Before summer even got going, it’s now almost Halloween! So as the nights draw in and the mercury drops, it’s a great time to start a new book. For inspiration, here’s what the ECI team are reading as we start to enjoy the season of long shadows.
Louis Jans
The Year of the Locust, by Terry Hayes
This is Terry Hayes’s highly anticipated second book, following my all-time favourite fiction novel “I am Pilgrim”, published in 2013 and I was extremely excited to read it.
It’s a modern day spy novel where a secret agent is tasked with chasing down a highly trained and intelligent “super terrorist” across the globe. It’s a real nail biter that you don’t want to put down, so you’ll get through the 700 pages in no time.
The Year of the Locust is a very good read that I enjoyed immensely, but in my opinion, it fell just short of the very high bar set by I am Pilgrim. If you’re into fiction/spy novels, both books are great, but if you do have to choose one, go with Hayes’ first.
Christy Welsh
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Hansel
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel is a refreshing departure from traditional finance books, which often emphasise technical, maths-based strategies for building wealth. Instead, Housel focuses on the human side of money, exploring how personal experiences, emotions, and perceptions shape our financial decisions and success.
Through 20 concise, insightful chapters, he presents key psychological principles – many of them counterintuitive – that influence how we think about and manage money. The book’s engaging anecdotes and accessible storytelling make complex ideas relatable, leaving a lasting impression long after you’ve finished reading.
George Moss
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts is an epic novel based on the author’s extraordinary real-life experiences. The story follows Lin, an escaped Australian convict who flees to Mumbai, in search of freedom and reinvention. Once immersed in the vibrant and hectic city, Lin forms deep connections with locals, navigates the criminal underworld, and even finds himself living in a slum.
The book captures the rich, contrasting tapestry of India – its beauty, poverty, spirituality, and corruption. With a blend of action, philosophy, and romance, Shantaram explores themes of redemption, the human condition, and the moral complexities of life. At nearly 1,000 pages, it’s an immersive read, offering a mix of thriller and introspective reflection. If you enjoy vivid character development and complex cultural settings, you’ll love this book as Roberts’ writing is both poetic and gritty, making it a compelling adventure for those seeking depth and escapism.
Brett Pentz
The Forever Dog by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Shaw Becker
The Forever Dog by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Shaw Becker offers a science-driven guide to extending the lifespan and health of your canine companion (and is reminiscent of our successful investment in MPM). Drawing on the latest medical research, the book delves into key factors that influence dog health, including diet, physical activity, stress management, and the importance of social interaction.
Habib and Becker advocate for a proactive approach, encouraging pet owners to adopt healthy practices, such as integrating nutrient-rich foods and supplements into their dog’s diet and addressing lifestyle factors that can prevent disease. The book also highlights the emotional and practical bonds we share with our pets, which I’ve seen first-hand with my well-travelled 13-year-old Beagle mix who has lived in both the US and UK. For business owners, particularly in the pet food and wellness sectors, the book offers valuable insights into emerging trends. Overall, The Forever Dog provides a thoughtful roadmap to ensuring a longer, healthier life for beloved pets – I’ll let you know its efficacy when my dog hits 15 or maybe even 20 years old!
David Shiel
Unruly by David Mitchell
If you think you know England’s monarchs you might be in for an hilarious history lesson. In Unruly, David Mitchell uses his sardonic style and throws out the stuffy textbook approach to reveal a side of English royalty you never expected. Forget stoic leaders – Mitchell paints them as a motley crew of lucky, sometimes downright bizarre characters.
From the non-existent King Arthur to the appropriately named King Cnut, he wittily describes power struggles, treachery and bizarre deaths as he dismantles the myth of the infallible monarch. He reminds us that history is often funnier – and messier – than we imagine in an entertaining tour through England’s unruly past.
