What The Daisy Team Are Reading
We’re often swapping books and chatting through our latest reads. So we thought we’d make it official… and what better time is there to start our own book exchange?
March brings some of our favourite moments - International Women’s Day, the Spring Equinox but first, let’s talk, World Book Day. In addition to a bit of dress up at the office, we wanted to share what the Daisy team is reading right now. Don't worry if you get through all these recommendations we’ll be back next month to share a few more!
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
A dystopian novel following Kathy, who as a child lived at Hailsham, a private school in the scenic English countryside where the children were sheltered from the outside world, brought up to believe that they were special and that their well-being was crucial not only for themselves but for the society they would eventually enter. Kathy had long ago put this idyllic past behind her, but when two of her Hailsham friends come back into her life, she stops resisting the pull of memory.
“I'm half way through! Set in a twisted version of England and narrated by the heroine, it’s a real journey of discovery. I love how beautifully it's written - such a sense of innocence, simplicity and curiosity peppered with pain and darkness as the reality of the characters fate is revealed”
-Meg, Senior Marketing Manager
The Storyteller by Dave Grohl
From taking grunge into the mainstream with Nirvana to helming the Foo Fighters and growing into a beloved elder statesman of alternative rock, The Storyteller recounts the wild times and great music of Dave Grohl’s stellar career.
“If you thought you couldn’t love Dave Grohl more, it will level up once you read this book! Not only is he an unbelievable musician, he's a great storyteller. Great for anyone who loves music”
- Katie, Social Media Executive
Feral by George Monbiot
In this book, George Monbiot explores a new, positive environmentalism that shows how damaged ecosystems on land and at sea can be restored, and how this restoration can revitalise and enrich our lives. Challenging what he calls his “ecological boredom,” Monbiot weaves together a beautiful and riveting tale of wild places, wildlife, and wild people.
“It is a fantastically written book describing a unique perspective of rewilding to create a better coexistence between Humans and nature. Really gripping anecdotes and stories of this Activists experience with tribes being forced to work in oil mines or even just about a beautiful fishing trip he went on in the mountains. Mixed in with thought really thought provoking view on how to approach nature conservation”
- Leo, Operations Executive
Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
In this book, award-winning journalist uses ten maps of crucial regions to explain the geo-political strategies of the world powers. To understand world events, news organisations and other authorities often focus on people, ideas, and political movements, but without geography, we never have the full picture. Tim Marshall provides a context often missing from our political reportage: how the physical characteristics of these countries affect their strengths and vulnerabilities and the decisions made by their leaders.
“I’m currently reading Prisoners of Geography, Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need To Know About Global Politics - Tim Marshall. It’s a really interesting and educational read with chapters that are well explained and easy to digest. Definitely expanding my understanding of global and geopolitics”
- Winnie, Product and Quality Executive
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Ageing and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
“A book filled with old Hollywood glamour and plenty of drama, just what I love in a casual read. Story is kept really interesting by flipping between present day and Evelyn’s high-energy, nearly unbelievable life in the film industry. Definitely recommend to anyone wanting a light, fun read.”
- Hannah, Digital Marketing Executive
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realise they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.
“OBSESSED! It has the right amount of love, lust, heartbreak and drama. Since picking up the book I haven't been able to take my mind off it. I read it at every opportunity I get. You just can't go wrong with Colleen Hoover books”
- Mia, Wholesale Executive
Slammed by Colleen Hoover
Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbour. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection.Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt.
“Pretty much at the beginning but it didn't take long to get me gripped. Rather funny thoughts from the main character at moments and excited to read on!”
- Chloe, Customer Service Executive
How To Spend a Trillion Dollars by Rowan Hooper
If you were given one trillion dollars, to be spent in a year, on science, what would you do? What could you achieve? It's an unimaginably large sum, yet it's also the total of the money held by the Norwegian oil investment fund alone, or the current valuations of Apple Computer and of Amazon. So it's both huge and possible.
“Loving the book (so far). Challenges the reader to open their mind and think logically about how you would solve problems bigger than you're used to. Being forced to think from a macro lends perspective and changes how you think about micro daily issues. Would definitely recommend the book.”
- Nick, Ecomm Manager