LeftBrain’s top picks for World Book Day

Happy World Book Day! From books about psychology and technology through to literary fiction and biography, we thought we’d share some of our favourite reads of the year. Here’s an eclectic mix of recommendations from the LeftBrain team.

Ben recommends…

The Emotionally Intelligent Office by The School of Life. With the rise of remote and hybrid working, this book outlines 20 emotional skills for the workplace. Modern businesses place a huge emphasis on technical training, yet a lot of what determines the success or failure of an organisation has nothing to do with the traditional ‘hard’ skills taught at business school, but rather the sophisticated ‘soft’ skills that are key to emotional maturity.

Bethia recommends…

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. A thought-provoking narrative told by Klara, an Artificial Friend with remarkable observational abilities, as she navigates the hopes of being chosen by a customer in a store, all while pondering the meaning of love in an ever-evolving world, making it a compelling exploration of human connection and technology’s impact.

Charlie recommends…

Permanent Record: A Memoir of a Reluctant Whistleblower by Edward Snowden. A gripping memoir, offering insight into Snowden’s journey from suburban upbringing to whistleblower, shedding light on the creation of a surveillance system that threatened privacy worldwide, and making it a must-read for anyone concerned with government accountability in the digital age.

Daniel recommends…

Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin. A challenge to conventional marketing wisdom, Godin explores how to create remarkable products and experiences that stand out in a crowded market. With captivating storytelling and practical advice, this book inspires readers to embrace innovation and create something truly noticeable in everything they do.

Dayne recommends…

Atomic Habits by James Clear. A transformative approach to changing your life through small behavioural adjustments, demonstrating how tiny habits can lead to significant outcomes. With insights from psychology and neuroscience, Clear presents practical strategies and inspiring stories, showing how these small changes can revolutionise your career, relationships, and overall life satisfaction.

Dustin recommends…

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. A timeless bestseller offering invaluable advice on achieving success in both personal and professional realms. With practical wisdom and enduring principles, Carnegie’s book provides strategies to improve relationships, persuade others, and navigate the complexities of the modern age, making it an essential read for anyone seeking personal and professional growth.

Marco recommends…

The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr and George Spafford. A narrative that sheds light on the challenges faced by IT professionals and offers real-world solutions through the lens of a struggling project at Parts Unlimited. With insightful commentary from industry leaders and a fast-paced storyline, this book is a must-read for anyone in workplace technology, offering invaluable lessons on streamlining workflows, improving communication, and embracing the DevOps revolution.

Mitchell recommends…

Alchemy: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life by Rory Sutherland. An exploration of human behaviour and the art of creating irresistible products and ideas, drawing on decades of advertising experience and entertaining storytelling. With practical case studies and deep insights, Sutherland decodes the secrets to successful branding and decision-making, providing invaluable lessons for navigating the complexities of business and life.

Happy reading!