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Reading for Pleasure

Selected resources from the University of Birmingham Library collection to help develop a lifelong love of reading.

Reading Fiction

 
Although the library is primarily a source of academic books, we also have a growing collection of books, particularly fiction, that can be read for pleasure.
 
According to The Reading Agency, “reading increases our understanding of own identity, improves empathy and gives us an insight into the world views of others”.
 
One of the exciting things about fiction is that it can transport you to another world, to experiences not your own. It’s a great way of learning about other cultures and engaging with perspectives that might be different to your own.
 
If you are an international student, reading fiction can be a great way of improving your English language skills, becoming more familiar with idioms, colloqualism, and cultural references. 

What to read?

Icon of Resource Lists - a magnifying glass.
Click on the icon above to access our Resource List that showcases a selection of books that are enjoyable, diverse in theme and style, and represent writers from all across the globe. 
 
These are a few of our favourites:
Book cover of Small Island Book cover of The Refugees Book cover of Americanah
Set in 1950s London, it depicts the experiences of Jamaican immigrants as they establish lives in the 'motherland'.

A moving short-story collection that explores what it means to be displaced from the place you once called 'home'.  

 A Nigerian student experiences what it means to be a black woman in modern day America.

 

Richard & Judy: Keep Reading and Carry On starts Monday 4th May at 5.30pm on Channel 4

Richard and Judy reveal their best reads to help the nation whilst we are all staying at home.  

 

Image of Richard and Judy

Fiction set in Birmingham

Over the years there have been some fantastic novels set in Birmingham.

Why not try one of the following novels and experience Brum in a new way.

Book cover of Anita and Me by Meera Syal Book cover of The Rotters' Club

Book cover of Astonishing Splashes of Colour
The story of nine-year-old Meena, growing up in the only Punjabi family in a Black Country mining village. Set in Birmingham during the 1970s, and inspired by the author's experiences at King Edward's School, Birmingham. Taking its title from a description of Peter Pan's Neverland, this novel follows the life of Kitty, a woman who, in a sense, has never grown up.

MoreBooks@Bham

MoreBooks@Bham makes it easier for Students to suggest books to the Library.

Our 3 Goals:

  • To diversify our collection and increase the range of books we stock by BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic), LGBTQ+ and disabled authors. Recommendations that amplify, celebrate and tell the history of under-represented groups are also most welcome.
  • To support students at the University by increasing our wellbeing and study success collections.
  • To supplement core reading with modern, academic material that enables students to read around their subject more widely and to make connections/explore new areas of inquiry.

How easy is it to make a suggestion?

It's really easy. Just go to MoreBooks@Bham, read the instructions and fill out the form.

Did you know...?

......We will automatically buy more copies of a text when it is reserved by four or more people?

 

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