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The Reading List

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About this listen

A new chapter is just beginning…

*A finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards for Fiction 2021!*

‘A love letter to books, reading and the power of connection – absolutely gorgeous’ Sunday Times bestseller, RUTH WARE

When Aleisha discovers a crumpled reading list tucked into a tattered library book, it sparks an extraordinary journey.

From timeless stories of love and friendship to an epic journey across the Pacific Ocean with a boy and a tiger in a boat, the list opens a gateway to new and wonderful worlds – just when Aleisha needs an escape from her troubles at home.

And when widower Mukesh arrives at the library, desperate to connect with his bookworm granddaughter, Aleisha introduces him to the magic of the reading list. An anxious teenager and a lonely grandfather forming an unlikely book club of two.

Inspiring and heartwarming, The Reading List is a love letter to storytelling – its power to transport us, connect us, and remind us that a new beginning is only a page away…

A real heart-lifter . . . . A joyful, uplifting read’ Good Housekeeping

‘A gorgeous debut novel about the power reading has to bring people together, no matter the barriers of age, culture and class’ Red

©2021 Sara Nisha Adams (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited City Life Family Life Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Urban Feel-Good Heartfelt Inspiring

Critic reviews

"The story is an absolute joy. I loved the way Aleisha and Mukesh found their lives entwined thanks to the power of books.... A captivating and exquisitely crafted debut." (Sunday Times best-selling author Heidi Swain)

"If you love books, read this. If you love people, read this. If you love crying with sadness, crying with happiness and feeling like you have been wrapped in the blanket of someone else's life, read this." (Debbie Johnson)

"The Reading List absolutely captures the magic of reading and of libraries. I felt a part of Mukesh and Aleisha's book club, revisiting some of my favourite novels alongside these new friends." (Louise Hare)

All stars
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This book is everything I could have possibly asked for. Hearing it was like being wrapped in a warm hug the whole time. The writing is beautiful – so warm and utterly pulls you in. It made me grin, it made me laugh and it also made me cry along the way. Told with such tenderness, it’s a story I’m recommending to everyone I know!

Joy in a book 💛💛💛💛

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The performances are excellent bringing to life each character. A beautiful, and gentle story about life and love from the perspective of an elderly man and a teenage girl. Loved it.

Beautiful and poignant

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Beautifully written and I loved all the characters. Made me want to pick up some classics!

Gorgeous book

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Ahhh I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and the narrators did a fantastic job bringing them to life, made you feel like you actually lived the book. Love it 😊

Love mukesh

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a sweet story with unexpected elements...it did not end as I had expected. it has tempted me to read somebofvthe books mentioned...which is an odd outcome. Will I remember this book in the long term....not really sure

an undemanding read

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