As I’m writing this, I have one week until I go back to sixth form, and when this post publishes, it’ll be one day (aaaahhh!) I’m sort of dreading starting year 13, especially after a really great summer. I’ve done so many cool things but now I’m preparing to return to a non-existent social life and even more academic pressure than I’ve ever had before.
Sooo, how am I gonna cope with that? BOOKS!
This blog post is a list of all of the books I hope to read in the (little) free time I have during my first school term.
Disclaimer: I will probably not read all of these books during my first term back. I’m going to be so busy. But the IDEA of reading them is comforting to me, so this post is still valid, right? Without further ado, here’s the five books I’d like to read:
Haddon Hall: Where David Invented Bowie by Néjib
My dad picked up a copy of this graphic novel, but I had to steal it from him! It’s a portrait of David Bowie’s life, right at the start of his career, documenting his time in Haddon Hall. I’m local to Beckenham and this place Bowie used to live, so I thought it would be a really interesting read. The cover is so vibrant!
Awkward and Definition: The High School Chronicles by Ariel Schrag
I purchased Likewise, another graphic novel by Schrag, before realising I didn’t own the precious books in the series. This graphic novel collects the first two memoirs she wrote, whilst still in high school. I’ve read so many fantastic reviews of this relatable and quirky memoir series, so I’m really eager to start it. And what better time to read it than my last year at school?
Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
I adored Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, the original book and the film. It’s probably one of my all-time favourite YA books. Despite having first read Miss Peregrine’s a while ago, I’ve never gotten around to its sequel. I’m putting this at the top of my TBR pile as I think it’ll be the perfect book for escapism on study breaks.
Post Truth: The New War on Truth and How to Fight Back by Matthew D’ancona
One of my new resolutions is to read more non-fiction; more specifically about politics and society. It’s hard to stay away from the news in the current political climate, but so-called “fake news” has become so common that it’s difficult to know when and how to respond. I’m hoping to learn a lot from this!
They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery
I’ve read so much about Black Lives Matter, but only in small snippets across social media. I’ve wanted to educate myself more about the situation of police brutality in America, so this book has been on my radar for the past few months. The writer is a journalist, who reported on related events over a number of years. This is going to be a very hard-hitting read, but I know it’ll also give me much more insight into an important movement.
So, those are the books I’m planning on reading in Autumn! Have you read any? What’s on your own reading list? Leave a comment 🙂
the bibliomaniac book blog 
I expected They Can’t Kill Us All to be harrowing and hard-hitting and in some parts it is, but the author did a great job of making it seem very chatty and like he and I were two friends having a conversation over coffee. It’s more accessible than you’d think 🙂
That’s really interesting to know! I’m glad it’s written in an accessible way as I hope lots of people are able to read it 🙂
Haddon Hall sounds really interesting, I love anything about Bowie and never knew about this so i’ll go check it out.
Gill @book_magpie on Twitter
I loved miss Peregrine’s home for Peculiar Children, it’s a very interesting book I haven’t read the second book, I didn’t know it had a sequel. I will definitely read the second book as well. . I’ve seen the movie thrice and I might watch it again soon. I might read Haddon Hall as well. Loved your list!