World Book Day 2025
With just a few days until World Book Day 2025, we’re bringing you some top book recommendations from library staff across the Vale!
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman – Recommended by Christine Haydon, from Barry Library
Translated from the Swedish and tells the story of Ove, a curmudgeonly elderly man, who is thwarted at every turn in his attempts to join his deceased wife.
“The story is both funny and sad in equal measure and you will find yourself laughing one minute and crying the next.
“This book has lived with me long after I've finished reading it. The character of Ove was drawn so well I felt I really knew him.
“The book was made into a film in Sweden and then it was remade again starring Tom Hanks as the title character, though they did change his name to Otto for that version!
“The book is poignant and heartwarming and tells of a strong community spirit. Such a wonderfully written and moving story.”
A Man Called Ove can be found at Barry, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge Libraries.
She and Her Cat by Makoto Shinkai and Naruki Nagakawa – Recommended by Caitlin Vivian from Llantwit Major Library.
“She and Her Cat is a slow-burning comfort read in which 4 cats and 4 women go about their lives, having separate problems or issues.
“Eventually, their lives all intertwine in a lovely ending. The characters are all properly developed and feel realistic.
“If you don’t read it for the story, read it for the writing – it is a perfect lesson in creative writing.”
She and Her Cat can be found in regular print at Llantwit Major Library.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera – Recommended by Stacey Halabuda from Cowbridge Library
“They Both Die at the End is about two total strangers – Matteo and Rufus – who are looking for a friend on the very last day of their lives.
“They meet up to go on one last adventure in a single day, together.
“I loved this book with every fibre of my being. It’s emotional and thought provoking and moved me to tears. Not bad for a YA novel!”
They Both Die at the End can be found on the shelf at Barry, Dinas Powys and Penarth Libraries.
Case Study by Graeme Macrae Burnet – Recommended by Tina Scott, from Cowbridge Library.
Case Study is a historical fiction that explores the nature of sanity, identity and truth itself.
“I loved this book for its originality, dark humour and general page-turning appeal.”
Case Study is available from Cowbridge Library.
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory – Recommended by Katherine Goodman, from Llantwit Major Library
“This book – which is the first in ‘The Cousins’ War’ series - is for anyone who enjoys historical fiction based on real people and events.
“I enjoyed this book because I am interested in the Wars of the Roses period of history.”
The White Queen can be found at multiple libraries across the Vale.
The King’s Mother by Annie Garthwaite – Recommended by Katherine Owen, from Barry Library
“This novel retells the War of the Roses from the point of view of Cecily, wife of Richard, Duke of York and mother of Edward IV and Richard III.
“Often disregarded as a minor character or portrayed an embittered old woman, Garthwaite’s Cecily is an intelligent and savvy player in the power politics of the time.”
The King’s Mother can be found at Barry and Cowbridge Libraries.
We’d love to hear your own recommendations for World Book Day this year!
Submit your suggestions here.
