November Book Club

This Article was written by Lina Kürten, as part of her new Book Club series that will be launching every month

At the start of each month, our Head Girl, Lina Kürten, will be releasing a list of book recommendations. Whether you are a book worm- or prefer to watch the motion pictures; you can never go wrong with a good book! Share us your favourite novels that you feel should make it to the list next!

Fantasy recommendation:

“City of Bones”

By Cassandra Claire

Genre: Urban Fantasy

This is the first book in a 6 part fantasy series called 'the Mortal Instruments'. This series is about the shadowhunters; a secret group of warriors dedicated to driving demons out of our world and back to their own. The books are filled with adventure, humour and amazing characters.

I personally loved reading this series during lockdown, and finished the first three books in two weeks because it is so gripping. My favourite part is the characters as they are very lovable however, they are still flawed. You are able to relate to different aspects of different characters which I love in books.

I would recommend this book to younger and older students. I only read it this year but I think it will be just as enjoyable at a younger age! The whole Mortal Instrument series is available in the school library, so do not hesitate to pick it up!

Contemporary recommendation:

“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”

By Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Genre: Historical Fiction

This book, set in 1946, is about a writer, Juliet Ashton, who wrote newspaper columns during WWII. Now that the war is finished, she is unsure of what to write about. Then she starts to receive letters from a book club in the little island of Guernsey. The story is told solely through letters and illustrates the moving tale of post-war friendships, love and books.

I had read this book after seeing the movie (which is also very good) and I have to say that since this story is told through letters, it gave a completely new feel to the story. The reasons I enjoyed this book so immensely is because it tackles a lot of important themes such as the German occupation, loss and found family. The writing is very easy to understand and almost feels like someone is telling the story right to you. Overall I think it is a beautiful novel and I sincerely hope that you will read it.

Contemporary recommendations:

“I’ll give you the sun”

By Jandy Nelson

Genre: contemporary/ romance/ realistic Fiction

This is truly one of the best books I have ever read. It discusses complex topics such as family and sibling dynamics, grief, relationships, passion, art, love and finding yourself. It follows two perspectives of Jude and Noah, who are twins. Their stories are heartfelt and emotional. The writing feels very lyrical at times which adds to the atmosphere while reading the book. Both characters have a very clear voice and tone so when you are reading it never becomes confusing which twin’s perspective you are in.

This is one of my personal favorite books of all time since the story feels very raw and vulnerable. All the characters make some morally questionable decisions and thus are very flawed. However this book puts into perspective that everyone has things that they regret and are ashamed of. But despite all the character’s faults, you still root for them and care for them. I truly believe that this is one of the best books ever written so do yourself a favour and read it!

*Editor's Note: I have read this book at least five times, and every time I fall in love all over.

Middle grade recommendation:

“Caleb and Kit”

By Beth Vrabel

Genre: Middle grade contemporary

Twelve-year-old Caleb is shorter, frailer, and more protected than most kids his age. That's because he has cystic fibrosis; a diagnosis meaning lungs that fill with mucus and a shortened lifespan. Caleb tries not to let his disorder define him, but it can be hard with an overprotective, prying mom and a big brother who is perfect in every way. However one day he meets a girl and they instantly become friends. This story is great for younger readers, but still enjoyable at an older age. It demonstrates the struggles of living with cystic fibrosis however still manages to portray a lovely story about friendship.

This is another book I read during lockdown and I have found it very heartwarming and sweet. I thought the characters were well developed and since it is told through Caleb’s perspective it was refreshing to hear his naive opinion on harder topics such as divorce. This book has fantastic storytelling and it is easy to get invested in the character’s lives since they are far from perfect.

---

There it is! Join the KCDSpeaks book club by reading these books, sending your take on them & then sharing some new reads that we can add to the list next month!

Just email us your views & recommendations on: newspaper@kentcollege.ae - you can also email me directly at: linku21@kentcollege.ae

Or DM us on instagram (@kcdspeaks)

Until next time!

Love,

Lina