For the last 6 months or so, I’ve been using the library a LOT. I’ve been doing a lot more reading than usual and I know that if I let myself loose in a bookstore, my bank account would be seriously suffering, with all the books I want to read at the moment. We have a few great libraries near us, so I figured I would make the most of them.

It would break my heart to see libraries close so if there’s a library near you, please use it! It can save you money – loads of money – if you’re an avid reader and book lover like me!

I like a range of genres but one of my favourites is YA. And this is the genre I’m reading most at the moment, so you might see some books in this post that have recently been featured in my February Reading Wrap-Up post. There’s a dedicated section to YA and teen books in the library that I appear to be slowly working my way through!

Here are 7 library books that I’ve loved recently:

 

Dear Life by Rachel Clarke

I’m a big fan of non-fiction and in particular, medical non-fiction. Not because I’m morbid but because I find it fascinating and important. Dear Life was a book I knew I needed to pick up, after reading Your Life in My Hands by Rachel Clarke last year.

Dear Life is a raw and honest account of life as a palliative care doctor, the problems facing the NHS and the importance of human connection and tenderness in a person’s last months or days.

The Ocean At the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

This book was simply magic in every sense of the word. Coraline is my favourite film and one of my favourite books; Neil Gaiman’s imagination just captured me in that story. So reading The Ocean At the End of the Lane, I had a lot of expectations. 

For an older audience than Coraline (I think) but it no way loses any of it’s magic and splendor. Neil Gaiman is mesmerizing. This story is strange and captivating and beautiful and weird. I loved it.

SLAY by Brittney Morris

I rated SLAY 5 stars before I’ve even finished the book – I absolutely LOVED IT. I read The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris last year and enjoyed it but but SLAY. Wowzers. SLAY is on another level of brilliance.

SLAY is a firecracker of a novel. The main character, Kiera, is fantastic. Intellectually brilliant. She creates a whole Virtual Reality game – SLAY – for black people to enjoy and come to duel with others and allow them a space to feel seen with their shared histories. Likely a favourite of 2022 for me!

Snowflake, AZ by Marcus Sadgwick

Arguably this is the book on this list that the least happens in. Think The Catcher in the Rye type nothing happens. But unlike with CitR, I really enjoyed Snowflake, AZ. I thought it was an unusual and interesting premise.

You’ll see from the reviews that a lot of people did struggle with how slow paced this book was so if slow isn’t your thing, I’d probably avoid this one. I found the characters intriguing and the ideas around health and invisible illness important.

Jemima Small Versus the Universe by Tamsin Winter

Jemima Small Versus the Universe is a very teen book but I don’t mind them because I find them easy to read and a nice escape from more hard-hitting and difficult reads. This book was a delight to read though. It took me a while to get into but I loved Jemima from the get-go.

This is a fantastic book about body positivity and self-esteem. It’ll likely hit on a variety of feelings we’ve all had growing up (and probably still do have to this day, even as adults). A wonderful read!

Nowhere on Earth by Nick Lake

I absolutely ADORED Nowhere on Earth. It so wasn’t what I was expecting when I went into it but I think sometimes, that’s the best thing. When you’re completely caught off guard. I won’t spoil anything with this one but I’d just recommend reading it.

I loved the setting of the mountains, the relationship between the two main characters and the utterly beautiful, almost poetic prose at times. This book really made me think – which is the kinda book I love!

All the Things We Never Said by Yasmin Rahman

I really enjoyed All the Things We Never Said and loved how open and honest the dialogue was about mental illness. Although I would say, take some MAJOR trigger warnings for mental illness, depression, suicide, SH, anxiety, abuse and r*pe for this one. I think you could probably guess from the blurb that it’s not going to be a particularly light read.

Saying that, there were some really important moments and messages within this book; especially among the three girls and friendship. It really does show the power of friendship and support and having people around you that understand and don’t judge. A really interesting premise – but certainly not suitable for everyone.

I am planning to hold fire on the library visits for a while as I have SO many bookshelf TBR books to read and if I keep going to the library, I’ll never get around to them. But I just adore the library; it’s such a peaceful and safe space to me and what a wonderful and magical thing it is, to be able to read all these books for free.

Do you still go to the library? Have you read any of these books? Let me know your thoughts!

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47 Comments

  1. Glad to meet a fellow library lover!! I have always borrowed books from my local library and can never understand why more people don’t use them. I think maybe a lot of it is down to the easy and relatively cheap availability of books to order online, but the library is both the free and most sustainable choice! : )

  2. I mainly go to the library for my daughter, but not so much for myself. They do have an English section, but there is not much variety so I often use the Libby app instead to borrow books. Also SLAY is on my TBR so it’s great to hear that you loved it and I am quite intrigued by Neil Gaiman’s book.

  3. I used to utilize the library so much in my hometown. Since moving I have not looked into one. I miss the quiet atmosphere and the reading connections made there. Great post!

  4. I’m so happy to find another big library supporter! I adore mine for it’s extensive audiobook catalog and the fact I can recommend (and they usually buy) audiobooks. All The Things We Never Said sounds amazing – I’ll check that one out. Thanks for sharing!

  5. I love the selection you have here; it’s reminded me that I really should visit my local library again (it’s been a while). They refurbished it a few years ago and I never got around to checking it out!

  6. An interesting mix of books, I don’t think any of them are ones that I’ve come across or would particularly choose. But I always find it interesting to see what others are reading

  7. I haven’t been to a library in a while, but this inspires me to do that. It’s always such a fun experience and it’s free! Happy that you got some great reads recently!

  8. I love visiting the library, or I should say libraries. Try to visit one each week at least. Love your selection of books, very curious about Dear Life!

  9. I think that libraries are SO important, so it’s awesome to see another person appreciate them! Libraries are truly a gift and I hope that funding can continue to be provided for them, as they add so much to individual communities. As for the books you’ve featured, I really, really want to read The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I was actually just thinking about that book the other day – so funny that you’ve featured it in your post! It must be a sign that it’s time for me to pick it up. <3 Thanks for sharing!

    xoxo,
    Sydney

    http://www.thelotuslist.com

  10. I haven’t been to a library in a long time, but I do walk in occasionally and check out the new releases. Great roundup of books.

  11. First of all I remember having a library card from about 4 years old up until 18 and it was the best thing ever! I used to use it all the time because of course like you said it is FREE and that was important to me when I didn’t want to use my parents money. However, I don’t actually know why I stopped using it because it is great like you mention to be able to access these books all the time, plus it does mean that you don’t constantly buy books that take up so much space if like me you are limited with space! Also I have not read any of these and I needed a little book inspiration so thanks for sharing x

  12. I haven’t been to the library in so long. These all look so good – I am sucker for a good cover! Thank you for sharing the books you have been enjoying.

    Lauren x

  13. I really need to make an effort and go to the library more. This seems like a really great selection. I love the sound of All The Things We Never Said, will add it to my TBR.

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