World Book Day is Here : Find out what the team love to read

Journey Under the Midnight Sun Keigo Higashino

Yaning Wang

Fulfilment Manager

"I am a big fan of suspense books, and Journey Under the Midnight Sun is without doubt Keigo Higashino's most famous long-form suspense novel. This book centres around a serial murder case based on love and humanity in the era of Japan's bubble economy. The book cleverly weaves many of Japan's social issues into the fore, such as the commercial turmoil of the time, people's adherence to individualism, the belief in the supremacy of money, as well as complex social and familial relationships, all suggesting that there are ethical and moral distortions in the dark corners. As someone who has studied both Japanese and Japanese culture over the years, I found this a really fascinating take on these aspects - leading me to discover the many other sides of the society .

The protagonists this read couldn't be further apart - a boy, a girl, and a policeman who insists on investigating the case. Whilst he girl is among the upper classes of Japan - as pure as snow - the boy, is at the very lowest of rungs. After 19 years of police investigation, the truth of the matter is finally revealed. This novel continues Keigo Higashino's usual style. The tense and constantly reversing plot fascinated me deeply and after reading it, I felt both enlightened in the mind and heavy in the heart.”

A Crack in Forever 

Jeannie Brewer

Jasmyn Ghotra

ECommerce Manager

"A book and story that has stayed with me since I read it around a decade ago. This was recommended to me in my early twenties - dog eared and yellowing, I had little idea it would have such an impact on me. A moving love story which explores the dichotomy of stability over adventure, as well as secrets kept and ravaging illness head-on with sincerity and tenderness. I revisit this book every couple of years - typically on the heels of my having just recommended it to someone else - and sob every time. 

Honorary mention goes to China Room by Sunjeev Sahota - Mehar, a young bride in 1929’s rural Punjab is trying to figure out the identity of her husband. Having married one of three brothers in a single ceremony alongside her two sisters-in-law, she spends her days working hard in the family’s ‘china room.’ Sequestered from contact with the brothers, she longs for glimpses of them beneath her thick veil, and when she develops a theory as to which of the men belongs to her, a passion is ignited that will put more than one life at risk. It is a gripping, dual-narrative tale that centers the reader in a bewitching and swelteringly hot Punjab. Beautifully written, it has a yearning and heady quality which explores many of India’s contentious themes - religion, caste, sex and ultimately love - both forbidden and taboo - which as anyone knows, is often the seed for rampant rumour."

Crazy Rich Asians

Kevin Kwan 

Rachel MacFarlane

Merchandiser

The Crazy Rich Asians trilogy of books by Kevin Kwan first hit shelves in 2013, quickly becoming a global bestseller. The series opens with Crazy Rich Asians, which introduces readers to Rachel Chu, a Chinese-American professor who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick Young, for a wedding. What Rachel doesn't realize is that Nick is heir to one of the wealthiest families in Asia, and his relatives are not only fabulously rich but also deeply entrenched in high-society drama.

The trilogy: Crazy Rich Asians, China Rich Girlfriend, and Rich People Problem, follows Rachel’s journey through the world of Asia’s ultra-elite. It’s a blend of humour, romance, and intrigue as Rachel navigates family expectations and the overwhelming world of luxury, all while trying to figure out where she fits in Nick's opulent world.

Our Rachel shares, "These books had me hooked on the extravagant lives of Asia’s ultra-elite families. It’s a light-hearted read that also offers a fascinating look at a world I knew little about. The footnotes throughout the books were really helpful in understanding the luxury and culture of these families."

But Rachel also discovered some lovely books last year, including The Girl With The Louding Voice by Abi Daré and Go As A River by Shelley Read. “Both gave me a deeper understanding of different cultures and times.” The Girl With The Louding Voice opened my eyes to life in Nigeria, and Go As A River took me to rural 1950s America, which was a world I had never encountered before.”

What the Day owes the night Yasmina Khadra

Bianca Chindris

Intern

"What the Day Owes the Night by Yasmina Khadra is a deeply emotional book that captivated readers since its release. 

Set during Algeria’s fight for independence, the story follows Jonas, a young man caught between his dual French and Algerian identity. With the years passing, the book explores not only the political problems of the time but also Jonas’ personal struggles with love, identity and the consequences of his choices. 

This book has been my favourite for eight years, and I've never found one that could make me feel the same way. The original title of the book is Ce que le jour doit à la nuit, as it was written in French, however with its growing popularity in the 2010s, an English translation was eventually released. 

The way it’s narrated, and how Jonas’ internal conflicts are portrayed, gave me a sense of understanding for my own journey growing up. We all go through moments where we question, ‘What am I doing? Who am I?’ Even though the story is centered around Jonas’ dual identity, the book clearly shows how our actions have consequences, which was a great lesson I could learn from. I also have to mention that the book is incredibly moving as it's a deeply emotional journey, so be prepared for some tears as you read."