Dear Students and Staff,

As we fast approach the end of the year, here are some suggestions to make the most of the holidays and a well-deserved break after a tough year for all.

Library website

Remember that the Library website can be accessed directly from the student portal page on the JMSS website:

It can also be accesses through our portal links. Click through our website to keep track of all things library including news and resources: Direct link to site here

Goodreads New Year Reading Challenge:

Every year Goodreads has a reading challenge that you can set for yourself. It allows you to choose how many books you would like to read as you keep track of your reading throughout the year. Setting a goal and getting closer to it each month is a great motivator and lots of fun.

Setting up a Goodreads account lets you add in all the books you’ve read and would like to read and gives you a snapshot of your year in books. If you haven’t set up a Goodreads account it’s a fun way to enjoy your personal reading. You can also add friends and see what your friends are reading as well as receive tailored book recommendations based on your book ratings. So set up your Goodreads account and be ready to set your own 2021 reading challenge whatever that may be!

eBooks

Wherever you may be on your holiday, you are only a click away from accessing our eBooks with lots of fresh titles!

New books at the library:

Hopefully you were able to pick up some holiday reads from the library but remember that you can always visit your local library, if you aren’t already a member it’s a great holiday project ☺ you can use the below as inspiration for good books to find.

His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust Vol. 1&2 by Philip Pullman

Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Dracul by Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker

The Martian Menace – The further adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Eric Brown

The tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

The rise and fall of the dinosaurs by Steve Brusatte

Solved! By Andrew Wear

The pandemic century by Mark Honingsbaum

Please see our full list of new print books as well as Lamont Reviewed books on the website links below. We have received lots of new fiction, non-fiction and true story collection resources so there are new titles for everyone.

New books at the library

New Lamont Reviews

December Book Review: About a Boy by Nick Hornby

About a Boy is a great feel-good book - perfect for a holiday read. The book is written through the eyes of 36 year old Will, who has a carefree lifestyle with little responsibility. When Will meets Marcus (a 12 year old boy struggling to fit in) the two form an unlikely friendship each helping the other to navigate the difficulties and absences in their lives. Marcus’ mother has brought him up to value life outside of mainstream and pop-culture to the point where he feels ‘tragically unhip’ whereas Will struggles to find depth in his life and highly values his independent lifestyle. I enjoyed the subtle British humour throughout this book which ultimately leaves you feeling positive about embracing your own weirdness and in empathizing with others. This book is all about human relationships and the power they have to help us evolve where we couldn’t/may not have alone.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday break!

Take Care All

Ms. Veldsman

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