World Book Day 2025

Happy World Book Day 2025 – World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to showcase some the fantastic literary titles that are available at libraries across the Vale.

Here are some of your favourite book recommendations that have been submitted over the past week.

As always, all of the titles recommended below can be found at various libraries across the Vale.

The Beach by Alex Garland – Recommended by Jasmine Emery

Richard lands in East Asia in search of an earthly utopia. In Thailand, he is given a map promising an unknown island, a secluded beach - and a new way of life. What Richard finds when he gets there is breathtaking: more extraordinary, more frightening than his wildest dreams.

“This is one of those books that I wish I could read again for the first time. 

“I can't even pinpoint what it is about this book that was so un-put-down-able, but I stayed up until 3am to finish it. Almost made me wish I was living on a deserted island!”

Horus Rising by Dan Abnett (The Horus Heresy Series) – Recommended by Jac Bryant

“I recommended this book because it has one of the most unique settings. It’s a mix of thought-provoking philosophy set in a grimdark future where humanity is at the peak of its power—yet on the brink of its greatest fall.

“Horus Rising is the perfect introduction to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, a setting of massive scale where vast armies clash across thousands of worlds.

“Dan Abnett combines military sci-fi with political intrigue, large-scale warfare, and deep questions about the nature of faith, power, and truth. If you enjoy epic storytelling with rich world-building, this book is a must-read!”

How Not To Be A Boy by Robert Webb – Recommended by Stephen Ware

“This is a very funny reflection on growing up in the 80s in a small town with very traditional attitudes.

“Sharp and heartfelt, I'm sure many will relate to the situations, characters and experiences that are recounted 

with real insight and wit.”

The Sleeper 13 Trilogy by Rob Sinclair – Recommended by Harriet Kirby

“The Sleeper 13 trilogy is a super exciting read if you’re into action-packed thrillers with lots of twists along the way. The story keeps you guessing until the very end, and you'll find yourself changing your mind about the characters over and over. 

“Plus, it doesn’t take long to dive into - perfect for anyone, who like me, loves books that get straight to the good stuff!”

The Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes – Recommended by Rob Jones

“This is a great book that I have re-read several times. It’s a book about the history of science focusing on the early 19th Century. It’s really easy to read and tells great stories about romantic scientists trying new things.

“I love the thought of people so confident in their ideas that they will try things seen as totally mad by everyone around them. There's a great chapter on the first people to fly hot air balloons, who were determined to take off even though the consensus of their peers was that when they got too high their heads would explode!”

Black and British by David Olusoga – Recommended by Victoria Davidson

In this re-examination of a shared history, historian and broadcaster David Olusoga tells the rich and revealing story of the long relationship between the British Isles and the people of Africa and the Caribbean.

“It’s about a journey - from the slave trade in around the 1600’s and all the way through to the present day.

"I watched a documentary the author made quite a few years ago, it was about the Union and the United Kingdom, and I went off to read his book – I really like history and nonfictions.”