World Book Night 2019

World Book Night is a national celebration of reading and book that takes place every year on 23rd April. World Book Night is all about celebrating the power of reading, to highlight the difference reading makes to people’s lives and to spread this message to anyone who doesn’t already read.

The Books

World Book Night is run by The Reading Agency, who have chosen 23 brilliant books to be given out across the UK with a focus on those who don’t regularly read or have easy access to new books. Books will be donated by organisations and publishers to prisons, libraries, mental health groups, colleges, hospitals, care homes and homeless shelters.

We’re thrilled that four of our authors have their books on the list of books to be donated.

The Ice Cream Girls by Dorothy Koomson

‘All the stuff in the papers was lies. We were never The Ice Cream Girls’

Serena and Poppy were teenagers when they were branded as the Ice Cream Girls.

When they were accused of murder, one of them was sent to prison while the other was set free.

Now, 20 years later, one of them is doing all she can to clear her name and the other is frantically trying to keep her secrets.

Which Ice Cream Girl is desperate enough to kill to get what she wants?

A gripping, emotional thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author Dorothy Koomson

Mad Girl by Bryony Gordon

Bryony Gordon has OCD.

It’s the snake in her brain that has told her ever since she was a teenager that her world is about to come crashing down: that her family might die if she doesn’t repeat a phrase 5 times, or that she might have murdered someone and forgotten about it. It’s caused alopecia, bulimia, and drug dependency. And Bryony is sick of it. Keeping silent about her illness has given it a cachet it simply does not deserve, so here she shares her story with trademark wit and dazzling honesty.

A hugely successful columnist for the Telegraph, a bestselling author, and a happily married mother of an adorable daughter, Bryony has managed to laugh and live well while simultaneously grappling with her illness. Now it’s time for her to speak out. Writing with her characteristic warmth and dark humour, Bryony explores her relationship with her OCD and depression as only she can.

Mad Girl is a shocking, funny, unpredictable, heart-wrenching, raw and jaw-droppingly truthful celebration of life with mental illness.

Thinking Out Loud by Rio Ferdinand

When Rebecca died, the idea that one day I might begin to feel better would have struck me as laughable … I know how persuasive this kind of permanence thinking can be. I know too that anyone locked in its grip will laugh if I promise them that their pain will one day ease. It will. Of course it will. But I know better than to expect anyone to believe me.’

In 2015, former England football star Rio Ferdinand suddenly and tragically lost his wife and soulmate Rebecca, aged 34, to cancer. It was a profound shock and Rio found himself struggling to cope not just with the pain of his grief, but also with his new role as both mum and dad to their three young children.

His book now shares the story of meeting, marrying and losing Rebecca, his own and the family’s grief – as well as the advice and support that get him through each day as they strive to piece themselves back together. Thinking Out Loud is written in the hope that he can inspire others struggling with loss and grief to find the help they need through this most difficult of times.

‘A lacerating account … painful but necessary’ Evening Standard

‘Beautiful & significant … Tackles grief with honesty’ Dawn French

‘Very important and moving book’ Alastair Campbell

The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths

Boiled human bones have been found in Norwich’s web of underground tunnels. When forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway discovers the bones aren’t as old as originally thought, it’s time for DCI Nelson to launch a murder inquiry. What was initially just a medieval curiosity has taken a much more sinister nature…

Meanwhile, DS Judy Johnson is investigating the disappearance of a local rough sleeper. The only trace of her is the rumour that she’s gone ‘underground’. This might be a figure of speech, but with the discovery of the bones and the stories both Ruth and the police have heard of a vast community of rough sleepers living in the old chalk-mining tunnels under Norwich, the clues point in only one direction. Local academic Martin Kellerman knows all about the tunnels and their history – but can his assertions of cannibalism and ritual killing possibly be true?

As the weather gets hotter, tensions rise. A local woman goes missing and the police are under attack. Ruth and Nelson must unravel the dark secrets of The Underground and discover just what gruesome secrets lurk at its heart – before it claims another victim.

‘My favourite current crime series . . . a pleasure from start to finish’ Val McDermid

How to celebrate World Book Night

All over the country events run by individuals and organisations will be held to celebrate the power of reading.

In Brighton, crime novelist Elly Griffiths will be celebrating World Book Night with an author event where she will be talking about her book The Chalk Pit, which has been chosen by World Book Night as one of their gifted books. This is a free event and all are welcome! For more information, click here.

Visit the World Book Night website for more information on the various events taking place across the country.

As an individual you can help to spread the joy of reading by organising a book swap with your friends or at work. Donate unwanted books to local charities and libraries. If you’re a member of a library, take a friend who isn’t and encourage them to sign up. Finally, share what you’re doing for World Book Night on social media to inspire others to participate – don’t forget to include #WorldBookNight !