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The B1 team are a pretty eclectic bunch so, naturally, we read some pretty interesting stuff. And, the generous souls that we are, we thought we’d share some of our favourites with you. Some are related to our fields of work, and some are inexplicably random. But all of them are wonderful in their own unique ways (rather like us…). So, if you’re looking for some bookshelf inspiration, you’ve come to the right place!

NON-FICTION

EATS, SHOOTS & LEAVES – LYNNE TRUSS

A witty, original and impassioned punctuation bible for grammar nerds. Truss’s tongue-in-cheek journey through grammatical errors and anecdotes will make you feel things for punctuation which you never thought you were capable of. It’s an essential read for writers!

THING EXPLAINER – RANDALL MUNROE

This book explains the ins and outs of complex objects and concepts using idiot proof wording, which makes it both interesting and amusing. I particularly enjoy the spread on ‘Bags of Stuff Inside You’ (human torso) or the Shared Space House page (International Space Station).

DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC – CANDICE MALLARD

Sally likes a good history book and has been trying to read more on obscure presidents who she’s never really give much thought to. This book is intriguing because it’s equal parts biography of Garfield and his assassin as well as being a tale of technology and the strive for progress.

DON’T MAKE ME THINK, REVISITED – STEVE KRUG

Following up on his 2000 book Don’t Make Me Think, Krug brings his witty, enjoyable and accessible guide on web usability into the mobile-age. A short and fun read, this is a must for any web designer or developer.

THE CHOICE – EDITH EGER

Inspiring and moving, The Choice is a powerful memoir by Dr. Edith Eva Eger, an eminent psychologist whose own experiences as a Holocaust survivor help her treat patients and guide them toward freedom from trauma, grief, and fear. She explains how sadly, many of us live imprisoned within our minds, and shows how freedom becomes possible once we confront our suffering.

“We have the capacity to hate and the capacity to love. Which one we reach for,” she writes, “is up to us.”

THE POWER OF HABIT – CHARLES DUHIGG

Exploring the science of habit through fascinating anecdotes; from the personal habits of Martin Luther Kings, Jr., to the harnessing of habits that transformed corporations like Starbucks into billion-dollar success stories. Duhigg shows us how to understand and control our own habits, and how this can transform every aspect of our personal and professional lives.

“Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

FICTION

AFTER YOU’D GONE – MAGGIE O’FARRELL

Maggie O’Farrell’s debut novel is the beautifully written story of an Edinburgh-born girl living in London. Sliding in and out of consciousness whilst in a coma, Alice and her family’s stories and secrets are slowly unravelled until the story reaches the present. With incredible psychological and emotional depth, this is the kind of book you can devour in one sitting.

READY PLAYER ONE – ERNST CLINE

An easy to access Sci-Fi novel packed full of Easter eggs for folks who love old games and 80s pop culture reference. It’s also soon to be released as a movie by Steven Spielberg (exciting!) so I suggest reading it before the film drops.

THE HOUSE OF SPIRITS – ISABEL ALLENDE

Described as “one of the most important and beloved Latin American works of the twentieth century”, Allende’s book is one of Emi’s all-time favourites! The deeply moving, totally captivating and wonderfully written tale following 4 generations of a Chilean family through life and death, love and loss, and the physical and spiritual. An absolute must read!