Holidays are definitely a time for reading, relaxation and recuperation – when we all try to just go a little slower, to contemplate, maybe to plan – and to read those books that we’ve been stockpiling in that ‘must get round to this’ pile!
What type of books do you like to read during the holidays? Do you see this as an opportunity to read something that will expand your mind, or do you prefer something less taxing?
Jane Austen declared that ‘there is no enjoyment like reading’ – so we thought we’d share what’s at the top of the summer reading piles from around the office. Maybe we’ll encourage you to add a few more to your list!
Deborah from our Procurement team is definitely the secret bookworm of the office:
“I’m currently reading ‘the Tattooist of Auschwitz’ by Heather Morris, and also trying to get into ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ by Liane Moriarty. I’ve Just finished two by Matt Haig – ‘Notes on a Nervous Planet’ and ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ which are both really quick and interesting reads. ‘How to be Human – The Manual’ by Ruby Wax was also really funny!
Kemal, our Country Manager for Turkey is reading the bestseller, ‘Mustafa Kemal’ by Yilmaz Ozdil about Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey and its first president from 1923 until his death in 1938. Kemal said; “Odzil is a well-known journalist in Turkey and the book has caused quite a stir here, so I wanted to read it to see why.”
Commercial Manager, Gemma recommends ‘This Is Going to Hurt’ by Adam Kay.
“It’s a fantastic book and incredibly funny – so much so, I am going to see the stand-up show based on the book at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. My current read is ‘Fortune’s Rocks’ by Anita Shreeve – a book recommended by several friends. It’s the first book of a trilogy and so far it’s really good!”
Something a little more cerebral for Rajesh from our Research team:
“I have started reading a book named as my summer reading list ‘The Power of Your Subconscious Mind’ written by Joseph Murphy. It’s all about harnessing the power of the subconscious mind and how to control it. It also provides an insight into how one can heal his/her illness by using their subconscious mind.”
Morgan from IT, recommends ‘The Cypher Bureau’ which is a story based on WW2 events around the decryption of the Enigma cipher.
The Husband’s Secret’ by Liane Moriarty and also ‘The Rosie Project’ are at the top of the summer reading list for Emma from our sales team. “Both books have come highly recommended by friends and I’m looking forward to some poolside time to get started on them!”
Phil, our Procurement Director, is a definite fan of the crime/thriller genre. “I’m currently reading local crime writer, Alex Gray’s ‘The Darkest Goodbye’ – she is described as bringing Glasgow to life in the same way Ian Rankin evokes Edinburgh.”
He added, “My two favorite authors are Jeffrey Archer and Dan Brown. Their most recent novels ‘Heads You Win’ by Archer and ‘Origin’ by Brown are great! Along with writing a great story, all three authors possess a wonderful ability to create rapport with the main characters, whether it be Detective Chief Inspector Lorimer or Symbologist Robert Langdon, and use connections with real events and locations to build interest.”
Holly, from the PG marketing team, is just back from her break in the sun:
“I really enjoyed ‘Everything I Know About Love’ by Dolly Alderton – it’s a real feel-good and fun read. I love to chill out with and easy read and this one from Alderton was perfect!”
“Summer is probably the only time when I really invest concentrated slots every day to reading – and I like to split it between fiction and non-fiction”, adds Bella from marketing.
“This summer I am going to pick up the four books that I have been reading simultaneously in fits and starts for a couple of months – and get them finished! These are ‘Poverty Safari’ by Darren McGarvey, ‘The Ministry of Utmost Happiness’ by Arundhati Roy, ‘Invisible Women’ by Caroline Criado Perez and ‘Leaders Eat Last’ by Simon Sinek. Wish me luck!”
Have we given you some ‘inspo’ for your summer reading list? Whatever you end up picking to read, we wish you a restful and enjoyable break.
We’ll finish with a quote from Dr. Seuss:
“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax. All you need is a book.”
Happy Holidays!