Why you should make time to read.

This may seem obvious, but there are several benefits to reading books.  And not just your university journals and textbooks either.

Beyond brain function and increasing your vocabulary, reading can be the perfect way to spend an afternoon if you want some down time. Or before you go to sleep instead of browsing away on your phone.

You don’t have to get through a whole book to feel like you’ve achieved something, if you only have time for a chapter or two, that’s perfect. When you study with a textbook, you normally take a break to absorb what you’ve read, and the same applies to reading for fun.

Too busy? You can listen to audiobooks on the way to class, or have them playing in the background as you study. Getting into the habit of reading and listening to things being read will help you improve your focus and concentration.

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Best places to find good books.

Building an impressive library can be expensive, unless you know where to go for the best deals…

Amazon – This one is obvious, as you can buy almost anything from Amazon. You have more variety with shopping on Amazon unlike browsing the local bookstore – hardback, paperback, kindle and audiobook. Amazon are also fast with deliveries, and you can choose an option that works best for you. Most of the time their used books have little damage, and who doesn’t love a vintage book?

Book Depository – Another online book seller based in the UK – they have a large catalogue of books and ship all over the world. Be prepared to spend a large chunk of time just browsing all they have to offer.

Wordery – This online bookshop offers a huge selection of titles for lower prices than amazon and offers worldwide free shipping.

Local independent bookstores – supporting your local bookstores means supporting your local communities. Browsing these hidden gems, you can occasionally find limited and collectors editions at great prices. Some even deliver right to you.

University or local library – Why buy books when you can check them out of your local library for free? Your university library will also have a variety of books, fiction and non-fiction to choose from and if you can’t find what you’re looking for you can ask them to order it in.

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What to read.

1. You Have a Match – Emma Lord

Released: January 2021

Genre: Family, Romance

This book has been at the top of many recommendations lists this year, so it’s essential for it to be at the top of yours!

 2. The Gilded Ones – Namina Forna

Released: February 2021

Genre: Fantasy

All about girl power with this one. Check out the trailer above for this West-African feminist fantasy series.

3. She’s Too Pretty to Burn – Wendy Heard

Released: March 2021

Genre: LGBT, Thriller, Mystery

An ‘electric’ romance inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray.

4. The Electric Kingdom – David Arnold

Released: February 2021

Genre: Dystopia, Science Fiction

Having just experienced a global pandemic, why would you want to read about one in a book? Well, this one has a great story of survival with interesting characters and worldbuilding.

5. Yolk – Mary H.K Choi

Released: March 2021

Genre: Family, Realistic Fiction

Our marketing executive Lisa went out and bought this book last weekend and, while an opinion is too early to decide on at this point, this novel has a New York Times bestselling author behind it. Plus not to judge a book, but the cover is quite lovely.