"Stories can be healing. If we’re drowning in chaotic thoughts of our own, to step inside someone else’s head, just for a while, is a kind of freedom." ~ Ann Cleeves

Reading is low-cost, accessible, brings us simple pleasure & is an excellent mindful activity to help take care of your wellbeing & mental health. Did you know that reading can reduce stress?

Reading for just 6 minutes a day can reduce your stress levels by 60%! It can lower your heart rate, ease muscle tension & positively alter your state of mind. Losing yourself in a book is the ultimate relaxation.

With Book Lovers Day 2025 falling in August, we asked members of our team to share some of their favourite books & tell us a little bit about their current reads. Take a look...

Rose is reading: The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer 

"I have just finished Bob Mortimer's debut novel, The Satsuma Complex. It’s, funny, surreal & absurd in places, but it makes for a good 'who dunnit' murder story. The story focuses on loneliness, lack of identity & cultural, moral corruption. It's characters are confused but compelling. An exploration of love, loss & everything in between. Apparently Bob has written a couple more books too, so will definitely be looking out for them." 

Dani is reading: The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak 

"This was the first of Elif Shafak's novels that I have read. The book draws on the traditions & folklore of Cyprus, exploring history & human emotion amongst a backdrop of war & healing. Injustices & loss are intertwined with love & discovering a new peace. Powerful, poignant & full of compassion ~ I could not put it down & could almost sense the smells & tastes of Cyprus through her words! I've since read two more of Shafak's novels & they are just as enchanting & moving." 

Feeling inpired to try a new book...? There's plenty of novels to choose from at our home here at Blackburn Central Library!

You can find out more about 'Reading For Wellbeing' here - a project supporting people to discover & share the benefits of reading for pleasure, founded by author Ann Cleeves as a way to give something back to the homeland of her beloved north east detective character: Vera.

Reading For Wellbeing