Many of you rediscovered the joy of reading in the past year. For some, it was thanks to spending more time at home, whilst for others it provided a slice of escapism from the world.
This World Book Day (4th March) we wanted to celebrate our lockdown libraries and reveal the books the people who call our neighbourhood home have enjoyed in the last year, as well as sharing a reminder on where you can pick up a new novel. So read on (no pun intended!).
A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum
- Nominated by Danielle Weatherley, Retail Marketing Manager, Tommy Hilfiger
- I loved reading about the Palestinian-American family and how they navigated living under strict Arab culture within modern day America. I liked how it explored the struggles and secrets between families and showcased the resilience of the female characters. I thought the strength and courage the women showed – even when facing betrayal and violence – was so admirable.
- Available online at Waterstones
Trout Burn by John Gierach
- Nominated by Tom Clinton, Retail Manager, Farlows
- I have a passion for mountain sports and am a recent convert to fly fishing – particularly in London’s ‘lost’ river, the Wandle. This book is a wry and written collection of essays about why and how people fish. It is a classic and is enjoyed by anglers and novices alike – it is ultimately about enduring values and living in a harmony with our environment.
- Available online at Farlows
Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
- Nominated by Ayo Akinsete, Area Managing Director of SH Hotels & Resorts (Treehouse Hotel)
- It’s a great book in understanding not to judge strangers and people you don’t know. This is really key in life in general and especially in the hospitality industry.
- Available online at Hatchards
Sculptures of Les Animaliers 1900 – 1950
- Nominated by Daniel Gallagher, Registrar at the Sladmore Gallery
- This beautifully published tome is a labour of love for the author and a showcase for some of the most important Animalier sculptors from the first half of the twentieth century. The book is packed with insightful descriptions of the artist's lives as well as stunning photographs of the sculptures which make the animals jump out of the page as if they were alive. This is a perfect book for delving into the world of Animalier sculptures for either a fervent connoisseur or as an introduction to an enthusiastic novice. A must have book for all sculpture lovers.
- Available online at the Sladmore Gallery
If you’re looking to devour more reading material, a sustainable option is to share - why not become a member of the London Library - a leading literary institution set in St James’s and founded in 1814. Or pop into the likes of Anthropologie, Liberty London and Maison Assouline for inspiration on coffee table tomes or specially-bound books that promise to add style to your bookshelves.