World Book Day is a charity event, first launched in the UK and Ireland in 1997. Its mission is to encourage children and young people to read for pleasure by working with authors, publishers, bookshops and libraries. In celebration of World Book Day, each member of Team Zap was invited to share a book recommendation…
Koyasan, by Darren Shan – Lex, Communications Manager
This book will always hold a special place in my heart because of its empowering message to young girls and introducing me to my favourite childhood author. It was also published for World Book Day back in 2006!
Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman – Ash, Executive Assistant
I love the urban fantasy setting and the grim, creepiness of the world. The main character is just an ordinary guy – which is really refreshing for the genre – and the writing is incredibly witty.
“Hard to have just one favourite!” – Lisa, Managing Director
Book that changed my life was The Universe Has Your Back by Gabby Bernstein. Read it so many times and recommended it to so many people. Helped me to recognise a lot of negative things in my life so I can deal with them better!
I have too many favourites to pick just one, but I wanted to mention the children’s book Hyena Ballerina (Russell Punter) because it celebrates difference.
Twilight: Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer – Jeni, Junior Developer
‘Cause I love love ❤️
To Kill A Mocking Bird, by Harper Lee – Jon, Head Of Development
I am a big Blink 182 fan, and when I was a teen, they released a clothing line, “Atticus”. Realising where they’d taken inspiration from encouraged me to try the book, and I loved it!
This Is Not a T-Shirt, by Bobby Hundreds – Macky, Head Of Design
I enjoyed learning about the origins of streetwear, and the authors insights on the skateboard/hardcore scene in the 90s.
Full title: This Is Not a T-Shirt: A Brand, a Culture, a Community – a Life in Streetwear
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald – Adam, Graphic Designer
My favourite book would have to be the only one I can remember reading: The Great Gatsby. I studied it for Higher English in sixth year and, to be honest, I can only remember most of it because we were also made to watch the film about five times.
We appreciate the honesty, Adam!
“What are these ‘book’ things everyone is talking about?” – Ross, Back-end Developer
Ross: That’s like, when you press print and staple the pages together, yeah?
Jon: Not sure, Ross. I couldn’t find the answer on Stack Overflow – so gave up!
We Are Nature, by Ray Mears.
As a developer, I’m usually stuck in front of a screen all day. So it’s nice to do outdoorsy stuff occasionally, or live vicariously through Mr. Mears, the Master of the Outdoors.
“Different books for different reasons.” – Steven, Digital Director & Founder
My favourite book to get me motivated is The Obstacle Is The Way (Ryan Holiday). It reminds me that the only thing we can control is our actions and to do the work. A mentor of mine, Bert Jukes, wrote Dreamers Move Mountains. It explains how his dreams manifested into his reality.
Marcus Aurelius’ book Meditations fascinates me how the ruler of the world at that time was writing in his personal journal, not intended for us to see, about how he always wanted to do the right thing. “Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” I have this poster on my desk above me.
I’ve most likely read everything Julia Donaldson has wrote for children and The BFG – which we love as a family.
1984, by George Orwell – Bethanie, Social Media Executive
I love how he predicted so much about the future, and it acts as a warning, even though it was written over 70 years ago.
Happy Sexy Millionaire, by Steven Bartlett – Chloe, Project & Account Manager
I’ve recently taken some pointers from this book. It reminds you that happiness and fulfilment come from within. Changing your internal narrative, being wary of social brainwashing and the media making you unhappy as there’s no money in a society that is fulfilled and content with themselves!
Want to know more about World Book Day? You can visit the official website here.
Want to learn more about our team? You can see every Team Zap member here.
Comment below with your favourite book 👇
