Ginge Reads

The debut novel from British-Ghanaian writer, Caleb Azumah Nelson, Open Water is the story that every contemporary book lover is raving about. Framed by a glorious celebration of Black art and culture, this gem of a book deserves pride of place on your bookshelf. The story follows two young Black Londoners, a photographer and a dancer, who are trying to both navigate the world and survive through it. Tentatively, tenderly, they fall in love. But fear and violence are determined to tear them apart. Written from a second person perspective, this is a stunning debut that looks at what it means to be defined as little more than a Black body in the twenty-first century. It's so beautifully powerful and compelling, you could take any one part of it and easily turn it into poetry.  "You have always thought if you opened your mouth in open water you would drown, but if you didn't open your mouth you would suffocate. So here you are, drowning." Open Water is the sort of novel ...

For any bookworms with a bookcase that is, frankly, getting out of hand, there is a perfect UK website that has recently been absolutely bossing the game. Need to get rid of some old books? Want to swap them out for some newer titles? Then y ou'll find your newest bookish obsession with  Bookswap UK. Bookswap UK is a fantastic website that lets you swap your unwanted books for another's second-hand ones, simply by paying for postage. For every book you send, you get a point to use on a book for yourself - it's as easy as that! 1 point = 1 book for you! Curate a wishlist so that you can get notified when a particular book becomes available for swapping, and browse the most popular swapped books for a bit of inspiration. Books are easy to post out through Hermes, and its a brilliant and economical way to refresh your shelves! @bookswapuk on Instagram Photo credits: @catchmewritingwordy For anyone new to the site, here are our top tips to help you get the most out of Bookswap...

Everything you need to know about Once Upon a Broken Heart - the upcoming new release from Stephanie Garber, bestselling author of the Caraval series. Release Date: 30th September 2021 Once Upon a Broken Heart (Cover to be released) After being met with such huge success for her first series, the anticipation has never been higher to see what Stephanie Garber will release next. In December 2020, she sent book-lovers everywhere into a spin with the announcement of her latest book, which will be set in the same world as Caraval, but focusing on a new protagonist. Garber has assured us that it is not necessary to read Caraval first, but the book will answer some much sought after questions about everyone's favourite Prince of Hearts, Jacks. So what do we know so far about the new release? Once Upon a Broken Heart will be published by Hodder & Stoughton, with whom Garber has a two book deal, so we can fairly safely say that the book will be part of a duology (or perhaps more)....

So long 2020! With the year we've just had, I think we can safely say that we all deserve some TLC in the form of new books. And this year there are some absolute crackers due to be released. Whether you're into fantasy or non-fiction, series or standalones, it's time to break that book ban! January (26th) A Vow So Bold and Deadly (The Cursebreaker Series #3) -  Bridgid Kemmerer Bridgid Kemmerer's heart-pounding saga comes to a thrilling climax as two kingdoms come closer and closer to conflict - and an old enemy resurfaces who could destroy them all. Bloomsbury PLC , Paperback £6.39 on Amazon.com February (4th) The Gilded Ones - Namina Forna Set in a West African-inspired Ancient Kingdom under oppressive rule, Forna's breathtaking novel follows sixteen-year-old Deka and her quest to discover her destiny as a near-immortal with magical powers Usborne Publishing , Paperback £7.37 on Amazon.com (16th) A Court of Silver Flames - Sarah J. Maas Bloomsbury PLC In this hi...

Whether you're an avid reader, curious about a rave review or you just pick up the occasional book once every year, it is likely that you will have heard of (or even have an account with) Goodreads. But more recently, another website has begun to take over, and for good reason. Goodreads is an American-based book cataloguing site, where users can track their reading habits, write reviews and generally discuss the world of books. It is a wonderful place for book nerds to get recommendations and connect with bookish friends, and it has become quite prestigious in recent years.  Initially launched back in 2007, the site is now owned by Amazon and has approximately 80 million worldwide users . But with recent movements away from Amazon (particularly on platforms such as Instagram's Bookstagram ), a new website is stealing the spotlight, and it is better than ever. The StoryGraph  The StoryGraph is another bookish social media site, but which has infinitely better features. It...

Everyone has their favourite Disney classic - that particular magical kingdom, badass animal sidekick or West End worthy song that you can't help but belt at the top of your lungs. And some authors have taken that love one step further to create whole sequels, alternative endings and general twisted tales of the classic films. Below are some of the best of the best to help you satisfy your Disney cravings long after the final credits have finished rolling. Cinderella (Original film released in 1950): Cinderella is Dead by Kaylnn Bayron It's 200 years since Cinderella found her prince, but the fairy-tale is over. Sophia knows the story, though, off by heart. Because every girl has to recite it daily, from when she's tiny until she's sent to the royal ball for choosing. And every girl knows that she has only one chance. For the lives of those not chosen by a man at the ball... are forfeit. But Sophia doesn't want to be chosen - she's in love with her best friend, ...