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Lifestyle -
Your summer reading and listening list
With the summer break just around the corner, we asked our colleagues to suggest their favourite books and podcasts.
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Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard
Let My People Go Surfing is the story of the Patagonia company and something of a manifesto for running a business, and possibly life in general. I love the great outdoors and there is plenty of that in this book, but I also love that culture is at the centre of the story. Throughout his journey, Yvon seems to be motivated by a sense of duty. Yes, that means profitability (and the business is very profitable) but also looking after his people, which means he gets the best from them and, as a result, is able to achieve his environmental aspirations.
Recommended by Chris Wiltshire
Director
Head of Manchester Office
Shantaram by Gregory David Robert
My recommended read is a classic: Shantaram by Gregory David Robert. It is based on a true story that prepares you for life. My favourite quote from the book is, “Fate gives all of us three teachers, three friends, three enemies, and three great loves in our lives. But these twelve are always disguised, and we can never know which one is which until we’ve loved them, left them, or fought them.”
Recommended by Vasila Mehtiyeva
Private Banker
Media
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None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
As a fan of Lisa Jewell, I would recommend anything by her as she is brilliant at creating interesting characters and storylines. I particularly enjoyed her most recent novel, None of This Is True. It is about a podcaster whose life is turned upside down when she meets a mysterious stranger with some dark secrets. It is a bone-chiller and a real page turner.
Recommended by Tracey Stronghill
Senior Commercial Banker
Real Estate
The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
The story is intense and not always easy. It is one of self-discovery, chance encounters (and near misses), and human nature. The book balances tough issues and incredibly sad moments with a wry sense of humour and silver linings. A compelling read right to the end - I have not read a book as quickly as this one in a very long time.
Recommended by Gabriella Macari
Senior Investment Manager
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Ruthie’s Table 4 by Ruth Rogers
Ruthie’s Table 4 is the perfect summer listening for foodies and culturalists alike. The podcast is hosted by chef and co-founder of the renowned River Café restaurant in London, Ruth Rogers CBE, and each week she interviews famous names about food and the role it has played in their lives. From Glen Close and Nancy Pelosi to Michael Cane and Nigella Lawson, Rogers invites her guests to narrate a recipe from the River Café cookbook and talk about the food of their childhood as well as what they cook now and where they like to eat.
Recommended by Christopher Dean
Head of Marketing
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
A page-turner, even for someone who does not game. Zevin’s story is not just an insight into the world of gaming but also the story of deep friendships that span several decades. The characters are incredibly relatable, and it is difficult not to become invested in their lives and destinies. The book is well-written, thought-provoking, and an easy read, definitely one to take on holiday.
Recommended by Virginie Dafforn-Gorgemans
Director
Head of Marketing & Proposition
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