Choosing your next read can be tough, so we’re asking Awen Libraries staff to recommend a book every month to help you pick yours. This month, we asked Sarah and Julie what books have inspired them the most.
Sarah said: “One of my favourite books of all time is The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton. I loved these when I was growing up. But the book that has stuck with me the most from that time is A Summer to Die by Lois Lowry. It is a story of a sibling rivalry and jealousy until the unthinkable happens. Absolutely broke my heart”.
Julie said: “A favourite book of mine is The Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Steffan Ros. Not only is The Blue Book of Nebo the first Welsh winner of the Carnegie Award but it is the first winner that is a book in translation!
“It is a Young Adult book but hear me out, because if you miss this book – you really are missing out. This is a little book tackling huge issues. Sensitively and impeccably written, the poignant tale weaves you into the lives of Dylan and his Mam. The hardships, the joys, the uncertainty, the fear; the wonderful yet claustrophobic bond between mother and her son, who has to grow up too quickly.
“Their story stays with you – you find yourself thinking about them months after the book is back on the library shelf. You question how would you cope; would this be a better way of life? Unmissable”.
