for Pleasure: November 2021

Who do you think you are?

If you’ve ever watched the TV show with that title, you’ll know it focuses on folk who are in the public eye and explores their identity through their ancestors, taking us on a timeline journey to see some of their family history and give a glimpse of their cultural, social and economic heritage.

But how do we define ourselves? What does ‘Identity’ mean to you? 

This November our Reading for Pleasure theme is precisely that: 

IDENTITY 

The books and resources we have chosen this month reflect some of the different ways we think of ourselves when considering what makes us the person we are. Sometimes we will identify with a certain group and feel that it gives us a sense of belonging; at other times we feel our identity is what makes us unique, different from those around us. 

Here’s a taste of what you might find in our campus library displays during November and be sure to follow us on social media for updates and more: 

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Instagram

Marjane Satrapi has lived through a lifetime of social and political upheaval in Iran and is still just a child. But what people present themselves as in public and who they are at home are often very different and what we witness in childhood goes with us as we grow.  

Library Catalogue link

Rio Ferdinand had found fame as a footballer and fortune in meeting and marrying the love of his life and starting a family together, but when she became ill he was forced to consider his role in life and whether he could cope with re-defining it as both Mum and Dad to his children.

Reserve a copy here

Students of the classic tales of Troy, as told in The Iliad and re-told countless times in book and on film, may be aware of the female protagonists Helen and Briseis, but have we ever heard the story from their perspective? 
Celebrated author, Pat Barker, attempts to paint a vivid picture of the last weeks of the Trojan War but considered from a different viewpoint and allowing readers to re-consider the roles these two women play in an intensely testosterone-fuelled story.

Library Catalogue link

These are just a tiny sample from what you can find in the libraries - look out for the displays and feel free to take a look and browse what we have on display and we hope you'll find something that is a change of pace from all the studying.

Luton Campus Library: Level 1

Luton: Reading for Pleasure 'Identity'

Bedford Campus Library: 1st Floor

Bedford Campus

Books Unlocked in our May displays

Just in case you haven't been able to visit our campuses recently, here is a taste of the 'From Stress to Success' displays we have on show.

This month is traditionally a time for study and exam preparation, but no matter what stage of study you are at we're sure we have something for you to use to support you, enjoy as reading for pleasure or even some meditation and mindfulness ideas that you may want to try.

But don't worry if you are far away or can't come to campus in person yet, we'll post information and links to the theme in social media throughout the month.

We hope you'll find something for you, no matter where you are.

Luton Campus: Level 1

Bedford Campus: Ground floor

 

From Stress to Success

May! A busy potentially stressful time for students. Exams, dissertations, assignments – the culmination of the years’ work. Here at your University library, we will do all we can support you. We are focusing our Books unlocked this month on easing Exam Stress. As with many things this year, we will be supporting you virtually as well as on campus. On campus we will have a selection of suggested reading and helpful tips for study, as well as takeaway mindful colouring and exercise suggestions.  

Be sure to check our social media feeds for regular tips on de-stressing, relaxing your mind, looking after yourself and for revision and study tips:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

To start our stress busting month, try this simple breathing technique to calm your mind:

  

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/ 

And breathe….