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The Reading List cover art

The Reading List

By: Sara Nisha Adams, Paul Panting
Narrated by: Sagar Arya, Tara Divina, Paul Panting
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Summary

A new chapter is just beginning....

A finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards for Fiction 2021!

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 heart-warming, 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....

©2021 Sara Nisha Adams (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

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)

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What listeners say about The Reading List

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loved it

I loved this book from start to finish. the characters were believable and their relationships were touching.

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Heartwarming book about libraries

Heartwarming book about libraries and the wonder that getting lost in a book brings.

Enjoyed the different characters and how their ages were different and then found common ground in reading.

Easy read. Enjoyed the community feeling.

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Such a wonderful story!

This book has been the best one for me for a while! I have enjoyed listening to every word so well read! A well written story that could be inspirational for many!

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Hard at first but worth the read

This was a little frustrating at first I couldn’t get into it but once it got underway and I knew all the characters I found it a lovely book

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Beautiful Book

Warm, empathetic characters, so well written. I couldn't put it down. No big highs or lows, a story that wends its way through loss, sadness and love. so beautifully written

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A heartwarming story of friendship, love and loss and the power of books.,

Well drawn characters whom we see grow, change and develop during the story. It is well narrated and the books read within it add an extra dimension to the story. Some of my favourite books are included within this book and it is like revisiting old friends but through new eyes. I loved The Reading List

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What a wonderful book!

I have loved listening to this book. Such a wonderful story, I want to go to that library! Love the characters. Thoroughly recommend it.

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A Book Full of Hope

The stories and characters woven through this book work beautifully to bring hope to those who are sad, grieving or struggling with life’s troubles.
Maybe we’d all be better off ditching the preachy ‘self help’ tomes and looking at how our favourite fictional characters cope or learn to deal with similar situations! Losing yourself in a good book offers more comfort anyway!
I very much enjoyed this book, the characters are interesting, there is fun, sadness, friendship and so much hope - just a perfect life-affirming listen.

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Lovely uplifting story

Not all happy ever after but comforting and original / good range of characters too . Recommended

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A heartwarming listen

I found this a warm heartwarming listen on Audible. Characters were gently woven together … and whilst some of the storyline was predictable I found that this brought a contentment that you had grown to know the characters. The narration was lovely and brought life to the characters.

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