07 Mar 2018

South London Entrepreneurs Bianca Miller Cole & Byron Cole COMPETE FOR LONDON’S BIG READ 

London’s BIG READ, a new campaign to encourage Londoners to read books that have a positive impact on society and culture, which launched on World Book Day on 1st March. A group of the capital’s most exciting authors working today will take part in the initiative, including television presenter June Sarpong; star of The Apprentice Bianca Miller-Cole and fellow entrepreneur Byron Cole; writer, journalist and broadcaster Afua Hirsch; historian and broadcaster David Olusoga; former boxing champion Kevin Lueshing; and actor Paterson Joseph.

Organised by LIBRARY, London’s BIG READ will comprise a month-long programme of talks and panel discussions with authors and literary figures as well as special events in partnership with local libraries.

The BIG READ will focus on six non-fiction titles by London-based authors, all of which have been nominated for their relevance in society today, and their bold approach towards topics such as identity, equality and entrepreneurship in the UK.

The six nominated books include:

Self Made by Bianca Miller-Cole and Byron Cole (Published by John Murray, 2017)

Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsh (Published by Penguin, 2018)

Julius Caesar and Me by Paterson Joseph (Published by Bloomsbury Methuen Drama, 2018)

Belt Boy by Kevin Lueshing and Mike Dunn (Published by Austin Macauley, 2016)

Black and British by David Olusoga (Published by Pan Macmillan, 2017)

Diversify by June Sarpong (Published by Harper Collins, 2017)

Each of the authors will be ‘In Conversation’ as part of the programme of live events at LIBRARY during March, including June Sarpong on the 9th, David Olusoga and Afua Hirsh on the 13th, Kevin Lueshing and Mike Dunn on the 20th, Bianca Miller-Cole and Byron Cole on the 22nd and Paterson Joseph on the 29th. The events are free and tickets will be available to reserve on LIBRARY’s website.

The six nominated books will be available to buy from LIBRARY throughout the month of March, with £2 from each sale going to two children’s charities: Room to Read, a non-profit organisation supporting girls’ education and literacy, and Ndoro Children’s Charities, which supports education for children in underprivileged parts of the world.

LIBRARY will open its doors to non-members during the BIG READ to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the programme and every book purchased or collected from the club will include with a free cocktail.

Londoners are also invited to vote online for their favourite of the six books, to assist in crowning the winner of London’s BIG READ 2018.

Founded by Ronald Ndoro in 2013, LIBRARY is a hub for creativity and innovation, and draws inspiration from literature, theatre, local community and sustainable design. LIBRARY has a complete focus on tailoring and enhancing the member experience through the provision of a lifestyle service, fine dining and dancing completed by an exciting cultural events programme, including live music events, art exhibitions, film screenings to author-led book clubs and special talks.

For more information please visit: www.bigread.london

Notes to Editors

Self Made by Bianca Miller-Cole and Byron Cole (Published by John Murray, 2017)

An inspiring, wide-ranging handbook for anyone who wants to start or make a success of running their own business with practical tips and energetic advice on personal branding, networking, funding, social media and how to thrive in business.”

Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsh (Published by Penguin, 2018)

We are a nation in denial about our past and our present. We believe we are the nation of abolition, but forget we are the nation of slavery. Brit(ish) is the story of how and why this came to be, and an urgent call for change. In this personal and provocative investigation, Afua Hirsch explores a very British crisis of identity. Now in the Sunday Times top ten bestsellers list.

Julius Caesar and Me by Paterson Joseph (Published by Bloomsbury Methuen Drama, 2018)

For Paterson Joseph, his experience of playing Brutus in Julius Caesar was a defining point in his career, and a transformative experience. Joseph serves up details of the rehearsal process; his key collaborations during an eclectic career; as well as his experience of working with a majority black cast.

Belt Boy by Kevin Lueshing and Mike Dunn (Published by Austin Macauley, 2016)

A harrowing – and yet ultimately inspirational – account of childhood cruelty and how one of its most unlikely victims, a tough British boxing champion, courageously confronted the hideous scars inflicted during a tortured upbringing.

Black and British by David Olusoga (Published by Pan Macmillan, 2017)

Black and British is a vital re-examination of a shared history. A rich and revealing exploration of the extraordinarily long relationship between the British Isles and the people of Africa. Black and British has won, the Longman-History Today Trustees Award and the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize and it was accompanied by a BBC television series.

Diversify by June Sarpong (Published by Harper Collins, 2017)

In this fierce, empowering call to arms, June Sarpong MBE puts the spotlight on groups who are often marginalised in our society, including women, those living with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community. Diversify uncovers how a new approach to how we work, learn and live can help us reach our maximum potential, lessen the pressure on the state, and solve some of the most stubborn challenges we face.

ENDS

For enquiries, please contact Naomi on:

Naomi Greaves 0208 667 9519 |E: Naomi@selfmadebook.uk |W: www.selfmadebook.uk