In last week’s post, we discussed the importance of taking a break from work. So in the spirit of practicing what we preach, we’ve decided that this week’s book club post should offer something different.
Instead of reading an entrepreneurial book on holiday, (whether at home or away) pick up one of these novels instead. Reading can provide the ultimate escape; with a cocktail in hand, sitting on the beach, there is no better way to relax. As far as we’re concerned anyway! From magical-realism, to fascinating non-fiction, grab one of our top picks to forget about work and become absorbed in beautiful language and riveting tales.
The Power, Naomi Alderman
Synopsis: The tables are turned as women discover they have a hidden superpower, thus slowly becoming the dominant gender. If you’re a fan of Margaret Atwood, and love Science Fiction this one’s for you. The Power also won the Bailey’s Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2017 if you need further convincing.
Our favourite quote:
“It is only that every day one grows a little, every day something is different, so that in the heaping up of days suddenly a thing that was impossible has become possible.”[1]
Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders
Synopsis: A delightful blend of historical sources and out-there imagination, Lincoln in the Bardo is unlike any book we’ve ever read. Saunders builds the story around a snippet of fact; Lincoln’s son Willie died at the age of 11 and the president was documented visiting his crypt late at night to see his child one last time. From there, Saunders spins a rich tale of death, love and what it means to be human. It won the Man Booker Prize in 2017.
Our favourite quote:
“Kind little words, which are of the same blood as great and holy deeds”
The Psychopath Test, Jon Ronson
Synopsis: Journalist and novelist Jon Ronson wrote The Psychopath Test in order to inform himself, and the reader, about the minds of psychopaths. Trained by a psychologist on how to spot them, Ronson meets a number of people who display psychopathic traits. From high-flying CEO’s to serial killers, Ronson’s journey is brave, engaging and full of humour. It may end up with you questioning: ‘Am I a psychopath?’ Spoiler alert: If you’re asking the question, you’re definitely not!
Our favourite quote:
“There is no evidence that we’ve been placed on this planet to be especially happy or especially normal. And in fact our unhappiness and our strangeness, our anxieties and compulsions, those least fashionable aspects of our personalities, are quite often what lead us to do rather interesting things.”[2]
the sun and her flowers, rupi kaur
Synopsis: the sun and her flowers is bestselling poet rupi kaur’s second volume of poetry. Separated into five sections; wilting, falling, rooting, rising and blooming, the collection offers a beautifully vulnerable depiction of love, life and trauma. She’s managed to make poetry cool again, and that is a big feat.
Our favourite quote:
“the universe took its time on you
crafted you to offer the world
something different from everyone else”
– Excerpt from irreplaceable
The Shadow of the Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Synopsis: Despite being a worldwide bestseller, this book is a bit of a hidden gem. The cashier who we purchased this from looked up, eyes wide and said: ‘this book is magic’. And it really is. Set in Barcelona in the years after the Spanish Civil War, the novel centres on a young bookseller’s son, and his fascination with a mysterious author. With good, evil and one of the best twists we’ve ever read, this book is not to be missed.
Our favourite quote:
“Books are mirrors: you only see in them what you already have inside you.”[3]
Mark Twain once said “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” We couldn’t agree more. And while this isn’t always possible, if you can switch off your work brain and absorb yourself in good books and good company during your time off, we hope that you too get to experience the ideal life. You work hard, you deserve it!
Happy reading!
[1] The Power Quotes | [2] The Psychopath Test Quotes | [3] The Shadow of the Wind Quotes
Recent Comments