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In celebration of Inspire's 10th year and the National Year of Reading, Inspire's Favourite Reads is a collection of titles loved by our readers. The books featured have been chosen by our staff and readers, and were shortlisted by our knowledgeable librarians based on popularity. We are now pleased to present our top 10, as voted for by you!
1st Place
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
A twisty coming-of age story following Kya, a young girl in 1960s America, who has survived alone for years in the marsh she calls home.
Originally nominated by Jill, District Library Manager
2nd Place
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Arguably the inspiration for the epic fantasy genre, this classic has action, romance, loyalty, betrayal and friendship on a quest to overcome dark forces.
Originally nominated by Rebecca, Inspire Learning tutor
3rd Place
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
In 1939 Nazi Germany, 9 year old foster-child Liesel grows to love books in these dangerous times where death has never been busier.
Nominated by Niamh at West Bridgford Library
Runners up
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
The haunting story of a young girl consumed by love and the struggle to find her identity in the shadow of the previous Mrs de Winter.
Nominated by Lesley at Retford Library
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The hilarious cult classic following the adventures of ordinary man Arthur Dent, accidentally hitchhiking through space with a cast of eccentric characters.
Nominated by Wendy at Arnold Library
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A thought-provoking novel about Nora, who is given the chance to see how her life might have been if she'd made different choices.
Nominated by Ellie, Librarian
There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
A dazzling story about one lost poem, two great rivers and three remarkable lives - spanning centuries and continents, and all connected by a single drop of water.
Nominated by Steve at Ask Inspire
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
In this comic crime bestseller, four elderly care home residents with a cold-case investigation club end up in the midst of a murder investigation.
Nominated by our librarians, as one of our readers' favourites!
Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
A classic novel about passion and loyalty, following the rise and fall in fortunes of Bathseba Everdene, and her relationships with three very different suitors.
Nominated by Joanne at Retford Library
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Piranesi explores "The House" and discovers mysteries which force him to question everything he thought he knew about his strange world. 2021 Women's Prize Winner.
Nominated by Alex at Stapleford Library
