Library news

To All The Books I’ve Loved Before

Our Senior Information Assistant, Ume, has written a post all about the Library team's favourite Valentine's Day books.  Read on to see our hot picks!

Oddly enough, pardon the pun but I actually love Valentines Day, to the point where it feels like a second birthday. Any excuse to dedicate some crucial precious time to dive head first into some cookie dough, curl up on my heated blanket with a good book and slap on a face mask, is a win in my book. 

As a way to let you all get to know our Library staff a little better, a way to know who exactly is handling your queries, ordering your books and making you feel comfortable within our space, here are some of our teams’ favourite books.  All of the books below, are books that our team members are absolutely smitten by, the kinds of books that we would love to throw over to you if we had the chance (perhaps not literally, that would really hurt). 

I hope you enjoy reading our entries as much as we have loved curating this collection together. Luckily for you, most of these books are actually available within our very own collection, so feel free to have a ponder once you’ve finished reading.

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton – chosen by Adam Gillison, Casual Information Assistant  

This book is special to me as it was one of many recommended to me by my mum, an avid reader whose attendance at a local literary class was an important activity in later life.  

It’s short – often described as a novella – but intense and dramatic, full of love, need and tragedy – and set in landscapes vividly and beautifully described. You can find this title on our library shelves at Horsforth, at shelfmark 813.5 WHA 

Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

I really enjoyed Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. It’s set in 1950's America (I like most things retro) and is a (kind of love) story between two chemists that also touches on societal norms around women in the workplace and society. 

It’s not soppy and made me laugh and feel sad in equal measure and is narrated by a dog (it works, trust me). There’s also a mini series on Apple+ but I’d recommend reading the book first.  This title is on order, and will be available in the Library soon!

Very Good, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse – selected by Robert Taylor, Casual Information Assistant 

This collection of 11 short stories written in the 1920's is P.G. Wodehouse at the peak of his powers, and contains some of his defining work as a comedic writer. 

 Every page is filled with at least one simile or exchange that will bring a smile to your face. Effortlessly brilliant prose - not to be read in a public place for risk of emitting loud snorts of laughter unexpectedly.  

This book will be a good friend to anyone in need of cheering up. This title is on order, and will be available in the Library soon!

Violeta, by Isabel Allende

Situated in an unnamed South American country (assumed to be Chile), this is the story of Violeta de Valle born in 1920 and spanning her life through to 2020 .  

As it was set against a backdrop of an ever-changing political and social climate,  I found it really interesting how these events helped form the stories.  The characters provide accounts of fortunes won and lost, loves, and survival.  All in all this book was all-consuming and epic.  Currently on order, coming soon to the Library!

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte – chosen by Donna Irving, Liaison Librarian

Being a wild moorland creature myself, I love this book. People mistake it for a love story, its so much more than that.  The moors influence the bleakness of the novel and its characters and helps create the conflict between Cathy’s culture and nature. If you live a dark gothic story, read this. Find this on the shelves at Horsforth, shelfmark 823.8 BRO

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – selected by Umerrah Bray Dunrod, Senior Information Assistant 

You know the author has done a great job when you find yourself cheering on the villain. This is the definition of a page turner, a book you will truly lose sleep over.  

I initially watched the film, of course but after strolling across a fluorescent orange copy for 50p in a charity shop, I had to give it a chance. It’s a dark, sick tale of revenge and the lengths a person will go to achieve it.  The complexity of the heroine, Amy Elliott, alongside her husband Nick, and the unravelling of their marriage, will truly make you question where your sympathy is rooted from. Currently on order, coming to the library shelves soon!

The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer – chosen by Ann Kelly, Senior Information Assistant 

This book was recommended to me by my husband whilst we were on holiday because he found it entertaining and humorous.   

This is a well written and light whodunnit with twists and turns.  It’s warm hearted and funny, with well-drawn characters.  It was fabulous, weird, witty, clever and had me turning the pages to find out more and what happens next.  Really loved this book and looking forward to the sequel - The Hotel Avocado. This title is currently on order.

Le Grand Meaulnes by Alain-Fournier – selected by Pauline Illingworth, Information Assistant  

This is a book about first love set in the early twentieth century.  I first read it at school when studying for ‘A’ level French and later re-read it in English.  What gives added poignancy is that the author died early in the First World War, shortly after writing the novel. Find it on the shelves at Horsforth, at shelfmark 843.912 ALA

We hope our selections may have inspired you to find a new literary love on Valentine's Day! Why not tell us some of your all-time favourites, too?