To celebrate World Book Day, we’ve asked the GFF team to share with us the books currently on their bedside tables.
It’s a mixed bag — from psychological thrillers and practical career advice to philosophical musings — there’s something to inspire every reader.
Joy Campbell, Sponsorship Manager: “I was delighted to have been given a copy of Viv Groskop’s book, How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking which I am devouring ahead of speaking on a panel which is normally something I approach with trepidation — I am counting on this book to change that!”
Nicola Hitchens, Communications and PR Manager: “I’m reading The Multi-Hyphen Method by Emma Gannon. The book teaches that it doesn't matter if you're a part-time PA with a blog, or a nurse who runs an online store in the evenings — whatever your ratio, whatever your mixture, we can all channel our own entrepreneurial spirit to live more fulfilled and financially healthy lives. This is of interest to me as a Freelancer, to learn new techniques to design a strong career path.”
Almitra Sewell, Office Manager: “I'm reading Lies That Bind us by Andrew Hart — it's a thriller, so far what I have got from the book is: the main character went to Greece and has ended up being kidnapped!! (I think - I’m only 50 pages in!)”
Eva Kubacka, Graphics Assistant: “I’m currently reading The Administration of Fear by Paul Virilio — which is an interview with Bertrand Richard, the philosopher — he’s addressing the ways in which technology is utilised in synchronising mass emotions. I’m also reading Post Truth by Matthew D’Ancona — he’s discussing the art of lie in current political climate, and The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera. It’s a love story based in communist-occupied Czech Republic (Czechoslovakia then), and the main two characters are struggling to live their normal lives because of the government’s restrictions and regime.”
Nicky Gover, Graphic Designer: “I’m reading They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera. A friend recommended this to me and I was really fascinated by the premise — two people are called and given 24 hours notice before their death. The story is about how they spend that last 24 hours.”
Ethan Isaac, Sponsorship Director: “I’m currently reading Shantaram, a novel by Gregory David Roberts. I was drawn to this as it’s semi-biographical, an epic adventure of an escaped convict and his journey to India, where he becomes the slum doctor, mafia don and movie star. As a big fan of India myself, I quite like novels based in this part of the world.”
Megan Doyle, Digital Editor: “I’m reading Rise and Resist: How to Change The World, a fantastic book by Australian fashion journalist Clare Press. It’s all about the history and resurgence of activism through revolutionary acts of protest, craftivism and grassroots movements around the world. It’s inspiring to read that small acts of rebellion can affect global change!”
Becky Mars, Social Media Manager: “I’m really enjoying Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know About Love. Amongst many themes, the book examines the importance and value of female friendship and reminded me to be grateful for all the amazing women in my life!”
Billie Poposka-Roberts, Industry and Special Projects Manager: “I recently read My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. The book came on my radar though a book club I recently joined and I was so glad I got to read it as I wouldn't have normally picked it off the shelf! I was totally immersed and enthralled by the book and the lives of Lila and Lenù, their friendship and entangled family relationships in a close knit Italian community. Ferrante’s capability to bring a true taste, feelings and passions in her pages simply made me unable to look up and put the book down!”
Alex Spargo, Operations & Event Manager: “I’ve just started reading Michelle Obama’s autobiography, Becoming. I couldn’t wait to start it, from what I’ve heard in reviews. She’s such an impressive individual and I am learning so much about her perspective on the world.”