We asked our team members to tell us more about books that they read during 2019 and what stood out for them. Here is what they shared.

 

Cornell Solomon (Facilitator and coach)

Book title and author: Atomic Habits by James Clear

What stood out for you in this book? There are four laws of behaviour change – four each for creating good habits and breaking bad ones. These are:

Four laws for creating good habits:

• Make it obvious.
• Make it attractive.
• Make it easy.
• Make it satisfying.

Four laws for breaking bad habits:

• Make it invisible.
• Make it unattractive.
• Make it difficult.
• Make it unsatisfying.

Why would you recommend that others read this book? The author makes creating good habits and breaking bad ones very practical. He provides the reader with techniques for each of the four laws that are easy to implement and stick to. Finding the “gateway” habit makes it easier e.g. once you have put your running shoes on, you increase the chances that you will actually go for a run.

 

Johnny Johnson (Brand and communications strategy)

Book titles and authors: The Beginning of Infinity by David Deutsch and On Grand Strategy by John Lewis Geddis

What stood out for you in these books? My main takeout from The Beginning of Infinity was to believe in people and give them the freedom to be their best. The main message from On Grand Strategy was to be purposeful but patient.

Why would you recommend that others read these books?

David Deutsch is a quantum mathematician and physicist, and this shows in his writing. I think he tried hard to make The Beginning of Infinity easy to read by making it conversational, but it is still a demanding journey. Like many challenges, though, it is rewarding.

On Grand Strategy is described by the Times as ‘a training manual for our troubled times’ and I can’t put it more succinctly than that. Or better than Philip Delves Broughton of the Evening Standard who describes it as follows: ‘For the past 16 years Gaddis has taught a course on grand strategy at Yale. Reading his book, you will wish every university could offer it. Gaddis roves across the centuries, offering advice on subjects from statecraft and warfare to leading a worthwhile life’.

 

Thea Shaw (Editor) 

Book title and author: A compilation of C.S. Lewis’s Signature Classics

What stood out for you in this book? He offers a unique look at the contrasting complexities that make us human and how we engage with the world around us. 

Why would you recommend it? His thoughts include remarkably relatable examples that afford many light-bulb moments like this one from Mere Christianity: ‘No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good’. Although not new, this book definitely includes some timeless elements. It’s a slow read because there is so much to take in and ponder – and is well worth it.

 

Doreen Nel (Facilitator and coach)

Book title and author: Alone: The Search for Brett Archibald by Brett Archibald

What stood out for you? The power of believing in destiny and how the thought of family can keep you alive when you are on the brink of death.

Why would you recommend that others read it? It is so inspiring and a story of how strong we really are as humans.