Alumni Authors

By Becky Smethurst (1998-2008) Published by Seven Dials; ISBN-13: 978-1841883823 Dr Becky Smethurst is widely known for her YouTube channel: with nearly 300,000 subscribers, she offers friendly yet effortless explanations for the latest news in astronomy. In Space: 10 Things You Should Know, her debut piece of popular science writing, Dr Smethurst writes ten bite-sized essays on some of the most pertinent questions in Astrophysics today. The short essays range from the importance of Gravity to whether aliens may exist, and ensure that there is something for everyone. Dr Smethurst writes most passionately in the essay about her own research on Supermassive Black Holes. With a contagious excitement, she uses the analogy of whether the chicken or the egg came first to relate whether our Galaxy formed because of the Supermassive Black Hole at the centre of it, or whether the Supermassive Black Hole formed because of the Galaxy. In another essay Smethurst becomes much more philosophical, she talks about how little we actually know. Using examples from the Aurora Borealis to Galaxies, Smethurst shows us that sometimes there are unknowns staring right at us, and that we just need to be brave enough to ask questions about them to find the answers. Dr Smethurst also recalls how she was told that when she wrote she had a conversational tone, and that for writing English essays this would not be appropriate. However, it is Smethurst’s humour and friendly explanations that set this book apart. In one essay, Smethurst references Mean Girls, and in another she talks about her love for the Spice Girls. In contrast, there are quotes from the likes of William Blake and Edgar Allan Poe that Dr Smethurst uses to illustrate her points. This versatility makes her debut book feel so accessible to all who read it; whether they are young or old, whether they are completely new to Astrophysics or are well-versed on the ins-and-outs of Black Holes. Dr Smethurst explains tough concepts with an ease, and uses memorable analogies such as glowing thumbnails, which adds excitement for those who may usually be reluctant to pick up a book about Astrophysics. Dr Becky Smethurst truly demonstrates her aptitude for making Astrophysics appealing to all: the ten essays she writes are concise yet brimming with information. Each essay is stand-alone, and so the book lends itself to being read in short intervals, which allow the reader to understand truly what is mentioned in each of the essays; and is extremely convenient for those who may be busy, and can only find small chunks of time to devote to reading. Space: 10 Things You Should Know is a must-read for anyone who wants an introduction to Astrophysics. Dr Smethurst says that she feels a child-like curiosity when she looks up at the Universe – this book inspires that same feeling of inquisition and leaves the reader wanting to know more. Sophie Hann (2014-2021)

By Hannah Berry (1988-2002) Published by Austin Macauley Fun comes in the form of this educational book whose star is a heart named Harry. This is the first in a series of books called Organised written by Old Girl, Hannah Berry. Harry Heart is a cool, lively member of a team of essential organs, who work hard day and night to ensure that the human body can function effectively, and thereby, aid happy and healthy living. Harry’s daily routine leaves him with little time to rest, but whether he’s pumping blood around the body or sending messages to his team-mates, be sure that he’ll be carrying out his duties in an amusing and exciting way! The characterisation of Harry Heart, depicted through bold, colourful, cartoon drawings and engaging rhymes reflects Hannah Berry’s inventiveness. This story, which explains the challenging concept of the inner functions of the heart, through detailed illustrations and gentle poetry, should stimulate young readers. It will gently nudge them to absorb material presented in a variety of inspirational ways and I have no doubt it will encourage repeated reads. All will surely love this picture book. A qualified primary school teacher, Hannah Berry understands what makes young readers tick. She has cleverly produced a series of books with a distinct flavour, Organ-ised, which support children’s learning of the ten main organs. Jacqueline Drinkwater (Girls’ Division Staff, 2001-2020)

By Suzanne Ewart (née Hart, 1994-2001) Published by Trapeze; ISBN-13:978-1409194378 Set within the familiarity of Manchester, this love story simultaneously manages to juggle being painfully relatable, whilst staying so unique. When Alec, the charming new bartender, asks Jess out, she knows it won’t work. Jess keeps a set of strict rules to live her life by. And the first? Don’t fall in love. Jess has inherited Huntington’s disease from the mother that she cares for. This novel details the heartbreaking reality of the impact that neurodegenerative diseases have, and the devastating weight that they carry over so many families. Witnessing the pain that Jess experiences as a result of her mother’s mental deterioration throughout the novel allows the reader a brief glimpse into the reality of so many. For Jess, she realises that falling in love would mean condemning someone else to the heartbreak that she feels every day. Jess has learnt to keep everyone and everything at arm’s length, but Alec is determined to break down her barriers. Nevertheless, Jess is determined too. She is terrified of subjecting someone to the same loss that she experiences everyday. When Alec continues on his quest to woo her, Jess knows she has to reveal why this can’t go any further; however, she does not anticipate how difficult that conversation may be. In Jess’s own words: “Telling Alec about Mum isn’t nearly as hard as telling him about me. Once I do that, I’ll become a sick girl, and he’ll start to pity me. I can’t let him see me that way.” When Jess reveals part of the reason that she cannot be with Alec (she has to focus on caring for her mother), rather than backing off, Alec has a proposition to allow Jess the opportunity to live in the moment and forget about the future for a short while. He asks her to date him … for just one month. But as Jess begins to fall for Alec, she knows that she must end it. In her mind, it is better he is hurt now, rather than heartbroken later. Ewart’s storytelling is some of the rawest writing I have had the pleasure of reading. I adored how she managed to intertwine such familiar and beautiful descriptions with the heartbreaking ordeal of watching a loved one wither away. I find that this is one of those rare occasions where I truly feel that an author’s descriptions embody an experience. Several times throughout this novel I found myself cheering a little silent “Yes!” in my head when I related to one of Ewart’s remarkable descriptions. One of my favourites was very early on in the novel when Jess is watching on as her sick mother sleeps: “I lean against the doorframe, watching her. She always looks stronger when she sleeps; the chorea makes her blurry when she’s awake, whereas sleep solidifies her, brings her back together.” This book started as a result of a Write Your Own Love Story competition created by eharmony and Trapeze in 2018 and in my opinion truly embodies the best elements of a successful romance. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a cosy love story and I look forward to seeing any future projects from Suzanne Ewart. Manahil Masood (Year 13)