Long weekends offer us the opportunity to relax and recharge and what better way to escape than with a good book.
What is your go-to to switch off from the world around you? Adventure, crime thrillers, mysteries, sci-fi, romance, comedy capers or something else? Perhaps you turn to the pages and chapters of a good book to build on your knowledge or personal development? Or maybe you look to the inspirational lives lived by others to help you navigate your day. Audio books also help us to immerse ourselves in stories without having to find a peaceful spot. If you’re working this weekend, why not add the audio book version of our recommendations to your commute?
Whatever genre of book you choose, a long lazy Bank Holiday Weekend with a questionable weather outlook is the perfect time to kick back, find a comfy spot and lose yourself. The team at The Women’s Organisation jumped at the chance to share their book recommendations in the hope that you too can indulge in some essential ‘me time’. We’re proud to support and shop local and have linked to the amazing News From Nowhere online shop while we wait for the Bold Street store to reopen later this month.
Bookmarks at the ready, here’s our top Easter Bank Holiday Weekend Reads.
The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah
Recommended by Phillipa Williams, The Nightingale is a story about two sisters during World War II, a time when women’s stories were all too often forgotten. Vianne and Isabelle Mauriac embark on her own dangerous path towards survival, love and freedom in war-torn France. A story of resilience, human spirit and strength. The Nightingale is due to hit the big screen soon, so get your hands on the book first.
Buy online here: https://www.newsfromnowhere.co.uk/page/detail/The-Nightingale/?K=BDZ0023588141
Where The Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
A recommendation from a recommendation! Where the Crawdads Sing is a firm favourite of Germain Fryer because it touches on several different issues and is written in such a way that it makes you stop and think. At the same time this story, set in 1960’s North Carolina, has a huge feel-good factor about a child who had to overcome lots of adversity in her life. Hollywood actor, Reece Witherspoon is also a fan along with millions who have bought it since its release in 2018.
Buy online here: https://www.newsfromnowhere.co.uk/page/detail/Where-the-crawdads-sing/?K=BDZ0037969025
The Girl With The Louding Voice – Abi Dare
Drawing a recommendation from a book subscription gift at Christmastime, Ellie Vick recommends reading The Girl With The Louding Voice by Abi Dare. This is captivating novel that has its challenging and heart breaking moments, it follows main character, Adunni, who embarks on a journey to gain an education and become a teacher. This is a tale of hope, determination and being brave enough to follow your dreams! A perfect long weekend read.
Buy online here: https://www.newsfromnowhere.co.uk/page/detail/The-girl-with-the-louding-voice/?K=BDZ0040074480
Hitler’s Horses – Arthur Brand, Jane Hedley-Prole
Sticking with the war theme but uncovering an entirely different story, Angela Clark has picked Hitler’s Horses for her Easter weekend read. Listed as a ‘thrilling retelling of one of history’s most extraordinary heists’, detective Arthur Brand goes undercover to locate Hitler’s favourite statue and in doing so discovers a criminal underworld with a taste for fine art. Think Indiana Jones with added anticipation and intrigue.
Buy online here: https://www.newsfromnowhere.co.uk/page/detail/Hitler/?K=BDZ0040899584
She Made It – Angelica Malin
Our very own female founder, Maggie O’Carroll will be going cover to cover with She Made It, The Toolkit for Female Founders in the Digital Age, this Easter Weekend. Author Angelia Malin, lays bare the landscape of female led business and how to successfully navigate the digital era to launch and grow your own venture. An inspirational read for anyone interested in breaking out of the 9-5 and finding their voice in business leadership.
Buy online here: https://www.newsfromnowhere.co.uk/page/detail/She-made-it/?K=BDZ0045620437
Liverpool Loyalty – Caz Finlay
We love nothing more than championing home grown talent and it doesn’t get much better than this recommendation from Jo Mountford. Liverpool Author, Caz Finlay writes gritty crime thrillers based right here in our very own city and believe us when we say, you won’t be able to put these books down. Former Women’s Organisation client, Caz takes her inspiration from the city and its people and weaves together intricate, shocking and memorable series of novels that will have you spellbound.
Buy online here: https://www.newsfromnowhere.co.uk/page/detail/?sf1=cindex&st1=Liverpool%20loyalty
Calm – Fearne Cotton
The Women’s Organisation’s Hannah Bailey is logging off and encourages you to do the same with her Easter weekend book recommendation. Calm by Fearne Cotton is a well-being manual which invites readers to dip in and out at their leisure and pick up stress reducing tips, learn from inspirational conversations and take part in activities that help us to remember to breathe. If you’re switching off from tech for the whole weekend, give this one a go to reset your calm.
Buy online here: https://www.newsfromnowhere.co.uk/page/detail/Calm/?K=BDZ0037018725
The Shadow Rising – Robert Jordan
A brilliant recommendation for those who love a series to get stuck into. Laura Anderson highly recommends The Wheel of Truth series by Robert Jordan and is loving book four, The Rising Shadow. If the sound of Lord Dragon, the forbidden city of Rhuidean and High Lady Suroth piques your interest, you’ll love this series. It’s due to hit our screens on Amazon Prime later this year as a TV series, so why not follow Laura’s lead and get up to speed beforehand. One for the fantasy lovers.
Buy online here: https://www.newsfromnowhere.co.uk/page/detail/The-Shadow-Rising/?K=BDZ0002078493
Morning – Allan Jenkins
For some, a lie in, even on a rare bank holiday weekend just isn’t on the cards, but there’s a lot to be said for quiet time in the mornings before the world awakes. Kate James recommends Morning by Allan Jenkins, a sort of handbook for the early risers to get the most of out of the twilight hours and how changing light can have a profoundly positive effect on our mental health.
Buy online here: https://www.newsfromnowhere.co.uk/page/detail/Morning/?K=BDZ0036162746
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