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The Big Read

Sceptre and newbooks magazine are delighted to announce the
BLACK SWAN GREEN Big Read.

This is the biggest ever community read in Britain and is being supported by over fifty library authorities across England, Scotland and Wales. The Big Read aims to unite as many reading groups and individuals around Britain to read BLACK SWAN GREEN this June and July.

We are trying to make a record for the largest number of people reading the same book at the same time, so please register here once you have finished BLACK SWAN GREEN.

Click here if you would like to receive free BLACK SWAN GREEN Big Read bookmarks or posters.

We would love to hear what you thought about BLACK SWAN GREEN. Please post any comments you may have here.

  • I`ve just finished reading the German translation of Black Swan Green. The title is The 13th month. While reading I often thought it would be better to read the original because of the interesting language (bad words...:)) The book is overwhelming. It reminds me of the year 1983 when I stayed in Britain for 3 weeks. The place wasn`t Worcestershire but Newcastle/Gateshead. Bärbel Radecker-Maibaum

  • tracy moore

  • I found black swan green a great read, it reminded me of my childhood, so nostaglic where everything when you are young is such a big deal and so important. I feel so sorry for him having a stutter too must have been difficult. I know I had a hard time with my glasses and braces! thoroughly recommend it. Sheena Moseley

  • Hi, I am a librarian from Medway in Kent. I am involved in a reading group that are reading Black Swan Green at the moment. I t would be really nice to be able to give them some bookmarks. Please can you send some to Richard Pemberton Community Librarian Gillingham Library High Street Gillingham Kent ME7 1BG Thank you RichardRichard Pemberton

  • Black Swan Green is the first book I have read in five years since having a child and starting a business took away all my time! I loved it, and was hooked from start to finish. It spoke volumes about integrity, being true to self, finding one`s identity as an adolescent, the way in which schoolchild bullying becomes altogether more nasty when it turns in to adult prejudice (against gipsys in the novel), the struggle to overcome our deficiencies (the stammer), or not (Squelch`s lifelong handicap), and, well, fate, I suppose. Brilliant - easy read, great story, funny, sad, but profound too if you look for it.Eric

  • Nice Site! http://google.compoor credit

  • I thought it was like riding a rollercoaster on valium. I can`t remember if I made that up or read it somewhere else, but I felt the dreamy serenity of the book, combined with the dramatic events described conveyed that effect to me. It was a sweet and gentle read. Geoffgeoff meades

  • It was an absolutely brillant read! The language and tone of the overall entire story was wonderful. As Jason Taylor grew and changed, so did the writing.amber

  • I`m a member of an English novel reading club in Holland and I liked this book a lot.Indeed a combination of Adrian Mole and What happened to the dog in the nighttime,which was the number 1 for me. Six of us will discuss it.I`m looking forward to it.Barbera Cordes

  • I lived in England for 9 short months this past year. Wish I could live the rest of my life in Britain, but I have a family here in the states. BSG brought back the feel of England for me, but it was also a source of encouragement. Life sometimes gives you absolutely random and unfair people/events to deal with, and you`ve got to be true to yourself to get thru them. And help can come from unexpected quarters, too. Quirkily and beautifully written, evocative book. Thank you for asking. Anne Longworth

  • Black Swan Green is a delicious, bewitching book, touching and dreamlike. It gives voice to the emotions of sensitive boys, emotions which are too often suppressed. Although the book is sad, it is also beautiful. The narrative flows effortlessly, unimpeded by the dramatic events which unfold. It illustrates how a separation, through time or perspective can clarify our opinions on a situation, allowing us, for example, to be much gentler with ourselves in hindsight. The book provokes thought on how we treat people but also how we can be too hard on ourselves. Frank

  • cd1001

  • Lynn Wood

  • cd1001

  • I really enjoyed reading this book and have it on the list for the next meeting of our reading group. I thought it was a very sensitive interpretation of problems for people with speech impediments and bullying in general. I really liked the fact that he dealt with his problems in his own way and with very little help. the best way to ensure you do not continue to be bullied is to deal with the problem yourself in my view. I will now read Cloud Atlas. Sally Welham

  • I selected this book to be read at our book group, and was disappointed at its lukewarm reception. Personally, I was enchanted with the richness of the poetic language, and was deeply moved at Jason`s plight as a victim of bullying. I loved the surreal moments with Madame Crommelynck, also with the batty old lady in the woods. Julia`s put-down of Uncle Brian made me laugh aloud! The build-up to the dramatic ending left me unable to put the book down. Helen Wright

  • enjoyed the story but didn`t thionk it was exceptional though would recommend to friends. took me back to my own childhood. didn`t think the author stressed the emotional stress of bullying in enough depth to make the reader empathise with the protagonist - seemed to be glossed over - i think (being an ex- primary teacher the victim would be more traumatised. christine shepherd

