As a librarian, I often recommend books to students, hoping they’ll find something they connect with. But I still remember the most memorable recommendation I ever received—Perfume by Patrick Suskind. It was suggested to me by my best friend, Fran, who, as a teenager, knew me better than anyone.

Fran was passionate about Perfume in that way only teenagers can be—intensely and wholeheartedly. I remember how he described the book, the sheer excitement in his voice as he tried to explain how bizarre and gripping it was. Suskind was new to him, and the novel’s strange, eerie content had clearly left an impression. He was certain I would love it, too.

I was intrigued. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I was curious about where all that passion had come from. Why was he so sure I’d be captivated by it as well? He didn’t just recommend it to me; he gave me his copy, leaving me with no real excuse not to read it.

Why It Resonated with Me

I had never encountered a character quite like Perfume’s protagonist, Grenouille. Here was someone with an absurdly keen sense of smell, yet he had no personal scent. His intense hatred of humanity was palpable from the start, and as he pursued the creation of the perfect scent—one that would grant him power over others—the story grew darker and more captivating. Grenouille was unlike any character I’d come across in fiction at the time and his relentless, single-minded pursuit of control above all else left a cold and shocking impression on teenage me.

What also stuck with me was the evocative, unflinching prose. Suskind didn’t rely on clichés to build his world; instead, his writing made the imagery so vivid that I could almost smell the story as I read it. Somehow, the pages seemed to take on an odor of their own, immersing me even deeper into the strange, unsettling world of Perfume.

How It Changed My Reading Journey

Perfume was a turning point in my reading life. Until that moment, I had enjoyed reading, but I tended to gravitate toward familiar genres that were on bookshelves at home or on reading lists at school. This book opened my eyes to how literature could go beyond the usual boundaries, how it could be weird, unsettling and profoundly thought-provoking. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me realise that reading for pleasure wasn’t just about finding books that were easy or familiar—it was about finding books that challenged you, books that made you think in new ways.

Fran’s recommendation didn’t just influence what I read next—it reshaped how I approached books in general. I became more adventurous, more open to new genres and styles. Perfume showed me the thrill of discovering something completely unexpected, and it’s a lesson I try to pass on to students now.

Sharing the Joy of Personalised Recommendations

I often think back to Fran’s enthusiasm when I’m recommending books to students. He knew me well, and that personal connection made all the difference. When I see students passing recommendations to their friends—often with the same kind of passion Fran had—I’m reminded of the power of a great suggestion. There’s something about hearing, “You have to read this, trust me!” from a friend that makes a book all the more enticing.

At this school with it’s huge, sometimes overwhelming collection students, personalised recommendations are crucial. Whether it’s a librarian, a teacher or a friend offering a suggestion, those personal connections make the vast collection feel more approachable. For me, Perfume will always be the most memorable recommendation, not just because of the book itself, but because it came from someone who knew me so well. And in many ways, it’s that experience I hope to pass on to every student who walks through our library doors.