World book day 2021 - book recommendations
4th March 2021
posted 4th March 2021
Today, Thursday 4th 2021, is World Book Day! During our time in lockdown, we've done a lot of reading to pass the time or to learn a thing or two. In the spirit of World Book Day, we've asked some of our team to recommend a book they've enjoyed and think you might too.
Matt's Recommendation
'Phoenix Project' by 'Gene Kim, Kevin Behr & George Spafford'
"I really enjoyed reading the Phoenix Project (well listened to it as an audiobook if I'm honest). Essentially, the book follows the work of a manager thrust into a previously thankless role and how he manages to get to grips with the requirements of his new position. As a process freak myself, I really enjoyed how it took you through the trials and tribulations of trying to shift unstructured processes into something which was efficient, effective and standardised. The other key take away was how disruptive unplanned work can be to a workflow. I found the book really motivating and improved how I thought about similar points with Webfactory, highly recommend." - Matt
Reb's Recommendation
'James and the Giant Peach' by 'Roald Dahl'
"For World Book Day I would recommend James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. When I was growing up, this was one of the first books I ever read and to this day continues to be a favourite. It's endearing, surreal and exciting and its universal themes of friendship and kindness are timeless. A really great book all-round." - Reb
Jamie's Recommendation
'Dune' by 'Frank Herbert'
"Brilliant world-building with interesting characters, exciting plot and also... giant Sandworms. An epic novel for any sci-fi fan." - Jamie
Joe's Recommendation
'The Alchemist' by 'Paulo Coelho'
"The Alchemist is about one boy's journey to find a treasure. Along the way, he meets a lot of different characters/obstacles which teach him many things. I recommend this book for anybody looking for motivation to get things done and start along your chosen path. The underlying message of the book is summed up well in the quote "Dreams don't work unless you do", but also to follow your hearts desires - ultimately you will be satisfied where you end up. To me, the book is a reminder that I am in control of my life via the choices and decisions I make. It is to seize the day (sorry for the cliché). Reading this book gave my mindset a little nudge in the right direction. This direction led me to not put things off until tomorrow if I could do them today." - Joe
Rhedyn's Recommendation
'Everything' by 'Abigail Ahern'
"I'd recommend reading Everything by Abigail Ahern. It's a great book for people interested in interior design and quirky eclectic interiors. It's pretty on the outside, but the inside is even more amazing! It contains some great tips & tricks to take your interiors to the next level." - Rhedyn
Becky's Recommendation
'The Woman In Cabin 10' by 'Ruth Ware'
"The Woman In Cabin 10 is a gripping read, I would recommend this to anyone who likes crime dramas and murder mysteries. It's about a journalist who had a bit of a rough time. She finally gets a break and goes to the press launch of a luxury cruise ship to see the Northern Lights. The trip turns out to be not quite as planned and she sees a body being thrown overboard from the room next door. Was it real life? Was she just seeing things? Does she find herself trapped on a cruise ship with a killer on the loose? - I'm not much of a reader, but I couldn't put this book down!" - Becky
Steve's Recommendation
'Flowers For Algernon' by 'Daniel Keyes'
"For World Book Day I would like to recommend Flowers For Algernon. Written as a series of diary entries, it follows Charlie, a 32 year old with a very low IQ, and his experience of a science experiment to make him more intelligent. It is very cleverly written, with the diary entries really helping you connect with the main character making the events of the book even more heart breaking." - Steve
Lyndon's Recommendation
'Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days' by 'Jake Knapp'
"Sprint walks the reader through a week-long process from identifying the problem to testing a solution. Be it coffee brewing, fitness, robotics or medicine, this book can help you solve problems whatever the industry. The book is a very easy read, helpful diagrams / images aid to demonstrate the process and there are also some excellent case study examples along the way. This is a must for anyone who enjoys problem-solving. I even feel like running a Sprint now after writing this!" Lyndon
Bee's Recommendation
'The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 831/4 Years Old' by 'Hendrik Groen'
"Not something I would normally read, but have to support my fellow countryman, and it is one of my favourite books! An utterly hilarious look into the life of one rebellious OAP, both endearing and heart-warming, it just reminds me so much of my own Opa (grandad). It will break and melt your heart at the same time." - Bee