Author: Ben Greenwood
Posted: 20 Aug 2019
Estimated time to read: 4 mins
It’s the summer holidays, and if you’re lucky enough not to be knee deep in marking papers, you’ll be taking this time to unwind and relax from another busy academic year! It’s also a chance to get stuck-into a good book.
We’ve combed the office for book recommendations and come back with some corkers, so put the kettle on, find you favourite reading spot and settle down with one of Satchel’s summer book recommendations.
How to be Right in a World Gone Wrong by James O'Brien
Louise - Head of Marketing
He challenges even the deepest, most engrained ideas in our society, never making the caller on the other end feel ashamed about their beliefs. James O’Brien provides us with a real toolkit for how to encourage questioning, bettering and, most importantly, being right in an argument. A great exploration of politics, opinions and how we are conditioned by the media.
What to Listen for in Music by Aaron Coopland
Eduardo Jaenes - DevOps Engineer
A must read, the definitive guide to musical enjoyment!
Life Lessons From A Brain Surgeon by Dr Rahul Jandial
Graeme Salter - Data Scientist
Intriguing insights into the most complex and lesser well known organs. Delivered by someone really passionate about their field, this brilliant book pulls apart common myths about the brain, and offers fresh theories on the inner workings of the mind and how to keep it healthy. It's a really interesting read.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Ben - Content Marketer
This was such an immersive book. Hosseini grew up in Afghanistan and his authentic descriptions really pull you in. The two main characters are two women growing up in Afghanistan in the 60's, 70's and 80's, you see the defeat of the Soviet Union and the rise of the Taliban through their eyes. It's a heartbreaking story punctuated with small moments of hope, quite reflective of the history of the country in which it's set.
The Post Office Girl by Stefan Zweig
Edd - Education Consultant
A beautiful story set in post-WWI Austria. For me, it’s all about impoverished life and the pervasive influence of money. I suppose there's a lot to be said about class divides in the book, as well.
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Andrey Zharikov - Software Engineer
A lack of good sleep can really ruin your life. And sleeping well is one of the best investments you can do! This book explains why and how sleep matters that much. And what you can do to sleep well.
Shoe Dog by Phil knight
Naimish Gohil - CEO
An inspiring story sharing the journey that led to the creation of Nike. An awesome book!
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Isaac Mayne - Creative
This is a heartbreaking and engrossing book. It depicts a very dark chapter in Japan’s history as an almost fairytale-like adventure. And, like in most cases, is a lot better than the film.
Closing the Vocabulary Gap by Alex Quigley
Deryk Foote - Product Support Engineer
Until recently I'd associated "vocabulary" solely with dull quizzes in English class. Quigley's book explains why a robust vocabulary is essential for critical thinking on any subject, and shows how the growing "vocabulary gap" between students exacerbates the challenges teachers face with an ever more challenging curriculum.
Hooked: How to Build Habit Forming Products by Nir Eyal
Jas Singh - QA Engineer
Hooked is based around the four step process that causes products, and apps to become habit forming. The battle today is how do companies really try and get your attention and get you thinking in a certain way. There are four steps behind why apps become habit forming. The book is packed with real-life examples of how each works and I really recommended it to everyone interested in how products engage us.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Sophia Papadopoulos - Social Media Marketer
I love how the author meshes dark humour with a light hearted and innocent tone that makes for an interesting and definitely unpredictable read. Definitely a good choice for a chilled beach read but enough twists and turns to make you wonder what’s going to happen next! You definitely connect and feel for the protagonist and her bluntness makes for an entertaining read.
Papillon by Henri Charriere
Chris Phillips - Marketing Director
I'm more interested in real life than fiction and this is a true story. It shocked me that, even though the events are fairly recent 1930-40s, the conditions in the French penal colonies were so brutal.
The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom
Bethany Spencer - Content Manager
A heart-warming story that follows the journey Eddie takes after his death. He meets five people who teach him some of life's greatest lessons and help give meaning to his life. It’s easy to read and one that will make you cry and smile.
