The books we love: celebrating the National Year of Reading
12 January 2026
Lydia Ridding and Sam Orciel, English Subject Advisors
January 2026 marks the start of the National Year of Reading, a joint initiative by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust to kickstart a reading revolution. Bringing together parents, schools, libraries, businesses and literacy experts, the campaign aims to foster a love of reading for pleasure in young people, ensuring they get the best start in life.
We believe there’s nothing better than settling down with a good book. More than just a hobby, reading helps young people develop a range of invaluable skills – including empathy, imagination and confidence – as well as improving their reading and writing.
And we’re not the only ones who love to read. To mark the start of the National Year of Reading, we asked some of our Cambridge OCR colleagues and teachers what their favourite books are. Find out what they chose ...
‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J.R.R. Tolkien
Cassie Martin, Head of English
“My favourite book has to be ‘The Lord of the Rings’ – the use of language, the imagination, the heroism in small things and great. It’s a wonderful book that I revisit again and again.”
‘Middlemarch’ by George Eliot
Lisa, Head of Product Support, Propositions and Strategic Partnerships
“If I had to put something at the top of the shortlist, George Eliot’s ‘Middlemarch’ would be there.
“Eliot is thinking about sociological, technological, scientific advancement, and she sets her world against the backdrop of political instability and change. Her female protagonist is feisty and breaks free from the affectionate nickname, Dodo, that her sister gives her.
“Although 900 pages long, it had me hooked from start to finish.”
‘The Secret History’, Donna Tartt
Oliver, Assistant Principal and English Teacher
“‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tartt is a book I always come back to and every time I love it for an entirely different reason. The unreliable narrator, the intertextual links and classical allusions, the university campus setting, the ambiguity around characters, the social satire... it’s all there.
“I've recommended it to so many people: some love it, but the fact that some absolutely hate it (including people whose tastes normally align with mine) tells me that it's something quite personal. Many authors have tried to replicate it in the ‘dark academia’ genre, but nothing has come close. I don't think anything ever will.”
“Too many to choose from”
Samantha, Product Designer
“Asking what my favourite book is a difficult question to answer... but I can offer some of my favourite authors.
“I’ll always turn to Tolkien when I need comfort, Margaret Atwood when I want to be a little bit angry at the world, and I like Donna Tartt for the intrigue. Alan Hollinghurst... Sarah Waters... Byron... Blake...
“At the moment, I'm enjoying Stanley Tucci’s autobiography and Simon Squibb’s business-based book ‘What’s Your Dream’. What I like about non-fiction is you can often learn something beyond your own field and scope of knowledge.”
‘Desert Flower’ by Waris Dirie and Cathleen Miller
Rina, English and Media Teacher
“It tells the remarkable true story of Waris Dirie’s journey from a nomadic life in Somalia to becoming an international supermodel and a fierce advocate against female genital mutilation.
“The memoir highlights her incredible resilience and courage in overcoming immense challenges, including escaping an arranged marriage and surviving alone in the desert. Waris’ transformation from a survivor of cultural oppression to a global voice for women's rights makes her story both inspiring and impactful.
“This book not only sheds light on important human rights issues but also celebrates the strength and determination of the human spirit.”
‘Wide Sargasso Sea’ by Jean Rhys
Sam, Subject Advisor for English
“If I had to pick one, right now, I’d probably say ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’ by Jean Rhys. It re-tells the story of the mad woman in the attic from Jane Eyre, but in a very different setting. For me, it really opened my eyes to the dialogue that can happen between modern literature and classic literature.”
The works of C.S. Lewis
Madeleine, Innovation Lead and Head of English
“The author who has had the most profound impact on me is C.S. Lewis. As a child, the moment of tear-stained exultation when Aslan returned in Narnia is one I can still feel. Later, at university, his academic texts led me through the study of medieval literature. Throughout my life, his Christian apologetics remain the most intelligent explanation of true Christianity.”
‘Swing Time’ by Zadie Smith
Lydia, Subject Advisor for English
“An author who has been important to me is Zadie Smith. If I had to choose one of her books, I would say ‘Swing Time’ – partly because it’s set in London, where I’m from, and partly because of the wonderful descriptions of the musical films that feature in the novel.”
Have your say and shape the future of English
Do you agree with the choices above? Head over to our socials and let us know what your favourite books are and why – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
What does the Curriculum and Assessment Review mean for English teachers and students? Our blog has more information, and we’re keen to hear the views and opinions of a wide range of English teachers as part of our planning for the future of English qualifications. If you’d like to be involved and help shape the future of the subject, please sign up to our insight panel and explore the activities and discussions in our English advisory group.
Stay connected
We offer a range of English qualifications, from GCSE to A Level.
If you’d like to find out more or have any questions, you can email us at english@ocr.org.uk, call us on 01223 553998 or message us on X @OCR_English. You can also sign up for subject updates to keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and resources.
If you are considering teaching any of our qualification, use our online form to let us know, so that we can help you with more information.
About the authors
Prior to joining Cambridge OCR in June 2023, Lydia spent 20 years working in a range of sixth form colleges across the country, teaching A Level and GCSE qualifications in English. She was a coursework moderator with Cambridge OCR for a number of years and has an MA in Victorian Studies from Birkbeck University.
Before joining Cambridge OCR in September 2022, Sam spent ten years teaching a range of English qualifications in secondary schools, including as a head of department. She did this alongside completing a MSt in Advanced Subject Teaching at the University of Cambridge, specialising in A Level English curricula and pedagogy.
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