So my favourite book of recent times is Amor Towles’ a “Gentleman in Moscow”. It is about the fictional Count Rostov, a Russian aristocrat, who was put under house arrest in the wonderful Hotel Metropol in Moscow, not in his luxurious suite but in the eves of the hotel, in the servants’ quarters. How he made the best of his incarceration and his enjoyment of the people he meets in his circumscribed world, make for a glorious read. Of course it is sublimely written and, as I grow older, I can’t be bothered with poorly written books no matter how good the story.

His other books, “Rules of Civility” and “The Lincoln Highway” are great reads too but “A Gentleman in Moscow” captured my heart.

Recommendations from my colleagues…

Jane Thomson
I am currently reading “Outwitting The Devil – The secrets to freedom and success” by Napoleon Hill and absolutely loving it. Napoleon Hill is the author of Think and Grow Rich the bestselling success book of all time. Napoleon Hill wrote this book in 1938, just after publication of his all-time bestseller, and it was considered so controversial that it was hidden for over seventy years. Getting to the root of human potential, he identifies the greatest obstacles we face in reaching our personal goals including fear, procrastination, anger and jealousy as tools orchestrated by the Devil. It has helped me break through my own roadblocks and highly recommend you read this book.

Lisa Carr
My favourite book, although it’s not what I’m currently reading is “The Time Traveller’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger. It’s essentially a love story but set across different points in time with Henry regularly finding himself displaced between past, present and future. The story which is presented as a dual perspective, explores the relationship with his wife and how they deal with Henry’s condition. The nonlinear structure along with lots of foreshadowing (Henry has visited his future so he knows how his life will unfold) make it a really interesting and moving read.

So what are your great reads? Please share them with us.