Inspired by world book day? Here's what to read next

We asked our staff for their top recommendations to add to your to-read list. 

World Book Day isn't just for children. 

Between work, family and the pressures of daily life, it can be hard finding a moment to pick up the book that’s been gathering dust on our bedside table for weeks – but studies show there are many benefits to reading every day.

Reading is known to exercise the brain, improve concentration and reduces stress.

It can also help improve the quality of your sleep (something for the insomniacs among us to try!) Whether you’re a bibliophile, looking for a mental boost, or World Book Day this year has inspired you to dive back into the world of words, take a look at our top personal recommendations below.

The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cromwell  - Recommended by Simon Taylor, Systems and Data Manager

Simon’s recommendation is the book series that the television show was based on, chronicling the birth of England in the 9th and 10th centuries. Following protagonist Uhtred of Bebbanburg, these historical novels explore the origins of modern England, the tumultuous nature of conquest and a criticism of Christian religion in early England. 

It's a hefty series of thirteen books, but Simon can read them “over and over” – and if you’re looking for a world to sink your teeth into, that speaks volumes.

Get Your Sh*t Together by Sarah Knight - Recommended by Vicki Pomerville, Fleet Operations Coordinator 

We’re all about a bit of empowerment!

If, like us, you’re struggling to live your best life this book might be one for you.

Whether you want to quit your day job, move abroad, achieve a healthier work-life balance, or save money, this is a guide to streamline your psyche and motivate the changes you want to see in your life.

And as Vicki says, it also looks really good on your bookshelf.

Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson - Recommended by Chris Bagwell, Customer Loyalty Specialist

If you’re interested in people and the way they operate, you can’t go wrong with Chris’ recommendation.

Surrounded by Idiots is, in his words “a real eye-opener” and you’ll come away with a new insight into why your colleagues act certain ways – the good and bad!

Whether you’re simply fascinated by psychology or you work with the public, a greater understanding of the human mind (and resulting behaviours) is an invaluable tool to harness your empathy.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah - Recommended by Kirsty Fallon, Sales Admin Supervisor

You might have read The Grapes of Wrath once upon a time. Whether you loved or hated it, The Four Winds covers a similar topic; migration of a farming family in the time of the American Dust Bowl.

It has, in Kirsty’s words, earned a “big fat 5 stars from me.”

Described as a deeply affecting, heart-wrenching journey this story is one that sticks in the mind long after reading. Be warned though, it has a somewhat tragic ending for its heroine.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - Recommended by Beth Twigg, Content Marketing Specialist

We love a classic novel and Little Women is up there with the must-reads for literature lovers everywhere. 

Telling the story of four very different sisters coming of age in the time of America's Civil War, each follows their own path into adulthood to mingled disaster and success. Exploring themes such as poverty, family and marriage it's a timeless story that Beth comes back to again and again. 

In her own words "It's a story about four sisters, but it's not just a story about four sisters. It's about hope, joy and finding strength in the people around you. It's about all the different kinds of love, whether that's romantic or friendship."

It's also got her favourite line from any book, ever; "The jelly won't jell and I don't know what to do!"

Be warned though - there's a death in the book that will leave you feeling gut punched for days afterwards. 

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek  - Recommended by Matthew Woodward, General Manager

Would you expect Carparison’s glorious leader to recommend anything other than a book about good leadership?

We certainly wouldn’t.

Leaders Eat Last explores the ways that biological trust and cooperation are essential to building a healthy work environment and how this enables businesses to vastly outperform their competition.

A must-read for anyone who wants to be an effective leader!

My Autobiography by Alex Ferguson - Recommended by Josh May, Learning and Development Coordinator

Our first biography on the list!

Josh could probably chat for Britain when he feels like it, but his recommendation comes with the most succinct summary of all time; “It’s a great book, showing you actually have to work hard to get results and they don’t just come to you. Behind every success are multiple failures first.”

Not bad life advice to keep in mind!

Pooh Gets Stuck by A.A Milne – Recommended by Jamie Mountford, Procurement Specialist

Jamie admitted to pulling our leg with this one, but is any recommended reading list complete if Pooh Bear doesn’t make an appearance?

A.A Milne’s stories about the legendary bear and his forest friends long ago cemented their place as a classic in children’s literature.

For many of us, stories like Pooh Gets Stuck was our first foray into the wonderful world of reading. Even if it’s purely for the nostalgia value, why not take a trip down memory lane and dive back into the world of the Hundred Acre Wood?

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson – Recommended by Lauren Waddington, Sales Administrator

Can you tell lovely Lauren studied English Literature? She recommended not one, not two – but five books (find the additional four in our ‘Honourable Mentions’).

In her words, The Haunting of Hill House is “so unsettling and exciting and weird.”

Published in 1959, it’s widely considered to be one of the best literary ghost stories published in the 20th century. Centred on the eponymous Hill House, the novel follows a group of four attempting to uncover scientific evidence of paranormal activity there.

If you like a bit of psychological terror and stories about women losing their minds (a theme Jackson was well known for), this novel is a thrill to read from start to finish.

Honourable mentions

So many books, so little space on the shelf! For further recommended reading, our honourable mentions below are well worth having a read through.