World Book Night is the annual celebration of books and reading on 23 April that brings people from all backgrounds together for one reason – to inspire others to read more. Presented by The Reading Agency in partnership with Specsavers, in 2021 they are celebrating their 10th anniversary with a special “Books to Make You Smile” theme with their lead ambassador, Sandi Toksvig.
There are some online events that you can join on the 23rd
6-7pm: Kazuo Ishiguro in conversation with Kate Mosse
7-8pm: #ReadingHour
8-9pm: World Book Night presents: Books to Make You Smile, hosted by Sandi Toksvig
Find out about these free events and how to join.
We have luckily been given 160 copies of A dutiful boy, by Moshin Zaidi. Which we will be giving out FREE.
Discover this powerful coming of age memoir about growing up queer in a strict Muslim household.
Mohsin grew up in a poor pocket of east London, in a devout shia Muslim community. His family were close-knit and religiously conservative. From a young age, Mohsin felt different but in a home where being gay was inconceivable he also felt very alone.
Outside of home Mohsin went to a failing inner city school where gang violence was a fact of life. As he grew up life didn’t seem to offer teenage Mohsin any choices: he was disenfranchised from opportunity and isolated from his family as a closet gay Muslim.
But Mohsin had incredible drive and became the first person from his school to go to Oxford University. At university came the newfound freedom to become the man his parents never wanted him to be. But when he was confronted by his father and a witch doctor invited to ‘cure’ him Mohsin had to make a difficult choice.
Mohsin’s story takes harrowing turns but it is full of life and humour, and, ultimately, it is an inspiring story about breaking through life’s barriers.
To get your free copy of this book* come over to the area just outside Refresh on Friday afternoon from 2:30 – 4:30 and pick up a copy. If you can’t wait to get your hands on a copy just ask at the library lending desk and they will be able to give you one.
At a later date we will meet up online to discuss this book at the University #OneMorePage book group, which everyone is very welcome to attend.
*While stocks last