Half Term Reading from 4C ...

4EN.C tell us about the books they are currently reading.

‘Twas the Nightshift before Christmas by Adam Kay

Recommended by Pradeep Ellepola

The book I am reading at the moment is a book by Adam Kay called 'Twas the Nightshift before Christmas. Like Adam Kay’s previous novel, this book is a series of witty yet poignant, diary entries from the time when he was working as a junior doctor: however, here all the diary entries are from around Christmas time. 

In both his books, he contrasts his sarcastic, amusing tone with the gruelling jobs he had to do as a junior doctor, and in this particular novel he cleverly contrasts his painful work-life with the festive atmosphere of Christmas. I chose this book because I read and thoroughly enjoyed his first book, This is Going to Hurt. I would recommend it to other students if they are comfortable with a few gory stories (as you can imagine, they get extremely graphic).

Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris

Recommended by Stefanos Ioannidis 

I chose this book as it is the sequel to one of my favourite books, The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Although I am enjoying it, it is a bit lacklustre in comparison to the first book. However, there is quite a bit of tension building up. 

The book is about women being forced into a Russian Labour camp, and what life is like, and currently the main character has been given a higher class job. This has led to her living an easier lifestyle, making the rest of the women jealous.

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

Recommended by Freddie Katzenellenbogen

I am reading this book as over the winter holidays I went to India and as a result, I thought it would enrich my memory of the trip to get a deeper knowledge of Indian culture through this novel. I am definitely enjoying it: it is a novel that portrays in a fascinating way, the interactions between members of all parts of the ‘caste system’ in India and how so often livelihoods can become intertwined. As well it also shows off the levels of corruption rooted in Indian civilization and I think this added perspective to my observations - for example, the beggars are largely working for the corrupt landlord and have been maimed on purpose to bring in a greater income, and many voting rights are taken away by landlords to alleviate their powers.

I would say it is a must-read if you have been to India or are going, as there are some implications and concepts that would not seem real to those who have not seen the extent to which Indian society is so brutally corrupt in some areas. As well it is important to feel like you are in one of the huge and bustling cities to understand how hard it would be to make a living there.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Recommended by Rayn Lakha

This is undoubtedly one of the best books I have read.

I actually started reading the book due to it being on the fourth form reading list, and found it very enjoyable. It delves into the mysteries of American society, which is rapidly changing in the modern era, and it is interesting to see how Gaiman’s interpretation of the book both coincides with reality at some stages, and clashes with it at others. The use of rich descriptive language is masterful, and an engrossing tale is spun throughout the novel. I would certainly recommend this book to others - I am sure they would find it just as interesting as I did.

On Fire by Ben Stokes

Recommended by Luke Magalhaes

I received this book as a gift for Christmas this year. As a New Year's resolution, I tried to read more, so I started it but didn’t get very far. Two weeks ago, when all sports were postponed, I found myself watching old clips of football and cricket. Re-watching Stokes last summer inspired me to start reading the book again and I’ve been enjoying it. 

It has given me good memories of last summer. I’m on page 116 out of about 300. I know that a lot of people in my year hate cricket so I’d only recommend it to those who like it. I have also been reading The Martian in our Thursday reading lesson.  

Gone by Michael Grant

Recommended by Alexander Moufarrige

I am currently reading the first book in the Gone series by Michael Grant, mainly because several friends from my old school recommended it to me. 

Although the story itself is enjoyable, the vocabulary is very simple and this takes away from how good of a concept the book actually is. I would recommend this book to anybody in the age range of 11 - 14, but for anyone any older than this, it is a stretch, as I feel like only younger people will have as much enjoyment from the series as they could. In short, I would not recommend this book to people in my year.

The Wolf Hall Series by Hilary Mantel

Recommended by Leo Walton 

I am currently reading the second book in this series and I have become completely immersed in the glorious and complicated life of Thomas Cromwell.

My mother bought me the first book in the series along with multiple others but it really caught my eye as I have not only a love for reading, but also one for history and I was immediately interested to learn more about this Thomas Cromwell, whose descendant Oliver I have already learned about in detail, and also to learn more about the extremely interesting Tudor Period and the reign of Henry VIII. I immediately bought the other two books in the trilogy when I started reading!

I absolutely adore the book I am currently reading: the story is told in a manner which grips you right from the off and the historical insight it offers is incredible. Mantel has portrayed the character of Cromwell as smart and cunning, but also caring and lovable; I have become completely attached to him and his jumbled family.  I strongly recommend this book to my fellow classmates not only because the history of the time is interesting, but also because this book is absolutely thrilling and you don’t need to enjoy history like me to love this series. 

I certainly plan to finish this series and at the rate at which I am currently speeding through this novel I will probably have finished the series in two weeks time, at which point I will be very sad to have finished it I think.

Many thanks to 4C for contributing their reading recommendations, and to Mr Kemp for curating them. If you'd like to contribute a recommendation to the blog, please feel free to e-mail us at spsbookblog@stpaulsschool.org.uk or contact any member of the English Dept.