18 Sep OVID’s Ultimate Summer Reading List
With summer drawing to an end, we thought that there is no better time to share a short selection of carefully curated recommendations from the OVID team. OVID’s ultimate summer reading list below covers a selection of books that some of our OVID team have been reading over the last few months whilst lounging by the pool, sunbathing at the beach, or relaxing in the comfort of an air-conditioned hotel room. Some were also read on the peaceful tube commute that ensues when everyone else is on holiday!
Roudie’s Pick
As the convener of OVID’s very own book club, Roudie has chosen not one, not two, but three of her favourite reads of this summer which she indulged in following days out cycling with her children in France.
“Histoires de la nuit” or “The Birthday Party by Laurent Mauvignier: is a collection of mesmerizing short stories. Buried deep in rural France, little remains of the isolated hamlet of the Three Lone Girls, save a few houses and a curiously assembled quartet: Patrice Bourgogne, inheritor of his family’s farm; his wife, Marion; their daughter, Ida; and their neighbour, Christine, an artist. While Patrice plans a surprise for his wife’s fortieth birthday, inexplicable events start to disrupt the hamlet’s quiet existence: anonymous, menacing letters, an unfamiliar car rolling up the driveway. And as night falls, strangers stalk the houses, unleashing a nightmarish chain of events.
“Time Shelter” by Georgi Gospodinov: If you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking and introspective read, “Time Shelter” by Georgi Gospodinov is the perfect choice. Combining elements of literature, philosophy, and magical realism, this novel takes you on a philosophical journey through time and existence. The book follows an unnamed narrator working at a fictional “clinic of the past” called Time Shelter for Alzheimer’s patients.
For those who crave a gripping and suspenseful read, “Follow the Money” by Paul Johnson is a thrilling choice. The book shines a light onto the dark underbelly of international finance delving into the intricacies of financial crime, corruption, and power. This book provides us with complex characters and a captivating plot, revealing the intricate web of greed and manipulation that can exist in the world of high-stakes finance.
Ella and Camilla’s Pick
Reading doesn’t stop at the the end of summer and this suggestion came from Ella and Camilla who are currently in the thick of this novel. Ella plans to continue reading this novel on her sunny holiday to Majorca in the coming weeks. If books aren’t your preferred medium, this novel is due to be turned into a tv series released on Apple TV later in the autumn.
“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus delves into the life of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant and ambitious young woman pursuing a career in chemistry in the 1960s when women were expected to prioritise marriage and motherhood over. Garmus weaves together a poignant coming-of-age story and a tribute to women scientists who persevered despite the odds. Not without its harder hitting moments (a trigger warning is important to note on some of what the protagonist unfortunately experiences.) This inspiring tale is a must-read for anyone seeking empowerment and a reminder that passions can be pursued against all odds.
Jack’s Pick
As OVID’s resident bookworm, Jack found it incredibly hard to decide on just one book to recommend! After some deliberation, he settled on ‘With the end in mind’ by Kathryn Mannix due to its interesting and somewhat unconventional subject matter.
“With the End in Mind” is a non-fiction book written the palliative care doctor Kathryn Mannix, which aims to prepare its readers with the facts of what dying looks like and how to die well. The book draws on Mannix’s years of experience, using her personal stories and encounters with patients to highlight the importance of open conversations surrounding death to bring comfort and understanding to those facing the end of life. She addresses various themes such as the fear of dying, managing pain, different approaches to caregiving, and the significance of planning for a peaceful death.
Dave’s Pick
Dave chose this book not just because of the book’s relevance to our work in health and life sciences, but because of the compelling, emotional and deeply personal story that the author shares with her readers.
“The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind” is the memoir of renowned neuroscientist Dr. Barbara Lipska. The book is a vivid account of her experience of her personal battle with metastatic melanoma and brain cancer. Throughout the book, Dr. Lipska shares the terrifying journey of her deteriorating mental health, as she struggled with delusions, hallucinations, memory loss, and erratic behaviour, unable to comprehend her condition despite being an expert in this very field. Throughout the book, she provides a unique and insightful perspective on her own illness, combining her scientific knowledge with her personal struggle. It gives readers a glimpse into the devastating impact of brain cancer on one’s mental health, as well as the resilience and determination needed to overcome such a challenge.
There we have it – the OVID ultimate summer reading list! We hope there is a something on the list for you and do look out for future reading recommendations from our very own, OVID book (and multimedia) club.