The York St John Big Summer Read returns this year, and everyone is invited to read-along with us, whether you’re a student at YSJU, a member of staff, or just someone who loves reading!
This year’s novel is Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. This novel is the tale of the titular Piranesi, who wakes trapped in an unending labyrinth of statues, skeletons and an ocean. These are his notes as he tries to understand who he is, where he is, how he came to be here and the identity of his only companion: the mysterious, knowledge-seeking Other.
Susanna Clarke (author of the York-set Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell) was awarded an honorary degree by York St John University during our most recent graduation week in November 2024.
All you need to join the YSJ Big Summer Read is a copy of Piranesi!
You can then use the reading schedule below to read-along with us, sharing your thoughts, reflections, exotic summer reading locations or favourite quotations on social media using #YSJBigSummerRead
If you’d prefer to read at your own pace, that’s totally fine, we still look forward to hearing your thoughts, but please: NO SPOILERS if you zoom ahead!
You can find us on Instagram at @WordsMatter_YSJ
| Week | Date | Part | Pages |
| 1 | 17/6/2025 | 1 | 1-18 |
| 2 | 24/6/2025 | 2 | 19-51 |
| 3 | 1/7/2025 | 2 | 52-82 |
| 4 | 8/7/2025 | 3 | 83-101 |
| 5 | 15/7/2025 | 3 | 102-122 |
| 6 | 22/7/2025 | 4 | 123-153 |
| 7 | 28/7/2025 | 4 | 154-170 |
| 8 | 4/8/2025 | 5 | 171-184 |
| 9 | 11/8/2025 | 6 | 185-216 |
| 10 | 18/8/2025 | 6 | 217-230 |
| 11 | 25/8/2025 | 7 | 231-245 |