We had a fanastic response to our recent social media competition asking you to tell us the books that got you through lockdown, based on our new blog series which was kicked off by the lovely Lynn Truss.
There was a wonderful array of books including classics from Agatha Christie, gritty post apocolyptic novel The Road, bookshop favourite The Salt Path, right up to the bestseller from last year The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse. The judges had a hard time picking our top five, all of whom will receive a bookish goodie bag, while the winner also gets a £10 Medina Bookshop voucher.
Winner – Kieran Ward
Llama Drama by Anna McNuff
Transported me from our little while isle to the deepest depths of South America. A cracking read that truthfully reflects the trials and tribulations of a long bike packing journey (turns out these are relatable to everyday events too!). It’s a get up and go book which encouraged me to explore other parts of the Island by bike or on foot over the lockdowns.
Runner-up – @aethelmead_1066
The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel
No matter how bad things were I haven’t had to face the wrath or ickle nature on Henry VIII!
Runner-up – Julie Dixon
The Wedge by Scott Carney
It’s because of this book I faced my fear and got in the sea in November and have carried on through the winter. It is bloody cold but just makes you feel alive
Runner-up – Elliot Mellark
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
I completely escaped into this book. It made me feel better about my situation within the world. I completely fell in love with the characters and I still think about this book every day since I read it.
Runner-up – Mary Vine
Stay Sharp – Build a Better Brain at Any Age by Dr Sanjay Gupta
After the introduction it’s so interesting and encouraging. It’s about all your functions depending on your brain, and fab info that anyone can start using. Avoiding unseen dementia building during one’s middle years, and emerging 60+ is a main aim but advises what one can do even in the midst of it. I’m fitter since beginning to read it! Much more enjoyable that it sounds!
Some of your other lockdown reads
These Witches don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Enid by Robert Wainwright
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
An Archive of Happiness by Elizabeth Reeder
Romany and Tom by Ben Watt
The Binding by Bridget Collins
Sword in the Storm by David Gemmel
Circe by Madeline Miller
Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson
Sunday Philosophy Club series by Alexander McCall Smith
No1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith