56. Sembl with James Myklebust-Hampshire

Spanning thirty years, 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin is a sweeping narrative that explores the lives of Sam and Sadie, two friends united by their love of video games. From their childhood encounters to their adulthood as successful game developers, the book delves into themes of identity, creativity, disability, and the redemptive possibilities in play. It is a coming-of-age story that examines the multifaceted nature of human relationships and the need to connect, love, and be loved. The novel is praised for its mature and nuanced portrayal of characters and its ability to engage readers even without prior knowledge of the video game industry.

The Thursday Murder Club follows four friends—Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim, and Ron—living in the Coopers Chase retirement village. They meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes. When a local developer, Ian Ventham, is found dead, the club becomes involved in their first live case. As more bodies are discovered, the group works with the police, particularly PC Donna de Freitas and DCI Chris Hudson, to solve the murders. The novel blends humor, wit, and suspense, highlighting the unique skills and backgrounds of the elderly sleuths, including Joyce's nursing experience, Elizabeth's mysterious past, Ibrahim's psychiatric expertise, and Ron's trade union leadership. The story is told through a mix of Joyce's diary entries and third-person narratives, reflecting Osman's television production style[2][3][5].

Peter Liljedahl's "Building Thinking Classrooms" is a seminal work in mathematics education, focusing on creating a classroom environment that fosters independent thinking and problem-solving. The book emphasizes the importance of establishing routines and structures that empower students to take ownership of their learning. It advocates for the use of non-permanent vertical workspaces, such as whiteboards, to encourage collaboration and discussion. Liljedahl's approach challenges traditional teaching methods, shifting the focus from direct instruction to student-led inquiry. The book provides practical strategies and examples for implementing these principles in various classroom settings.