In the last edition of Dialogue magazine, we talked about the unprecedented availability of books and how reading can just be the escape we need from life's demands and the often negative impact of constant electronic interruptions.
We invited colleagues to send us their book recommendations and now we’re sharing some of the interesting choices with you.
Dr Laura Day, Alumni and Development Officer at the Hatfield College Trust, sent us her favourite book titles and explained why she enjoyed reading them:
Penance by Eliza Clark. “This book was fantastic and really captured what it's like to live in a small seaside town in the North of England. Told episodically, giving an all-round engaging approach to a story of teenage angst and social tensions in a small town.”
Haweswater by Sarah Hall. “This book was outstanding. I worked at the Haweswater Hotel to fund my PhD, but I lived close by my entire life. Reading Hall's book really brought me into the space imaginatively and she clearly knows the area well. It plays on the history of the Mardale Valley, where Haweswater reservoir sits, and deals with the flooding of Mardale Green to make way for the permanent reservoir in the early 20th century. Local history, combined with a love story - brilliant!”
Foster by Claire Keegan. “Heartbreaking and thought-provoking; much like Keegan's other novellas, very powerful.”
Rural by Rebecca Smith. “This book really spoke to my personal circumstances of growing up in a rural setting as tenants of someone else's farm, and the subsequent cruelty of being evicted from the space at short notice. Smith really explores how she feels about place and space in relation to stages in her life, which is how I also approach thinking about place (in my PhD).”
Linda Arrighi is a research postgraduate student in our Department of Psychology and reviews books in her spare time. Here are some of Linda’s recommendations.
Ninth House/Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo. “I love these books - they are simply unmatched. If you’re a fan of fantasy, magic, dark academia murder mysteries, run don't walk to get your hands on the Alex Stern trilogy (the third book is not published yet).
“Alex Stern has been given a free ride to Yale. The unlikely freshman is tasked with monitoring Yale's secret societies, and she will have to deal with so much more than she bargained for.
“These deliciously dark books will take hold of your mind and envelop you in their dark, adventurous and maddening world. They’re impossible to put down. I loved the characters so much and the twists kept me on my toes until the end.”
Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman. “WOW! The Heartstopper comic series is simply incredible. The story is so comforting, the characters are so lovable and relatable, and this is such a sweet, funny and romantic series! I can't get enough. I rarely giggle and kick my feet while reading books, but Heartstopper gave me all the feels. You should also watch the Netflix series, either before or after reading, because it is so cute! I also think both the books and series deal with such important themes and have very diverse characters.”
The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enriquez. “I am so glad I found this book as I have read it with such delight! I have read some pretty good collections of stories, but this one knocked it out of the park.
“I’m not a fan of fantasy or horror, so don’t worry if you’re not either. These stories contain supernatural and magical elements and some graphic/disgusting ones too! However, everything in this book is so wonderful and unexpected. I’ve loved reading it and opening my imagination, experiencing worlds where the strange and the macabre are part of life.”
Faruk Saglamoz is also a research postgraduate student in our Department of Psychology who enjoys reading. Here are his book tips.
Swann's Way by Marcel Proust. “Proust becomes a maestro orchestrating the melody of moments, a neuroscientist intricately mapping the mind, and a magician conjuring the extraordinary from the ordinary. Reading one's memories has never been this captivating. Boring? Absolutely not.
“The author skilfully weaves the narration to make sure you’re always reading in awe. Embark on this fascinating journey with him, where each memory is a steppingstone into the labyrinth of sensations and emotions. Discover why memories, in Proust's hands, transcend mere remembrance, and how they become a spellbinding tale of the inner self.”
The World of Yesterday by Stefan Zweig. “One thing is certain: artists possess a unique ability to craft history more beautifully than the narratives penned by historians. Just as no-one has captured the recent history of France as beautifully as Victor Hugo, I have yet to encounter anyone who rivals Zweig in the eloquent portrayal of his era.
“Unlike other autobiographies, instead of merely narrating his own life, Zweig presents a magnificent panorama of continental Europe. Finishing this book leaves one with a feeling akin to returning from a long and enchanting journey as we bear witness to the history of the era along with the artist - oscillating between despair and hope seen through the eyes of his sensitive soul.”
Did you know about the Palatine Book Club?
Set up in 2013, the members of the Palatine Book Club meet every 6-8 weeks on a Monday lunchtime for 30 minutes in the Palatine Centre. They discuss the book they’ve just read, each giving the book a score out of 10 and then decide together on their next read.
Vicky Colborn, who took over the group in 2018, then follows up with a summary of the discussion and an invitation for the next meeting.
The club is for staff only and they always welcome new members. If you like to read and would like to join a group of like-minded people, email palatine.bookclub@durham.ac.uk for joining details.