Christmas break is most likely the time of the year where I read the most. In my opinion it’s a really great way to spend a couple of weeks resting after a busy winter term—but it can be frustrating not knowing what to read! That’s why we’ve tried our best to put together a list of books that should peak every pupil’s interest—junior or senior!
Northern Lights
“Northern Lights is a great story for readers of any age, especially fans of Harry Potter and fantasy worlds. We follow the journey of Lyra as she travels across an unfamiliar world in search of her missing friend, Roger Parslow, and her imprisoned uncle, who has been conducting experiments with a mysterious substance known as "Dust." Northern Lights boasts a great cast of colourful personalities, a vivid world which leaves the pages soaked with detail; and marks the start of Philip Pullman's famous "His Dark Materials" Trilogy - though it serves up a satisfying story all on its own.”
- Luca Farrelly (Form 6)
The Day of the Triffids
“My book recommendation for seniors would have to be 'The Day of the Triffids' by John Wyndham. This chilling 50's science fiction novel explores a terrifying reality where the majority of the world has been blinded by a supposed meteor shower and the titular Triffids - an aggressive carnivorous plant bioengineered by the Soviet Union - rise up against a weakened humanity. The story is a well renowned classic, even being the inspiration behind the film '28 Days Later', and is spiritually compatible with my all time favourite book 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells. I would highly recommend it to any curious pupils for its depiction of a unique calamity and its commentary on human nature and resilient spirits. It is scary though - I read this in First Year and I couldn't sleep well for a week!”
- Leo Shorten (Form 6)
The Fountains of Silence
“Set in late-1950s Madrid, The Fountains of Silence is a work of historical fiction written by Ruta Sepetys. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Franco, an eighteen-year-old American tourist, Daniel Matheson, travels to Spain in the hope of connecting with the country of his mother’s birth through the lens of his camera. His photographs lead him to Ana, a maid at the hotel where Daniel is staying with his family. As the story unspools, we begin to find out more about these two intricately drawn characters who occupy an incredibly well-researched, deeply vivid world.
My Aunt gave this book to me as a present a number of years ago, and I can still remember the book’s fearful-yet-hopeful atmosphere and sincerity to its setting. This was the first book of historical fiction I ever read, and I think it’s a great choice for Junior readers who are looking to diversify their reading or dip their toe into the genre.”
- Olivia Leonard (Form 4)
Klara and the Sun
“A book I would always recommend as a thought-provoking read over a break is Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. The book is framed from the perspective of Klara, an intelligent, empathetic and overall incredibly human "artificial friend". She is part of a series of robots that are designed to assist and accompany children with whatever they require, be it combating loneliness or just menial tasks, depending on the child. Klara stands out among them as observant and emotional, and through her insights on her life and the world around her does the reader begin to realise the complexities of her social context. Beneath the seemingly simple prose lies themes very relevant to today, and is interesting to translate to our current world state. It's a really enjoyable experience, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly to seniors!”
- Emily McAdam-Kavanagh (Form 4)
Sophie’s World
“For Juniors looking for some good reading over the break I can recommend no better than 'Sophie's World' by Jostein Gaarder. This book is a delightful and fantastical story following a young woman named Sophie who takes up an interest in philosophy. Sophie becomes inquisitive of the world around her and begins to discover a strange and increasingly fantastical new reality. The novel is written in a creative and endearing way that both educates and entertains the reader by simultaneously exploring philosophical views and theories alongside Sophie's increasingly complex and supernatural experiences as she learns alongside the reader.”
- Leo Shorten (Form 6)
The Godfather
"Everyone knows the Godfather trilogy of films so well, and they're so renowned as amazing, that the book from which the films are based is often overlooked. Personally, I think the pacing of the book is better, and there are some scenes in the book that the films leave out. And unlike the films it's a standalone without a sequel so you get a whole complete story over one book. I would highly recommend reading it before you watch the films."
- Michael Binchy (Form 6)
Purple Hibiscus
“Despite the privileged life Kambili and her older brother, Jaja, lead in the city of Enugu, Nigeria, their home life is anything but harmonious: although their religious father is a respected businessman, at home he has impossible expectations of his children and wife. When a visit to their loving and outspoken Aunt Ifeoma—their first trip away from home—gives the two a newfound freedom, Kambili must find strength with her loved ones while knowing nothing can be the same as before.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is the author of many other titles, such as Americanah, We Should All Be Feminists, and Half of a Yellow Sun. Purple Hibiscus is her debut novel, which has been described as having “prose as lush as the Nigerian landscape that it powerfully evokes” (The Boston Globe). Her elegant storytelling and ability to reveal characters’ innermost workings over the course of a book is akin to Margaret Atwood in my opinion. I loved this book so much that I am actively seeking to read more books by her—I’m currently reading Half of a Yellow Sun. I would recommend this book to any Junior who enjoys a more slow-paced, atmospheric book.”
- Olivia Leonard (Form 4)
The Lies of Locke Lamora
“For older readers looking for wit, heart and irresistible personality, "The Lies of Locke Lamora" is a clever, conniving yarn about a band of thieves lurking in the shadowy city of Camorr. When a violent coup threatens to upend his unstable existence, Locke must draw on every last trick in the book to keep himself and friends alive. It's a tale that's wickedly funny, occasionally heartbreaking, and always gripping, featuring some of the most lovable scoundrels this side of Scorsese.”
- Luca Farrelly (Form 6)
One of Us Is Lying
“I would recommend the book ‘One of Us Is Lying’ by Karen M. McManus for young adults aged twelve to fifteen, but older teens can of course enjoy it as well!
The book follows five teens, Nate Addy, Browyn, Cooper and Simon. All five go into detention but only four make it out. While these young adults deal with the death of their classmate, they become closer friends and closer to solving this mystery!”
- JoJo O’Connor (Form 4)
The Handmaid’s Tale
“Despite the fact that The Handmaids Tale is set in the future, when Margaret Atwood wrote The Handmaids Tale in 1985, she gave herself a rule: she would not use any event or practice that hadn’t already happened in human history. The novel is set in New England, where we see Offred, the book’s protagonist, navigate Atwood’s chilling vision for a dystopian America. In this vision, a patriarchal totalitarian state known as the Republic of Gilead has overthrown the United States government. Under this regime, women are completely subservient to men: their lives are confined to distinct social classes based solely upon their function as status symbols.
While reading The Handmaids Tale, knowing that all of the book’s contents had in some place or time happened, makes the book that much more haunting. Atwood’s way of writing and storytelling is unlike any other author in my opinion; I thought it was such a compelling read that I finished this book in just a few days.
This novel is increasingly relevant in today’s trends towards far-right and misogynistic sentiments, and for this reason I have chosen The Handmaids Tale as my book recommendation for Seniors.”
- Olivia Leonard (Form 4)
We hope that among the eight books shared above, at least one has caught your eye—happy reading!
Compiled by Olivia Leonard.
