Kazhaw Rashid, Iraq
‘“How do I begin making a lasting change?” A question that has been haunting me for so long.
This simple yet effective book helped me sort that out!
It has a powerful message about the fear of change, and how to motivate people to face the future and take action.’
Charles Douglas, Canada
‘For someone who hoped as a child he would become a librarian, studying in the UK has been a dream! Whole weeks of my break were spent between the specialist library at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and the spectacular British Library. Here is a photo showing the books I read just over Christmas!
Preparing for a new term of study, I have a small pile of new books sitting on my desk. You can see a few of them in my second photo. Joan Wildeblood’s “The Polite World” has been particularly interesting. Her writing has informed the sessions in period etiquette and deportment that I’ve been leading for acting students at Central. In addition, it has offered me a fascinating look into British history and culture.
So, if anyone is looking for me over the next few weeks, start your search in a library!’
Abeer Ghaffoori, Iraq
‘I bought this book from an old man at an Oxford street market. I paid just £1 for it! It’s such an amazing book that talks about the fundamentals of drawing and mixing colours. I love to draw so this book is very precious to me.’
Zanele Sikhondze, Eswatini
‘You can always find me at the University of Stirling in the computing section of the library. Often, some nice Scottish tea will be on hand to accompany my reading.’
Lawrenta Igoh, Nigeria
‘Like the maxim, “tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn”, coming to the UK and studying at Solent University, Southampton has not only challenged my reading habits but also further prepared me for a world of endless discoveries.
After my enrolment for the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice course, I had imagined (before arriving to the UK) that it would be easy and effortless considering my years of professional experience as a Law Enforcement Officer. Reality only started to dawn on me when I saw the reading list which consisted of 31 books and journals. And this was only the first class; one lecturer, one session… it seemed too many!
Days turned into weeks and essays and assignments were being set with loads more readings being given within short timeframes. Gradually, the library became home and I started to feel overwhelmed with my reading lists. In four months in the UK, I had spent more time in the library than I had in all of my previous years of education. The irony seems to be that the more I read, the less I realise I know.
Indeed, learning is more than just classrooms, lessons, and schemes of work; there is power in knowledge acquired from self-discovery through reading.
Right now, I have 20 books sitting on my shelves which I haven’t read yet and I have come to the realisation that I will never read all of the books that there are to read – and that’s OK.’
6. LIFE ON PLANET B
Dito Adisuryo, Indonesia
‘This book, written by Mike Berners-Lee, is a perfect combination of pointers on the academic courses and the entertaining narratives of our changing-climate world. If you, Cheveners, are enthusiastic to explore the immense issues of our humankind – from climate and environment, energy, biodiversity, and future technologies, either as a first-reader or an advanced-learner, this book is recommended for completing your list.
Realising that our humankind now has better opportunities to live and grow, this book becomes a useful reminder in your backpack or handbag on how we should avoid the possibilities of making catastrophic choices in our current and future activities. In this book, you may find the straightforward descriptions and brief discussions on how we should rethink and reshape our perspectives in facing the global challenges on our climate, environment, and economy.
Reading these enjoyable chapters with some satirical laughs, we might discover that our modern civilisation actually has potential to enhance the benefits of our planet. However, either at the international, national, or local level, the problems are whether we are really aware, have the will to commit, and do so. And whenever we might forget or ignore these issues, we actually just have to remember: there is no planet B!’
‘Written lucidly by the well-known British naturalist, Sir David Attenborough, “Life on Earth” is an extended version of his previous same-titled publication released 40 years ago. Celebrating his first book’s 40th anniversary, he has compiled scientific researches and expeditions from all over the world, from the density of tropical rainforests, to the depth of blue seas, and the wilderness of savannas.
In this book, he narratively illustrates the evolutionary dynamics of various species and living things with their habitats. Therefore, this book has become an in-depth writing masterpiece of the series of his years of discoveries, filmed in “Seven Worlds, One Planet,” which covers all seven continents.
For all Cheveners, without any doubt, from several books in my list, I would like to suggest this book for your fabulous reading and our part of studying in the UK, reflecting that we are global citizens sharing one earth with billions of living creatures; co-existencing in the biologically-active and ecologically-burdened environment.
Indeed, we have greater tasks as young people to solve the havoc on how to deal with sharing between people and the biodiversity in these climatic changes of our world, as Sir David encourages young generations to take the baton of noble tasks in flourishing our green and blue home.’
Paweena Sribuachum, Thailand
‘On the first day of second term, I headed to the library in order to return all books I had borrowed for last term’s assignments. I faced an eye-catching book titled, “Teach Like You Imagine It”. After I swiftly glanced through it, I noticed that reading this entire book thoroughly, was one of my must-dos. Kevin Lister, the author, presented a new perspective on this career when it came with a potential toxic workload to be an incredible profession by his recommended daily strategies such as always looking for the positive, complementing others, and taking a moment to recall the funniest and most heart-warming parts of the day. Lastly, I absolutely agree with the author that “teaching is awesome” and I would love to do my best for this awesome task.
Another incredible book is “Bristol Remembered” by David Harrison. It gave me a glimpse into the past of the city in which I live. It is a fascinating collection of articles compiled from the Bristol Evening Post’s weekly supplement, “Bristol Times”. I was inspired to explore and trace this book by travelling and reading the history of each place. Beginning with the stunning view of the Bristol Suspension Bridge compared with its old picture. Then I went to College Green with picturesque green lawns in front of the Bristol City Hall. The author also revealed remarkable stories about people who have lived, worked, or passed through Bristol. The more I read, the more I am grateful for living here now, my beloved Bristol.’
Thank you to all of our scholars who submitted pictures and stories to this theme.
To submit your own pictures and stories to the latest themes, please check your most recent Scholargram for submission details.
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