The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, by Suzanne Collins

This one is a thinker. ‘Cause, you know, “The Hunger Games”. It’s really good. And I feel confident saying that it’s really good, even though lots of people will probably describe the series as sort of cliché now, but since when does success turn something into a cliché? There are strong characters, engaging developments, and twists and turns a-plenty. It absolutely succeeds in what it set out to achieve, and then some.

But then there’s this one. The prequel about President Snow in his youth, and the part he played in the Capitol and the Hunger Games becoming what we know it to be when we meet Katniss. We start the story at the commencement of the tenth Hunger Games: the first time a Flickerman (Caesar's family for the layman) has hosted the extravaganza; the first time each tribute is assigned a mentor; the first time Capitol residents can bet on and sponsor the tributes. Very appealing to a die-hard fan of the series.

The basis of this story world is politics and ethics, so I think what this book really achieves is giving the reader a greater depth of understanding for how the Capitol works. How the Hunger Games play into their political and social rankings; how the ruling class justify their actions; how individual citizens of the Capitol feel and function day-to-day. As it turns out, they are no more a united front than the districts are. For me, that was the most interesting part of the story.

There are some fabulous easter eggs for fans of the franchise; some backstory for certain details mentioned in the original series, like characters, songs, and phrases. That was fun.

As for Coriolanus Snow… well, I’ll let you decide. Watching his spiral into powerful insanity and a total disregard for life is unsettling in a subtle-until-it’s-not sort of way, and kind of feels like a chokehold. I found my jaw on the floor, shaking my head at the pages multiple times. He is totally unhinged, completely charming, and weirdly convincing for a second or two. I hate him.

If you love the Hunger Games and nerd out on a rich and nuanced story world, then I highly recommend this one. But if you really can’t bare to read about a total sociopath, and aren’t particularly invested in The Hunger Games, I’d give it a miss.

- Sian

Paperback, £8.99 - hardback available, £18.99. Find this in the Young Adult Fiction section!

Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott

For some reason I have always felt a bit intimidated by the classics. But since it was written for young girls, it's a really accessible read. It’s tender and cosy, the language is lovely, and the girls are even lovelier. I mean, I’m sure most of you have probably read this one before, but if you’ve been umm-ing and arr-ing about embarking on the classics, like I did, this is a smashing place to start.

The four sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – are each a precious little story in themselves. So perfectly different and alike. They make up a pretty band of creative, loving, passionate young souls, and bring such a fresh perspective to one another.

Even though some are more dramatic than others, there’s no one plot point in this book that stands out to me the most. What stands out to me is how completely human the emotionally charged and instinctive decisions the characters make; the way that they fight adversity. And I think that’s what I needed reminding of when I embarked on reading the classics for the first time: that no matter how different their language, their dresses, or their hygiene, they’re just stories about people.

And I so relate to each of them. Take Jo and her deeply emotional responses. Or Amy’s goal to be helpful to everyone. Beth is always so keen to see people happy. And Amy… well, I’d hate to admit to any similarities I have with Amy!

This book was a lovely experience, and I felt giddy the whole time I was reading it. I must say, after using audio books for my university reading of the classics that, if you can read a physical copy, do it! It feels extra special.

 - Sian

Paperback, £6.99 - multiple editions available. Find this in the Classics section!

An extra note to the reader: the British and American editions are different! The American version is Little Women and Good Wives in one book – us Brits are stingy and only have the first part. I got the British version, so expect a Part Two once my copy of “Good Wives” comes in!

 

Klara and the Sun, by Kazuo Ishiguru

Anyone could read this narrative at face value as a tale of how our future could look with Artificial Friends. A solution to loneliness readymade and store bought. But it takes some contemplation to see into the heart of this book. Klara and the Sun has an almost dream like quality to its style that floats you along its narrative, which is more about understanding Klara’s inner world; her philosophy than an event, though events prompt her calm analysis and decisions.

Any narrative that includes a form of artificial intelligence prompts the usual question: Could humans be replaced with AI? The question of if it is technologically possible to replace humans with AI is just the tip of a metaphorical iceberg. And we have seen this ‘tip’ explored many times in literature already. However, there is more to Klara and the Sun.

While it still hinges on the question: What makes us human? I feel this narrative takes this idea further and into the less explored questions around a connection with something greater, ideas around religion. I think Ishiguro is questioning the value and trust we put into belief systems.

The more I think about this book the more value I find in it.

- Anara

Hardback, £20 - paperback available in March 2022. Find this in the Fiction section!

Yearbook, by Holly Bourne

A book I picked up based on inaccurate marketing! When doing research for the pride window for the bookshop, I was scouring our catalogues for things with LGBT+ characters and themes. Thankfully, there was a lot to choose from and our window was a rousing success! Also thankfully, Yearbook turned out to be an enjoyable, albeit straight, read.

Paige is an anonymous student. We all know her; or were her. She does her homework, keeps her mouth shut, and gets through the days like she’s supposed to. But she’s a wallflower; she sees things. She sees the bullying, the cruelty, and the injustice that burns through every single school across the country. The mean kids do mean things; the nice kids do nothing; and the status quo is maintained.

But all that fear, anxiety, and desperation to blend in at school is merely practice for when Paige gets home to her mum and, most notably, her dad. Their household is a minefield of fight, flight, freeze, fawn. Poor Paige is not ok.

She finds solace in her little ways. She talks to her Amazon Alexa every evening, taking any advice and company she can get. She hides in her little corner of the library, escaping by getting lost in other people’s worlds. And she leaves notes all over her own:

“I exist.”

And someone finds them. And they write back. And they meet. And it’s wonderful, and fun, and fulfilling, and normal. But it isn’t enough. There is too much pain in the world for Paige to ignore and when that pain starts to seep in and ruin this one pocket of joy in her compulsory existence, she has to take a stand. And she does. And it’s fabulous.

This is a classic coming of age story, with unfriendly looming adult problems and adult fears. It is extremely real, raw, and at times, uncomfortable. Even as an adult reader, there were moments in this book that were hard to read. It is marketed like Mean Girls, but it’s really more of a Perks of Being a Wallflower. If you know what I mean, you know what I mean. I would read it with caution if you are a young reader, and definitely talk to people in your life about the things you learn. Boundaries, honesty, and bravery are important parts of growing up!

Overall, one of the most surprising reads I’ve ever picked up, since its cover alludes to only the most superficial aspects of the story. But it's funny, dark, satisfying, and totally adorable. I’ll definitely be trying on some of Holly Bourne’s other books on for size!

- Sian

Paperback, £7.99. Find this in the Young Adult Fiction section!

The Readers' Room, by Antoine Laurain

You may have found this book in the crime or thriller section of your bookstore or library, and it really is a mystery. However, this book is much more about the life and quirks of Violaine, and those who come into her publishing house. The characters are the real drivers of this quirky Parisian tale.

But the intriguing mystery of an elusive writer who, even when enticed with the prize for the greatest literary award, will not reveal themselves.

What are they trying to hide and who are they protecting? This book will have you trying to unravel and detangle knots in the dark, and when the lights come up, you’ll see Laurain’s beautiful plot laid bare. It won’t be what you expect.

- Anara

Paperback, £8.99. Find this in the Fiction section!