  • ann mead

  • I have read this book and found it good reading. After an initial feeling that it was too American, I became hooked on it and thought the interpretation of the adolescent boy`s thoughts and feelings convincing. His gradually increasing self understanding was both hopeful and touching. He used words well and often figuratively, so that one could imagine he might eventually become a creditable poet. However I was dismayed at the barbarous portrayal of youth culture wgich I heartily hope is exaggerated. I was working in schools in the 80s and reckon it was not generally as bad in the Croydon area. I am a member of Coulsdon Libraries Reading group.Sheila Henwood

  • Delightful book with vibrant imagery and painful truths. I have 120 students reading this book for fall semester, 2007, at Radford University in Radford, Virginia.Nancy Taylor

  • I found this book quite amusing, the 80`s either well researched or remembered. Also an insight into the mindset of a `verbally challenged` 13 year old. Although its not the type of book I would normally choose to readSusan Edwards

  • A easy to read book that had me laughing and crying! It brought back memories from my school days and the fantastic 80s! It was interesting to see how Jason delt with the school bullying and be inside the head of a 13 year old boy trying to deal with life. Louise Morrissy

  • I bought this book purely due to the advertisement in Newbooks. And I must admit I really enjoyed it. Being a teenager myself in the 80`s I love all the references to music and sweets and life in general. I am a school librarian in Doncaster and I don`t get to read much adult fiction, so this was a complete joy. I am now reading Cloud Atlas.Jane flynn

  • I really enjoyed this bookdiane Marsh

  • I thoroughly enjoyed Black Swan Green, which I wouldn`t have even looked at had it not been for the library group. Look forward to reading more David Mitchell books.Jean Patricia Fletcher

  • I absolutely loved this book and will definitely seek out further titles from this very talented writer. Cloud Atlas, here I come ... Member of Ashcroft Reading Group, Fareham, HantsMandy Lampard

  • Fiona McColl

  • Finding a new way to feel and know from another`s perspective, what more can be hoped for in a book? Cynthia Sheller

  • Enjoyed the book very much There were a lot of similarities to my own school days in the midlands over a similar era. Thank goodness I only seem to remember the good bits!!Karen w

  • I read Black Swan Green and thought of it like a bottle of wine.There was a hint of Just Wiiliam, I was also getting Adrian Mole with a suggestion of Harry Enfield`s Kevin, and a certain aftertaste of Piggy in Lord of the Flies. It was a wine I very much enjoyed john varney

  • Having attempted Cloud Atlas and not completed it due to boredom it was with trepidation that I read this book at the instigation Of the local library staff. It proved a revelation. It doesn`t matter where the setting is nor what the main character suffers from which makes his early teenage difficult - the situation is universal. The basis of the novel is one which anyone can empathise with; difficulty in fitting in. This book is eminently readable. It had me gripped through a night when I didn`t want to sleep; I wanted to carry on to the end and absorb all the sensations immediately. A tour de force. I eagerly await David Mitcell`s next book.Sue bourne

  • Really enjoyed in parts, at times bored though. Felt for the boy, prime example of school bullying. If only it could be stopped. Will there be a follow on with happier times for Jason ?Mark Ord

  • Thoroughly enjoyed the story, I really felt for Jason and him growing up with his stammer. I enjoyed all the references to 1982 as well and I got cross with all the bullying-does this go on in our schools? L ConwayElizabeth Conway

  • Sorry, trying to register 7 readers of Black Swan Green: myself, Pauline Grounds, Diane Probert, Anne Mead, Becky Johnson,Netta Williams, and Margaret Jocelyn, but I keep getting a message that there`s a problem when I try to register myself, let alone the others. Please take this as our registration.Pam Hume

  • was hugely disappointed and bored with this book.having readD.M. other fascinating work I was expecting to be gripped by this one but wasn`t. the characters were shallow, the plot unremarkable with a predictably soppy ending. most annoying were the constant references to 1982 atefacts-so irritating! if i had not read any other DM. books before, i certainly wouldn`t read them on the strength of this one. for me , a distinct flop and a poor read. R. W.ruth wozniakowski

  • Enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. Have recommended it to my teenage daughter. Great to have the `nerdy` charcter triumph! Good on the breakdown of the family. Can`t wait to read the next instalment - which I presume David Mitchell will write!Melanie Addison

  • I am trying to register that i have read this book but it is saying that this is not available. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone JeanJean Collingwood

  • I loved this book. It is set not far from where I live which made it all the more interesting. Also, it was like a walk down memory lane as there were so many things in the book that brought back memories of my own childhood. The bullying made me feel really angry with the bullies and I felt so sorry for him, he must have hated going to school. Also, the marriage break up was sad, you could imagine the atmosphere in the home between his parents. A great read which I have recommended to many others.Lynn

