Today's post comes from some of Dr Gaydon's tutor group, who reflected on their half-term break reading and wanted to offer their thoughts up for those looking for something to read over the next holiday…
City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi by William Dalrymple
City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi by William Dalrymple
Recommended by Aarav Kurdikar
This is a book about the author's time in Delhi. He talks about the city’s history and the places he visited as well as providing many anecdotes about his experiences.
This is a book about the author's time in Delhi. He talks about the city’s history and the places he visited as well as providing many anecdotes about his experiences.
It's worth reading as it's a great insight into other people's lives and cultures.
You’ll be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus
Recommended by Jaime Peres-Duarte
You’ll be the Death of Me is about three friends who skip school one day and end up getting caught up in the murder of a fellow classmate.
You’ll be the Death of Me is about three friends who skip school one day and end up getting caught up in the murder of a fellow classmate.
There are lots of twists that will keep you on your toes and engaged with the book. Overall, I would say that this is a good read as it is very enticing and it will definitely appeal to people who enjoy thrillers.
The Economics Book by Niall Kishtainy
Recommended by Hansei Tan
I highly recommend this book to anyone who shares an interest in how money works. This book is able to answer pretty much any questions, from what happens in a recession to why we need to pay taxes.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who shares an interest in how money works. This book is able to answer pretty much any questions, from what happens in a recession to why we need to pay taxes.
It has 350+ pages densely packed with answers and questions and, long before finishing it, it had doubled my knowledge of how economics affects every aspect of our lives. It is also full of step-by-step diagrams and many classic quotes that will enhance your understanding of economics.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Recommended by Kian Khoubehi
The first thing most people think when they see this book is, ‘wow - that’s a long book’, which it is.
The first thing most people think when they see this book is, ‘wow - that’s a long book’, which it is.
However, I can assure you it is worth reading as it is an epic revenge plot spread out over an entire lifetime.
Despite being written in France 1844, it is greatly embedded in Western culture as one of Dumas’ greatest works along with The Three Musketeers. It centres around Edmond Dantés, a young, successful captain living the dream life who is thrown into the grim fortress of ‘If’ for a crime he has not committed with a life sentence. Here, he learns of hidden treasure on the Isle of Monte Cristo from a fellow prisoner and becomes determined to not only escape but to unearth the riches and use them to plot the long, painful destruction of the three men responsible for his incarceration. This epic tale of suffering and retribution is inspired by a true story making it, in my opinion, even more fascinating as we see how anger and revenge changes people. I would highly recommend reading this book as it is a thrilling mixture of classic literature, action and even some detective mystery.
Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Recommended by Dr Gaydon
Like the man himself, this book is huge, but for good reason. Regardless of how you feel about his body-building career, his politics, the scandals he’s survived, or his status as one of the iconic action-heroes of cinema, you can’t help but admit that Schwarzenegger has led an extraordinary life.
Like the man himself, this book is huge, but for good reason. Regardless of how you feel about his body-building career, his politics, the scandals he’s survived, or his status as one of the iconic action-heroes of cinema, you can’t help but admit that Schwarzenegger has led an extraordinary life.
From humble beginnings in rural Austria, to tank driver, to international bodybuilding star, to property mogul, to blockbuster sensation, to Governor of California…his story just keeps going and this autobiography gives an insight into it all. I can’t help but find he proliferates certain ideas of masculinity which I take real issue with, offers a rose-tinted view of some of his decisions, and skates over some mea culpa moments without giving them the same room or pontification he affords his achievements. However, in amongst that are some genuinely funny and entertaining stories, some moving moments of humility and humanity, and a smattering of life-lessons which ring true when coming from someone who has walked many paths to success.
Many thanks to Dr Gaydon and his tutor set for their recommendations: hopefully they've given you all some ideas for holiday reading! Next week, in our final post of the term, the answer to the Book Blog's World Book Day Quiz - and (drum roll) the name of the winner ...
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