Thursday, March 3rd, 2022, marks World Book Day, a celebration of literature and the joy of reading. This year, we wanted to commemorate this occasion by engaging our teachers in reflection. Amidst the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we posed a poignant question: Which book has lingered in your thoughts or provided solace during moments of need?
In the face of unprecedented disruptions and uncertainties, books have served as more than just entertainment; they have been companions offering comfort, escape, and enlightenment. For many, the act of delving into a compelling narrative or exploring profound ideas has provided a refuge from the turbulence of the outside world. Whether it was a classic novel that transported them to a different era, a thought-provoking non-fiction work that deepened their understanding of global issues, or a heartwarming tale that lifted their spirits, each teacher found solace and inspiration in the pages of a book.
World Book Day is not merely about celebrating stories and authors; it’s also about recognizing the profound impact literature can have on our lives. As we reflect on the books that have resonated with us since the onset of the pandemic, we acknowledge their role in fostering resilience, empathy, and hope. They have offered us moments of reflection, sparked conversations, and reminded us of the enduring power of storytelling to that connects us all. This World Book Day, let us continue to cherish the written word and the transformative experiences it brings into our lives.
“Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day is a triumph of storytelling! It is a story of sacrifice, loyalty and love and if Shakespeare could have read it, I have no doubt it would be in his top five best books list too!”
“This massive beast is my favourite novel of all time, and I go back to it every few years. It’s an epic story about a small dysfunctional family: there’s struggle, there’s drama, there are shocking twists—but it also includes some of the deepest discussions of religion, philosophy, and the meaning of life, that you will find anywhere. Thoughtful, entertaining, and a great companion in a crisis. Oh, and did I mention that it’s a murder mystery?”
“It’s a memoir, which I normally wouldn’t choose but it reads as a really engaging novel. It’s partly set in Vienna and shows the impact of the First World War on a wealthy Jewish Family. The book also encouraged me to learn new words such as “bibelot” and “incunabula”- look them up! I remember reading it in the garden that first warm, sunny Easter of lockdown 2020.”
“A classic. George Orwell’s 1984 seemed an appropriate read during a time where the news became a daily watch and fake information spread all over the internet. It can be a bleak and uncomfortable book, but one that you can come back to again and again”
“Empire of the Sun is based on the author’s personal experience as a prisoner of war during WWII. When I read it during the first lockdown, I was reminded of a quote from J.G. Ballard where he said his experience left him with “the sense that reality itself was a stage set that could be dismantled at any moment.”
“It’s a book that I have found myself thinking about more and more since reading. The combination of political history and autobiographical storytelling makes the book hard to put down, and reading about Akala’s experience in education, and the barriers that were in place, is something that any teacher should read.”
“I absolutely adore the Twilight books, and I am unashamedly Team Jacob. This book, and the series, are a great read for anyone who wants love, fighting and heroes all in one book ”
“I have chosen this book because it does not shy away from hard topics. It is a hard hitting portrait of a wounded country and a moving story of family and friendship. It is a beautiful, heart-wrenching story of an unlikely bond and an indestructible love.”
