If, like us, you enjoy reading, we know that you'll understand the benefits to carving out some time to pick up a good book and lose yourself in it. It's difficult to do that though, especially in a busy, digital media driven society and therefore not uncommon that many people carry around those half finished books for longer than they'd like. 

Regardless of the number of books you do get through, there will always be some that will stay with you, having made a lasting impression from either childhood, your young adult years or maybe even a few months ago! We asked some of the Oasis staff from across the Community Learning and Hub family to #ShareaStory and let us know which books they carry in their hearts. 

The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien 
This book really stuck with me because of how involved and drawn in you get to the lives of the characters and the different journeys they are all on. You become a part of their world and totally forget about the day-to-day chores that take up so much of our time. I know many others enjoy this book, and it's a great conversation topic. 

How to Speak Dragonese - Cressida Cowell
This is one of those childhood books that i'll always refer to as one of my favourites. It was one of the first books I read that a truly enjoyed, and helped me to develop a love of reading. 

The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland - Jim DeFede
During 9/11, planes were diverted and made emergency landings. One town in Canada, Gander, took in thousands of strangers who found themselves stranded. This book is a lesson in culture, religion, language and opening hearts and homes in a time of need. 

The Choice - Edith Eger
This book is about the power of hope in incredibly difficult circumstances. It is about power, about forgiveness and an incredibly pertinent message for society. 

A New Earth - Eckhart Tolle
This book helped me to break down all aspects of the 'ego' and taught me how to recognise it in myself. It gives you helpful hints on how to overcome the ego. 

When the Lion Feeds - Wilbur Smith
It is the first of the Wilbur Smith novels about pre-colonial/colonial Africa and was one of hate first long novels I read as a teenager. Whilst it is part of a trilogy, it is actually one of about a dozen novels that weave together. I was already interested in African politics and these books made me fall deeper in love with the continent. It was also amazing to have so many books - which meant that the disappointment you feel when you finish a good book didn't last long; you could pick up the next one! 

Girl, Woman, Other - Bernardine Evaristo 
This book follows the lives of 12 different women. They are different ages, races and come from a variety of backgrounds, but all their stories subtly link together in one way or another. It is a great read for discovering the lives of people different from you. 

The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
The writing is engaging, and the premise of the book is powerful. It is a theme that speaks to all generations and a warning of extremism. 

Slay in Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible - Yomi Adegoke & Elizabeth Uviebinené
Being able to see the challenges faced by black girls and women in modern society and how they are navigated as a black woman, I found it enlightening, inspirational and a little scary.