The KU Big Read is an award-winning book sharing initiative whereby a panel of judges made up of students and staff across the University select a book to be given free to students, staff, and the wider community.
Each year, staff and students suggest titles and the list is then filtered according to key criteria resulting in a six-book shortlist.
Professor Alison Baverstock, Director of The KU Big Read said: “The shortlist for this year’s Big Read is really excellent. We are thrilled that such major authors and publishers want to work with us, and look forward to offering our ninth Big Read to Kingston – and the wider community with whom we share.
This year’s shortlist is:
Just Sayin’ by Malorie Blackman: funny, frank, and full of life lessons, this book tells a deeply personal life story of Malorie Blackman.
Hello world by Hannah Fry: this is a book about humans – who we are, where we are going, and how that is changing through technology.
Lesson in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: young chemist, Elizabeth Zott challenges what it means to be a woman in a male-dominated society.
A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins: thrilling and unforgettable tale of mystery about a young man who was murdered in a London houseboat.
Life ceremony by Sayaka Murata: this book is a widely interesting take on body horror, feminist revenge fables, romance, empathy, and transformation.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness: this is a fantasy novel about a teenage boy coming to terms with his mother’s terminal illness.
The project won the prestigious Times Higher Education Award for Widening Participation and outreach in 2017.
The voting ends in the first week of May and the winning title is expected to be announced at the end of that month.
Amelia Jones 
Hermione Marszalek