As kids start getting angsty about all the back to school signs, who’s going to break it to them that we’re never done with learning? I’ve got some long train journies coming up so am busy looking for new to me books to pass the hours with, and stimulate some new ideas.
Here’s what’s on my list, what’s on yours?
Playing Big by Tara Mohr
Recommended by a friend of mine, I think this is essentially about being braver. Sometimes you’ve just got to go for it, even when it scares you a little. When you work for yourself, then every day probably has something that’s a little bit scary in it. But I wouldn’t stop doing it. Doesn’t mean we don’t all need a little reminder every so often to be braver.
The Fate of Food: What We’ll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World by Julia Louis-Dreyfus
With the craziness of the summer weather then I think it takes Trumpian levels of unawareness to think that the climate emergency isn’t affecting our lives. This is a thought-provoking look at the thinking and innovations in the food sector that might be needed to feed more people in a more sustainable way. Though I continue to struggle with the concept of edible insects.
Non-Bullshit Innovation: Radical Ideas from the World’s Smartest Minds by David Rowan
I might not get to be in a room listening to so many smart people, but I can share a railway carriage with their thoughts. There’s the real difference brought to life here of being innovative and just talking about being innovative. Disruptors just tend to get on with it. Those being disrupted are too busy having meetings about what they might do, once they’ve got a committee set up. See what fleet and flexible thinking looks like from those who’ve done it, not just talked about it.
The Shape of Things to Come by Druin Burch
I love when people get out a crystal ball to try and look at the pointers for future developments. Druin Burch’s starting point is medicine, and the impacts, and opportunities, of people living for longer. As you’d expect for something on my list he does delve into eating and drinking, but also disease, our minds and sex. Taking into account where advances have already been made, he offers insights into what might come next.
The Future Starts Here by John Higgs
This brought me up slightly short, as it’s secondary title is Adventures in Twenty-First Century, when you realise that nearly 20% of the century has gone. But in a future where we see economic collapse, environmental disaster and probably the return of the seven plagues, then where is the hope? Well, John outlines how a better future can still be built. Every holiday needs some optimism, so this is probably the perfect one for doing that.
I’m also planning downtime by the sea. Perfect time to get lost in a good fictional tale. I’m a little behind, having loved both The Shadow of the Wind and The Angel’s Game, so onto part 3 with The Prisoner of Heaven. I also have The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley, a gift from a friend who has highly recommended it.
What’s on your list for reading this summer? Always looking for good recommendations. Hope you get some time to just lose yourself in a book for a little while.
