With the siren call of cocktails on the beach growing ever stronger (on this side of the equator in any case), we have sourced some book recommendations for your summer break. Friends from across the Brands2Life Global Network think you should definitely pack these on your travels.
A mixture of fact, fiction and fun, take a look at the below suggestions from our partners, from Stockholm to São Paulo.
THE ENCHIRIDION, Epictetus
Skip the murder mysteries this summer and pick up Enchiridion of Epictetus – a short manual of Stoic ethical advice by the 2nd-century Greek philosopher Epictetus. He was a former slave who founded his own philosophy school based on Stoicism, a philosophy to maximise positive emotions and help us live our best possible lives. With our 21st century eyes, Epictetus’ thoughts are extreme, but these short aphorisms are a reminder to avoid extraneous details in life and a tool in the pursuit of self-mastery, perseverance, and wisdom. Still a valid target, 1900 years after the book was written. — Mikael Westmark, CEO, Westmark, Sweden
BREATH: THE NEW SCIENCE OF A LOST ART, James Nestor
We breathe 25,000 times a day. Yet humans have lost the ability to breathe correctly, with grave consequences. Modern research is showing us that making even slight adjustments to the way we inhale and exhale can jump-start athletic performance, rejuvenate internal organs, and help halt snoring, allergies, asthma and autoimmune disease. So if you’d like something to practise while on holiday, maybe this is the book for you. — Tilo Bonow, Founder & CEO, PIABO, Germany
The Fabriq team in Paris is making a play for being the most avid readers among us and shared five titles for your consideration:
THE APARTMENT, K. L. Slater
Freya finds herself in a challenging situation after the recent loss of her husband. With her young daughter Skye by her side, she must urgently find a new place to live. The house they currently live in has been sold, and the buyers are pressuring her to leave so they can move in. Luckily, she encounters Dr. Marsden, who is seeking a tenant for a flat in Adder House, an opulent mansion in a wealthy London neighbourhood. She moves in quickly, fearing that Dr Marsden will change his mind. Initially, everything seems perfect – an ideal new home for her and her child, providing a fresh start after the hardships they endured. However, her illusions are soon shattered. Behind the double-locked door, Freya has the unsettling feeling of being watched. She even begins to suspect that someone is breaking into her house while she’s away, that things are being moved around… — Marie-Anne Bénardais, senior client manager, Fabriq
BEHIND HATRED, Barbara Abel
An unputdownable psychological thriller, this novel takes us back seven years to a feud between neighbours and the events that led up to it. The story revolves around two couples who initially bond over their similar ages and shared interests. Their friendship deepens when the two women become pregnant around the same time. Until one day, tragedy strikes, and their lives are irrevocably shattered within seconds, giving rise to feelings of hatred, resentment, jealousy and lies. *You might need to be fluent in French as a translation doesn’t appear to have been published. — Marie-Anne Bénardais
SONG OF ACHILLES, Madeleine Miller
A riveting tale of love, ambition and immortal fame, this is a retelling of the Trojan War and its greatest hero from the point of view of his closest friend Patroclus. In beautiful, lyrical prose, the story brings life and depth to characters we usually know from a one-dimensional perspective. If you enjoy Greek mythology and heroic tragic epics, this should be right up your alley. — Soraya Atmani, PR and content manager, Fabriq, France
WE WERE LIARS, E. Lockhart
Anyone who enjoys a good thriller knows it’s all about the twist, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The story revolves around a wealthy American family that spends every summer on their own private island. The main character, 17-year old Cadence, suffers from amnesia due to an injury she sustained, however the circumstances are unknown both to her and us readers. This is a young adult novel, with a simple but very intentional writing style – you could probably read it in one sitting. — Soraya Atmani
CHASING THE STARS: A JOURNEY THAT COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING, Virginie Grimaldi
One of the many best-seller books from Virginie Grimaldi, an author who portrays highly engaging characters. Her stories are always very moving, leaving readers with smiles on their faces. This novel was named “France’s Favourite Book” in December 2022. It takes readers on a road trip through Scandinavia, with a single mother who has just lost her job and her two teenage daughters, with whom their relationships are sometimes complicated. Along the way, they rediscover themselves, meet some great characters and take a new lease on life. Virginie Grimaldi has written many other novels, all very touching, with characters you quickly become attached to. This is a perfect summer read! — Mélanie Pernin Frigerio, director, Fabriq, France
HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, Diana Wynne Jones
The first fantasy book I’ve read in years. And if you think; you’ve seen the movie (about a girl called Sophie who’s cursed by a witch), why would you read the book, please do. It’s much better, has a lovely 4th wall breaking twist, and a much more coherent ending. A lovely care-free magical realism affair. — Jamie Whyte, practice director, Brands2Life UK
THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY, Erik Larson
This taught historical account of America’s first serial killer is so well-researched that it reads like a thriller. Devil is a perfect beach read for fans of murder mystery fiction and true crime podcasts. But Larson balances creepy chapters of H. H. Holmes making his grisly plans with a parallel story of Chicago’s ambitious 1892 World’s Fair – which gave us the Ferris Wheel, zippers, and pancake mix (among many others). Don’t miss this one if you’re visiting Chicago any time soon, or have to attend big trade shows like International CES or Mobile World Congress. — Rich Gallagher, deputy managing director, Brands2Life US
O AUTO DA COMPADECIDA (The Rogue’s Trial), Ariano Suassuna
I would like to recommend a relatively unknown book, particularly outside of Brazil. This book sheds light on the lesser-known region of Brazil, the northeast, and it was written in the form of a theatre script. The plot revolves around the character João Grilo and his struggle for survival. João Grilo creates various humorous and adventurous situations, constantly navigating new complexities to escape the previous predicaments, ultimately ensuring his survival. Similar to other “Autos,” the book carries religious undertones and moral lessons. However, Suassuna, as in his other works, presents them in a highly entertaining and unconventional manner. I strongly urge you to watch the film adaptation of the book, directed by Guel Arraes, after reading it. It is one of my favourite Brazilian movies, boasting an incredible cast. I hope you thoroughly enjoy both the book and the film! — Patricia Zylberman, PR Lead Brazil, Sherlock Communications
A LOS LEJOS, by Hernán Díaz
This is the debut novel of the Argentine Hernán Díaz, who recently won the Pulitzer with his second book, Fortuna. A lo lejos tells the story of a young Swedish immigrant who arrives in California at the height of the Gold Rush, embarks on an impossible pilgrimage to New York, without speaking the language, in search of his brother Linus, whom he lost when they embarked for Europe. — Martin Kolodny, Head of Argentina and Uruguay, Sherlock Communications
CAPITÃES DA AREIA, by Jorge Amado
Capitães da Areia (Captains of the Sand) is a book by Brazilian writer Jorge Amado that tells the story of a group of orphaned boys living in the streets of Salvador, facing poverty, having adventures, and surviving in the real world. Jorge Amado uses poetic writing to bring forth a social critique that is relevant even to this day, addressing social problems like poverty and inequality. His vivid storytelling and well-developed characters engage the reader in the story and make you feel close to them as if you were there inside the book. Definitely a powerful and must-read book. — Maria Amélia Ferreira da Costa, PR Coordinator, Sherlock Communications, Brazil
Hopefully one or more of these will find a place in your suitcase, and who knows, a place in your heart. Let us know if there are any we should add and have a great summer break!
