The LBF Book Club has been busy this Summer with the team here enjoying some wonderful reads from across this wonderful industry we get to work in. Find out what’s been keeping us entertained on our staycations and what we’re looking forward to reading in the Autumn. From thriller to romance, how many are on your list?
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier
During a particularly wet and cold summer break to Cornwall, I re-read one of my favourite classic novels, Jamaica Inn. Despite being set in the early 19th century and written almost a century ago, I find the story still resonates. Du Maurier paints such a vivid picture of the bleak landscape of the Cornish Moors and creates characters who we can picture clearly, even though we have never come across anyone similar in real life (and hope not to in most cases!). The story is gritty, suspenseful, and gripping, the horror all the more potent in its recognisable humanity. As the nights draw in, this is an Autumn read for all to enjoy.
Recommended by Andy Ventris, Event Director
Beautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally Rooney
I cannot wait to get stuck into the latest book from bestselling Irish Author, Sally Rooney. Set, like most of her novels, in Dublin, Beautiful World Where Are You? is poised to take us on a charming journey into the lives, loves and struggles of a group of young Irish friends as they navigate this crazy world, we live in. Rooney is gifted in understanding intimately the complexities of love and the effect this has on human interaction, as demonstrated on the page through her compelling characters. As a reader you have no choice but to give yourself over and envelope yourself in the romantic chaos. Bring on the heartache!
Recommended by Helen Clifford, Marketing Manager
Jamie Cooks Italy by Jamie Oliver
Like many of us here in the UK, that Summer holiday abroad has not been achievable this year and I for one am missing the wonderful culinary experience you get from travel. So instead, I’m looking forward to bringing a bit of the Mediterranean to London, extending the Summer, and trying out some of the dishes in Jamie Cooks Italy.
Recommended by Helen Clifford, Marketing Manager
Assembly by Natasha Brown, Real Estate by Deborah Levy & Luster by Raven Leilani
While the somewhat soggy UK summer didn’t offer much time for beach reading (sigh), at least there were plenty of good books to curl up with indoors. Some books I’ve recently devoured include: Assembly by Natasha Brown, a powerful meditation on race and class in England. Real Estate by Deborah Levy, a joyous memoir about finding your place in the world, and Luster by Raven Leilani (a frank portrayal of office and sexual politics). Looking ahead, I’m eager to delve into the new Rooney (who isn’t?!) and the other big UK title of the year, Shon Faye’s The Transgender Issue.
Recommended by Emily Laidlaw, Senior Sales Executive
Get a G.R.I.P. by Richard Leo Hunt
I am currently reading Get a G.R.I.P. by American author and actor Richard Leo Hunt, EdD.
Richard has a gift of motivating and inspiring people to live their lives with positivity and gratitude and in this book he manages brilliantly, with practical examples, to help you take back control in order to be your best self.
If you are looking to realign and empower yourself and to get a grip on your life, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Richard’s book!
Recommended by Antonella Pearce, Sales Manager
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Ancient Stoicism meets 21st century life! I was lucky enough to read an early edition of Ryan’s forthcoming book Courage is Calling, which I loved so much that I decided to delve into his backlist. This book – loved by sportspeople such as golfer Rory McIlroy – is full of practical advice for overcoming any obstacles in your life by turning them into opportunities and is inspired by the wisdom of Stoics such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus. Read it and transform your life.
Recommendation by Amelia Knight, Director (Business Operations), Midas
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The book I’ve been absolutely loving this summer is Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I loved her two previous novels, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones and the Six so I knew I had to pick this book up immediately. I love how Reid writes celebrity stories, with Malibu Rising focused on a group of famous siblings in the 90s. She manages to convince readers that they were actual people, and you will be itching to google the characters when you finish the book. It is also set against a backdrop of surfing on the Malibu beach, so it has the perfect summer vibe.
Recommendation by Sofia Saghir, Account Executive, Midas
No Filter by Sarah Frier
Really insightful read, from a start up to the billion-dollar acquisition by Facebook. It brings insights to how conglomerates think! Acquisition reasons and how the company develops under its new owners. The interesting part is how it has shaped society and forged a new digital economy. Most importantly how it influences people’s thoughts, buying and lifestyle.
Recommended by Ranju Singh, Sales Manager
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Bureman
Four Thousand Weeks is an uplifting, engrossing and deeply realistic exploration of the challenge. Rejecting the futile modern obsession with ‘getting everything done,’ it introduces readers to tools for constructing a meaningful life by embracing rather than denying their limitations. Oliver Burkeman also spoke during the writers’ summit this year at the Online Book Fair.
Recommended by Hannah Brewer, Marketing Manager
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Ernest J. Gaines
Miss Jane Pittman, a true brave and American heroine, born and lived her childhood into slavery, her 110-year life you see a courageous woman who battles for her freedom, to live the life she deserves. She witnesses a new era as the civil rights movement begins in the 1960s. This story truly opens one’s eyes to see the bigotry and hatred her race faced. This story was and is so powerful that at one point, I thought she was real, but it goes to show the writing one has, to share an important story of race and slavery and the narrative of those who live through it.
Recommended by Khatija Hussain, Content and Community Executive
Where Rainbows End (Love, Rosie), Cecelia Ahern
This is one of my favourite and ultimate reads. Two friends who have grown up together and shared their dreams in hopes of being near one another as they grow older. But life changes for them. As they live their separate lives you yearn for them to realise their feelings. Cecilia truly has written a wonderful book on how life can alter your plans and knowing when the right moment comes along. Not to wait for what you want, but to go after it. I recommend you read this – but make sure you have a box of tissues near you!
Recommended by Khatija Hussain, Content and Community Executive
That’s a wrap for us, we hope you enjoy these wonderful reads. Thank you for joining us for this summer’s book club!
Winter Reads? CODEBREAKER GIRLS: A Secret Life at Bletchley Park
Would this biography of my mother/memoir qualify for your book club? Fans say it’s ‘a jolly good 3-day read.’ Published by Pen & Sword UK & USA. Foreword by Sir Dermot Turing. Book 2 to be published January 2022.