Today is World Book Day (5 March 2020) and the Earthen Lamp team has been talking all things books. We would like to think we’re a well-read team, so here’s some recommendations of what we’ve been reading lately.

Clelia:

“A novel I’ve been reading for the last few weeks is a historical thriller of sorts titled Q. It’s set in the 16th century and tells the story of a nameless Protestant revolutionary who journeys across Europe to take part in many radical movement but is always pursued by his mortal enemy, a mysterious spy who goes by the name of Q. It was written by an Italian group of writers who go by the collective name of Luther Blissett. It’s a real page-turner!”

Julia:

“After Dark by Haruki Murakami is an atmospheric blend of the everyday and the surreal. Set late at night in Japan, we encounter friendships blooming, prostitutes in need of help…and a sleeping beauty who no one can wake. The narrative style is unusual and engaging. I loved it!”

Victoria:

“I’m dipping in and out of a collection of short stories, Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks – all featuring typewriters as he is a collector.”

Vishalakshi:

“My book recommendation is Factfulness: Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling. The book seamlessly combines two of my core approaches to life – optimism and belief in data and facts. This extremely well researched and lucidly written book is a labour of love for Rosling, a swan song and last project. It’s a page turner, which in the words of Bill Gates, is probably the best educational book you will ever read. It gives you facts, information but above all hope!”

Amy:

My recommendation is Holly McNish’s Plum, an anthology of poems about being a teenage girl and growing up. It’s been a while since I read it, so may have to get it out again. Holly is currently on tour and performing at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on 1 April.”

Tweet your recommendations to us @earthen_lamp, we’d love to find out what you’re reading too!

World Book Day illustration by Rob Biddulph, courtesy of worldbookday.com