World Book Day Recommendations

The Shape of Water by Andrea Camillieri

‘The Inspector Montalbano series resonates with my love of Sicily, with its wry and honest look at modern issues such as poverty, migration and the Mafia, as well as eternal bureaucracy, alongside a traditional Italy and some amazing food adventures! Crime seems almost incidental in this highly praised and well-loved series of 28 books, which are easily available at the library!’ – Dr Philip Chan, Lead for Admissions

War Doctor: Surgery on the Front Line by David Nott

‘It’s an account of his experiences as a trauma surgeon in numerous war zones over recent decades. It is distinguished not by any claims of heroism but for the most tremendous and moving humility, and love for his fellow human beings. It is an unforgettable narrative and analysis of what we revere as altruism.’ – Ms Cathy Bernal, Senior Lecturer

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

‘This is the first book in the series, and it blends magic and the supernatural in a real-world setting. It sparked my love of Urban Fantasy, and the audiobook narrator Kobna Holdbrook-Smith brings the characters alive with his unique narration. It’s the best series I’ve ever read.’ – Chloe Brown, Placements Coordinator

Kamisama Hajimemashita by Julietta Suzuki

‘This is a Japanese shojo manga series that takes place in a world in which deities and yokai are real. Nanami is a protagonist I really admire and respect. As a young girl incredibly down on her luck, she’s given the daunting task of becoming the land god of a shrine, dealing with spirits and gods, on top of the everyday teenage struggles. This was one of the first manga series I picked up as a teen while reading in the library, and it has resonated with me ever since.’ – Lily Ella Hood, Communications and Events Administrator

A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine and Temeraire by Naomi Novik

‘I have limited my recommendations to two; my top read of the year and an all-time favourite: A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine is a fascinating science fiction novel that explores the insidious nature of imperialism and the long-lasting impact of colonialism at a galactic scale. I’d also like to recommend Temeraire by Naomi Novik – a combination of Napoleonic wars and dragons. Enough said!’ – Laura Medlock, Operations and Project Officer

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks and Christadora by Tim Murphy

‘The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is a fascinating collection of essays from neurologist Oliver Sacks describing his patients’ cases. Who knew there were such a diverse range of extreme neurological afflictions? His work led me to dive deeper into Sacks’s life and further on into his partner Bill Hayes’ writing, particularly Insomniac City, which was excellent. I also recommend Christadora by Tim Murphy. It’s a beautifully written work of fiction looking at the lives of a diverse group of people living in the same building, The Christadora, in Manhattan’s East Village. Its very character driven, which is something I really enjoy in a work of fiction – characters I can love/hate and want to know.’ – Kathy Meresz, Curriculum Coordinator

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières and Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

‘My all-time favourite book is Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières. The only book that’s ever physically made me cry! Set on the stunning Greek island of Cephalonia during WW2, this is an epic tale of how world politics affect the loves and losses of ordinary people. I have also recently enjoyed Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. An apt selection for World Book Day, is this sweeping saga which takes us all the way from medieval Constantinople to a post-apocalyptic spaceship, all connected by libraries and the stories that live within them.’ – Rachel Mackey, Project Manager (Integrated Academic Training Programme)

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

‘This book is a timeless classic. It blends the personal narrative of the author’s motorcycle trip across America, with his son, combined with a deep dive into the philosophy of quality, pragmatism and existentialism. The story also covers aspects of mental health, mindfulness and ultimately the pursuit of meaning and the human experience. – Dr Kris Leslie, Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry, Lead for Year 1

The Forty Days of Musa Dagh by Franz Werfel

‘Written in 1933, this novel about the Armenian genocide is my favourite classic of Austrian literature and one of these books that you will never forget. It’s highly political, deeply human, thrilling and beautifully written.’ – Manfred Gschwandtner, KMMS Librarian

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

‘This has to be one of my favourite books of all time, combining many of the things I love: A gripping story, well-developed characters, medicine and Africa.’ – Dr Katie Cartledge, Senior Lecturer, KMMS

The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré

‘This was my Book Club book this month. It was a really powerful and moving story following 14 year old Adunni’s quest for education and to be heard. Born into poverty in a rural village in Nigeria, Adunni’s life is brutal but her resilience and strength in the face of adversity is both inspiring and heartbreaking.’ – Mary Langford, Marketing, Outreach and Engagement Manager

In addition to these fantastic suggestions from our KMMS community, be sure to visit the libraries at the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University campuses. Our libraries offer thousands of titles and provide wonderful reading spaces where you can relax with a book outside of your studies. Happy #WorldBookDay from all of us at KMMS!