Books To Read This Summer

Summer is within touching distance, which means many of us will be heading off to sunnier climates. With some relaxation time on the cards, we asked a few of the Finura team what books they have been reading that might provide the perfect mental escape from day to day life back home.

Here’s a few books to read this Summer:

PAUL WESTCOTT, FINANCIAL PLANNER

Cezanne: A Life by Alex Danchev

With brilliant insight, drawing on a vast range of primary sources, Alex Danchev tells the story of an artist who was never accepted into the official Salon: he was considered a revolutionary at best and a barbarian at worst, whose paintings were unfinished, distorted and strange. This book delivers not only the fascinating days and years of the visionary who would ‘astonish Paris with an apple’, but also a complete assessment of Cézanne’s ongoing influence through artistic imaginations in our own time. I am reading this simply because I love art!

LOUISE FISH, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

It’s a roller-coaster of emotions, thoroughly thought-provoking read. It’s about a unique female chemist, Elizabeth Zott, who’s navigating the 1960s science world and dealing with all the gender bias that comes with it. The book is hilarious, smart, and totally addictive. Whether you’re into women’s history, science, or just love a good story, I couldn’t put it down!

ISABELLE FEATHERSTONE, MARKETING MANAGER

The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien

One I always go back to for a feel-good story, The Hobbit is a timeless classic that enchants readers with Tolkien’s rich storytelling and vivid world-building. An epic pre-lude to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the story follows Bilbo Baggins, a humble hobbit whose life takes an adventurous turn when Gandalf the wizard and a group of dwarves enlist him to help reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug.

Whether you are a newcomer to fantasy, or a seasoned fantasy fan The Hobbit is one of the best-selling books of all time for a reason! Join Bilbo on his adventure while you enjoy yours!

SAM ALLEN, PARAPLANNER

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

This book is a philosophical novel that explores the metaphysics of quality. The book is part memoir, part philosophical treatise, and part travel narrative. The story follows the author, who embarks on a motorcycle trip with his son. As they travel across the United States, the author reflects on various philosophical ideas and personal experiences. The book is a thought-provoking work that challenges readers to consider how they engage with the world around them and how they find meaning and value in their lives. The book was recommended by a friend, and is unlike anything I have ever read before!

EMMA HUNT, COMPLIANCE & CLIENT SUPPORT MANAGER

The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray

The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober is a personal memoir of the author’s journey from drinking heavily to a sober, happy life. Delivered in a non-preachy way, this book is very eye opening to the societal pressures around drinking alcohol and the socially and culturally ingrained stereotypes that equate sobriety with joylessness. This book is about the light that comes after the dark. I was never alcohol dependent, but it really helped me to assess my relationship with alcohol and I’ve not had an alcoholic drink for almost 3 and a half years as a result of reading it. Whether you’ve decided to stop drinking, or are ‘sober-curious’, this book shines a new light on the pleasures of being free of alcohol dependence, and contains some real penny drop moments that I think everyone can relate to. It has literally changed my life!