  • I much enjoyed this book, but I`ve tried 3 times over the last few weeks to register my reading but have been told each time that this is not available just now.B M Alder

  • i just finished the book and found it amazing. i am a fifteen year old boy and i stammer myself. i could really relate to alot of jasons thoughts and feelings. it was cool seeing the life of another stammer. it was freaky the stuff i hade in common to him. brilliant book on the whole.Jack McCartie

  • Our group of 9 have just finished reading Black Swan Green. We all enjoyed reading it.bookworms reading group

  • Great book, bringing back some good memories of growing up in the 80s but also producing a fantasic `hero` in the form of Jason. An inspiring read.Amy Bishop

  • I have just finished reading Black Swan Green and found it in turns very funny and very moving. It reminded me of a cross between Adrian Mole and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. I would like to have known what became of Jason Taylor-I found myself cheering him on throughout the book. It certainly evoked memories of the Eighties. Judith Hibbitt

  • I have just read the first chapter which came free with the local paper, and am now going to try and get hold of the book. I didn`t think it was my sort of thing at frist ( I usualy like crime thrillers) but after reading it, I really enjoyed it. I was 14 in 1982 (nearly same age as the boy in the book) when the book is set so can really relate to it. I also lived in a village at that age. It reminded me of those days in the 80s. I also like the way it ended at an exciting bit so you want to read the rest. Julie Davies

  • I like the first chapter and I would probably get the rest of the book when it comes out. I would love to know how David Mitchell was choosen to do the "Big Read". It`s a sure-fire bet that he will make a killing when his book does come out with this. Will be a new way of getting your book bought!??!Sue Davy

  • Carol Philpotts

  • Just finished the book last night and I was just thinking how great this book would be as a movie. It provided great insight into what it`s like to stammer.Lauren Knowlton

  • I loved this book.I stammer myself and I identified completely with the young narrator. Teenage life is hard enough without having to deal with the treachery of stammering: all that word-swapping!Sharon McEvoy

  • Lots of things unexplained, was given the first chapter walking around birmingham one day and could not wait to borrow book and continue. Enjoyed book immensely, better than cloud atlas. Are boys really so cruel to each other? Could not understand about Mr & Mrs Crommeyeuk. So sad schoolby/soldier dying in the Falklands, very moving.pat sitch

  • Just finished the book which I`m reading for my reading group. I am very much looking forward to discussing it and curious to see the comments hereAnn

  • By the end of the first page I had got over being annoyed at the almost overdone hints that the writer was a youngster, and wanted to know more about him. Sympathy and `I know how that feels` came next, and a fascination with the time and place Jason is living through. Even the minor characters are drawn believably, I shall never forget the Falklands girlfriend.The physical and emotional landscape which Jason is fighting to control has wonderful details of poetic beauty and prosaic warts and all reality. The story is like a portrait by Rembrandt only with a bit more light.Vivien Foster

  • really enjoyed this book, captured the awfulness of being a teenage stammerer( which I was) and gave brilliant insights into being a teenage boy( and I have one of those too , he read the book and enjoyed it)this should be required reading for everyone who knows someone who stammers or knows a teenage boyVeronica Lynch

  • I was warned - nothing like his other books which I adored. However, a good readGeraldine Pote

  • weve been promoting this big read at ludlow library and having just finished it i will be evangelical about sharing it with a huge range of people including my owm son, husband , brothers and reading groupsusie church

  • This is a fabulous book. I was born in 68` but I grew up in the U.S. What really struck me was the similarity of the adolescent experience. Except for slight variations in lingo it felt like a trip down memory lane. Mitchell really captured the essence of the time and what it felt like to be 13 years old.Michelle Garrett

  • Have read this bookM.E.Ramsdale

  • loved the story and easier to read than his cloud atlas . asfar as i can remember there was little or no bullying when i was at school 50 years ago.but a timely reminder of the falklands war with it being the 25 anniversary. was this planned or just luck? i purchased my copy from new books magazine which i can recommend to all readersray lilley

  • If you look back with nostalgia to the year of your life between childhood and adolescence, this is a useful corrective. The sheer misery of bullying is immediate. What fixes it in social history are the delightfully cringeworthy Thatcherite adults and the jingoism of the Falklands War.Andrew Fitch

  • Did not know about the Big Read - I just waited till I could get my hands on this book in the first charity shop selling it in Epsom! Just as good as all his other excellent novels - this one transported me back to my own childhood (born `68) - what an insight into the teen`s mind and his relationship with family and friends. I would recommend all his books to anyone who enjoys reading. This one is easily the most accesible so far.Andrew Whitehead

  • Fantastic read. Bittersweet,elegiac, buoyant- it is a book to cherish for years to come.sam tan

  • Spectaculary well written and deeply moving, Black Swan Green is unforgettable both as an excruciatingly painful coming of age tale and as a portrait of an age.Mary Loring

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