This World Book Day we asked the Team at Aurora what their current or favourite read is….

Craig – Eugene Triviza and Helen Oxenbury : The Three Little Wolves and The Big Bad Pig”.

This delightful twist on the classic tale of the Three Little Pigs is both charming and thought-provoking. In this version, the roles are reversed, with three little wolves building houses of increasing strength to protect themselves from the menacing Big Bad Pig. The story is filled with creative and humorous elements, and it ultimately teaches a valuable lesson about the power of kindness and friendship.

I was particularly drawn to this book because of the way it challenges traditional narratives. The vibrant illustrations and playful language make it a joy to read, and it’s a great reminder that even the most seemingly invincible obstacles can be overcome with a little ingenuity and compassion.”

Glenn – Russell Beck: The World of Work to 2030.

Russell’s book offers a practical guide to navigate the changing world around us and appreciate what impact that has for businesses, people, talent and ultimately our careers.

Lyn – Wendy Mitchell: Somebody I Used to Know.

This book is about Wendy Mitchell’s journey when she was diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia at the age of 58.  It tells the story of how determined she is that Dementia will not rule her life and how she adapts her life to live with it and how she developed coping mechanisms to continue living an independent life and encouraging others to see there is life after a diagnosis.  She continued to live on her own throughout her illness.

She became an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society giving talks all the way through her diagnosis. She went on to write a second book called What I Wish people knew about Dementia.

Orneste – Liz Nugent: Stranger Sally Diamond.

‘Stranger Sally Diamond’ was my Banbury’s Book Taster book club pick for the month of February. Liz Nugent creates an amazing web of characters and backstories that is both credible and full of psychological trauma, with just a little light relief provided by Sally’s adjustment to society.

Being a psychological thriller, the book heavily explores the topics of nature versus nurture.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book as it invites a reader into Sally’s world where she confronts a deeply buried and horrific past, uncovers repressed memories of her early childhood and grappling with the sinister voice of a past she doesn’t fully remember, all while navigating new relationships and the scrutiny of the public and police detectives.

Saahim – Viet Thanh Nguyen: The Sympathizer.

I’ve recently been reading The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen. The book’s narrator, an unnamed Vietnamese army captain, is sent to America with his General after the Fall of Saigon in 1975. We follow his troubles as he navigates his divided loyalties: his half-French, half-Vietnamese heritage, as well him actually being a sleeper agent for the communist North.

There are a lot of elements borrowed from various novel genres, and it reads at a really fast pace due to the narrator’s continuous commentary (explained in the context of the book). Identity and war are some of its general themes, whilst it more specifically explores the Americanization of the Vietnam War in movies/books. Very compelling read! Pretty funny as well 🙂

Raj – TJ Power: The Dose Effect.

Really good book detailing the importance of Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins on the brain and body.  The book brings together a lot of good examples for how to energise your brain chemistry!