Libraries across Lanarkshire are becoming more popular than ever as the ‘six books challenge’ gets into full swing.

The challenge sees participants pick six books to read over a six month period.

All books read are recorded in the participants reading diary and those who complete the challenge will be entered into a prize draw.

Joshua Cheyne, knowledge services officer, said: “Reading for pleasure can help people relax, help develop confidence and self-esteem and can promote enjoyment and wellbeing.

“We hope that the challenge will encourage staff to enjoy reading, including those who are new to reading for pleasure and those who have fallen out of the habit.

“Another aim is to increase the usage of NHS and public libraries and to develop friendships and communication across staff groups.

“Whether you enjoy novels, graphic novels, poetry or eBooks, we encourage you to pick six books that you will enjoy and take some time for yourself on your break or at home.

“If you are an avid reader, then we suggest that you challenge yourself and read something that you may never have approached before.”

To sign up for the challenge and to receive your reading diary, email josh.cheyne@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk or call 01698 366316.

NHS Lanarkshire Chair Neena Mahal takes up the challenge

Neena Mahal’s copy of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ has all the signs of a well read and loved book.

With its highlighted sections and annotated margins, the book has taken pride of place in her collection, since it was bought in her school days.

Neena said: “This book is my childhood favourite as it is written through the eyes of a child.

“There are several moral lessons held within its pages including innocence, suffering and good over evil.

“I find it striking how things have moved on in society since this book was set.”

Another book close to Neena’s heart is ‘Little Women’, receiving her first copy as a prize at primary school.

Neena added: “’Little Women’ is based on a family of girls, which is very similar to my own.

“The book is filled with strong independent characters, each with very different personalities. There is also a strong mother figure, which I can relate to.”

Looking for inspiration?

Why not pick six of the top ten books from the most celebrated authors of all time?

• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
• Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
• Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
• Hamlet by William Shakespeare
• The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
• In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust
• The Stories of Anton Chekhov by Anton Chekhov
• Middlemarch by George Eliot

Recommended reads

Amanda Minns – Atonement

This book was recommended to me by a friend as she knew I enjoyed books based around the war and strong female characters. This was the best of both as it interwove the characters and pre and post World War two. Although this book is about love and war, it is ultimately about truth, choices and consequences and how one decision can change your life and the lives of those around you.

Josh Cheyne – Mort

My father was a huge Terry Pratchett fan, so I encountered Mort though him. It is about a teenage boy who becomes death’s apprentice, ushering souls into the next world. It was the first book I recall really enjoying and laughing out loud while reading.  Pratchett’s writing style is approachable, witty and hilariously funny.