Book swap: Turning pages with Kadeesha

Kadeesha tell us a bit about you...

Beyond the bar at The Odney Club, you’ll usually find me with a book in hand. Reading isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s a part of who I am. As an only child, books and crafts were where I found my first 'siblings' and my sense of community. I’ve always loved the escapism of stories, the way you can know a character inside and out until they feel like a true friend. To me, the magic of a book swap is that it creates real-life connections. When you meet someone who loves the same story as you, it’s like discovering a mutual friend!

What first gave you the idea that a book swap would be the perfect fit for the Club?

My shelves at home were overflowing with books I’d already read, or genres I’d moved on from.

Instead of letting them gather dust, I decided to share them with my colleagues and guests.

I’ve always loved the connections books create. Not so long ago, I started chatting to a guest about what he was reading. Two days later, he had checked out, but had left that same book behind for me to enjoy! I wanted to capture that same feeling for everyone at the club, giving stories a new home where they can be loved all over again.

"There’s something special about knowing a book was once loved by someone else. You don’t know their life or why they chose that book, but for a moment, you’re connected to them.

For anyone with a few books gathering dust at home, how can they get involved?

Bring your books in! We'll gladly accept anything you have (except magazines). Just hand them in to the team at the bar or reception.

I like to check every 'blurb' to make sure we have a fresh variety of genres on the shelf, and I rotate the selection every couple of weeks. You don’t even have to give a book to take one, that’s the beauty of it. Next time you’re here, just grab a new read and 'pay it forward' when you’re ready.

Looking ahead, what’s your big dream for the book swap, perhaps a busy, ever-changing shelf or even a little book club of our own?

I’d love for the shelf to stay constantly moving, but my bigger dream is to start an 'unstructured' book club. I'd love to create a space where people can gather at the bar, have a coffee or a drink, and just talk.

You never know, you might even meet the person who donated the book you're reading! I found my current favourite genre, because a friend encouraged me to try it. That same sense of discovery and community is what i want to bring to the club.

Tell us your top book recommendations:

The ultimate obsession:

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

A friend told me: 'Try it. If you don't like it, I'll never bring it up again.' I read it and I haven't looked back. I am completely obsessed. If you enjoy the magic and scale of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or Game of Thrones, you have to pick this up!

The must-read thriller:

Baby Doll by Hollie Overton

This is a gripping thriller that opens with a woman named Lily escaping captivity after eight years with her young daughter. The story is told through multiple perspectives, the mother, the sister, and even the kidnapper. It’s a fascinating look at how one event ripples through everyone's lives!

The life-changer:

The Illustrated Mum by Jacqueline Wilson

I read this as a child and loved it, but re-reading it as an adult was a whole new experience. It tackles bipolar disorder and the reality of 'young carers' children who have to look after their parents. It’s short, powerful, and belongs on everyone’s shelf, regardless of age or background.

Huge thanks to Kadeesha for sharing her passion with us! Find your next great read at the Manor Bar. Grab a drink, pick a book from the shelf, and settle in for some perfect escapism.