It’s World Book Day on 6 March. The day involves a variety of activities that encourage children to read for pleasure – something that you may also wish to find more time to embrace.
According to research from the Reading Agency, half of all adults in the UK don’t read regularly.
If you’re a regular reader, you likely benefit from a greater sense of wellbeing and life satisfaction, as well as improved sleep, concentration, empathy, and creativity.
With so many good reasons to read, here are six sensational stories worth picking up this World Book Day.
1. The Women by Kristin Hannah
Having spent no less than 10 weeks in the New York Times bestseller list, The Women tells the story of four women whose lives are deeply intertwined by the experiences of war, friendship, and survival.
Set in Vietnam during the second world war, Kristin Hannah weaves a powerful story of love, loyalty, and the unbreakable bonds that shape who we are.
From facing loss and hardship to finding strength in their bonds with one another, the novel celebrates the resilience and courage of women in the face of adversity.
Readers say:
- “A fantastic, emotional and thought provoking novel.”
- “Frankie McGrath is such a memorable character. She starts as this young, idealistic nursing student and grows into someone who faces the brutal realities of war head-on. Her journey—from the chaos of Vietnam to the challenges of coming home to a divided America—is powerful and heartbreaking. It’s not just about her experiences as a nurse; it’s about how the war changed her, her friends, and even the country she came back to.”
2. None of this is True by Lisa Jewell
A gripping psychological thriller, None of This Is True revolves around the life of a successful podcaster, Alix Summer.
When Alix meets a mysterious woman who seems to have an unsettling connection to her past, Alix becomes obsessed with Josie’s story.
As she digs deeper into Josie's life, Alix uncovers dark secrets that blur the lines between truth and deception.
Written during the Covid lockdown in 2020, this is among Jewell’s most captivating tales. With twists and turns, None of This Is True will keep you turning the pages until the very end.
Readers say:
- “One of the best thrillers I've read in a long time.”
- “Loved the storyline and characters and especially the bonus chapter that validated my suspicions – what a great read this was – breezed through it in a day.”
3. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
A multi-million bestselling novel, Osman’s charming and witty mystery tells the story of four elderly friends – Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron – who meet every week at their retirement village to investigate unsolved crimes.
When a real murder takes place nearby, they find themselves thrust into a case far more dangerous than they ever imagined. Using their sharp minds, quirky personalities, and decades of life experience, they work together to solve the mystery.
Combining a perfect blend of suspense, humour, and heart, The Thursday Murder Club celebrates friendship and the power of never underestimating the elderly.
Readers say:
- “I really enjoyed the change of pace and fun with Richard Osman's funny, fascinating and quirky senior sleuths. The Thursday Murder Club was so much fun.”
- “This novel is the perfect antidote to the sometimes depressing stuff … going on around us … of late. My advice is to get your hands on a copy of this book ASAP – then sit back in your favourite armchair, with a mug of tea and a plate of biscuits, and just lose yourself in this compassionate, witty mystery created by the inimitable Richard Osman.”
4. The Crimson Petal and the White – Michael Faber
A book worth snuggling down with, The Crimson Petal and the White is a richly layered historical novel set in Victorian London.
The story follows the life of Sugar, a young, ambitious prostitute, as she navigates the harsh realities of her world and dreams of a better life. When she becomes involved with the wealthy and disillusioned William Rackham, a man seeking escape from his oppressive family and his troubled marriage, their lives become increasingly intertwined.
With vivid descriptions and complex characters, this rich and absorbing novel delivers a compelling tale of passion, ambition, and the pursuit of freedom.
Readers say:
- “The reader is effortlessly swept along in the events which take place. You can so easily picture every scene which is being described.”
- “A massive, character-driven slab of a novel set in Victorian times, The Crimson Petal invites inevitable comparison with Dickens' classics, but it's definitely much more accessible, irreverent and dirty.”
5. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
American Dirt should come with a health warning, reminding readers to breathe.
After a brutal cartel massacre wipes out their family, Lydia, a Mexican bookstore owner, and her eight-year-old son, Luca, are forced to flee their home and run for their lives.
Running from the dangers of Acapulco, they embark on a perilous journey north to the US. Encountering a series of unthinkable dangers, as they travel through Mexico, the events that led up to the brutal family massacre are slowly unveiled, while Lydia and Luca’s bond deepens.
American Dirt is a gripping and emotional tale about the lengths one will go to for a chance at a better life – just remember to keep breathing while you read!
Readers say:
- “This really is a terrific book, and one that I can unreservedly recommend to fellow book lovers. Read it, digest it, and hopefully, you’ll be as blown away by it as I was.”
- “This is one of those must-read books that is of such high quality it should appeal to a wide range of readers. It has something important to say, but is also an extremely rewarding read.”
6. Bread and Chocolate by Phillipa Gregory
If you want to recommence reading regularly but are short of time, this collection of short stories from master storyteller, Phillipa Gregory’s Bread and Chocolate is the ideal choice.
In this wonderful collection of short stories, rich gems hide behind the most unassuming titles. So, don't be fooled into thinking you know what will unfold in “Catching the Bus” or “The Garden”.
Among the 17 stories, discover a chef famed for outrageous cakes who tempts a bread-baking monk, an unexpected visitor who creates chaos during the season of good will, and a series of straying husbands.
Readers say:
- “A fantastic collection of short stories – all quite different and all absolutely riveting. I couldn't put it down so read all of them in one sitting! I can only hope Ms Gregory decides to write more short stories like these…”
- “If you are fond of short stories - I urge you to check this collection out! So delicious, interesting, stirring, inspirational and, occasionally, moving (on some other occasions, delightfully creepy!). I have never read anything by Philippa Gregory but boy will I check her fiction out now! I absolutely loved this collection!”
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