World Book Day: Impactful Books Recommended By Team Bliss

1. “Leading With Heart” by John Baird - Recommended by Jon, CEO
   
   A powerful non-fiction read that emphasises the importance of authentic leadership in the workplace. Exploring the idea that leaders can unleash their full potential and inspire their teams by embracing open and honest communication, self-awareness, and empathy. Through engaging stories and compelling research, Baird demonstrates how asking the right questions and fostering genuine connections can transform workplace culture and drive success. By prioritising heart-centred leadership, organisations can unlock creativity, innovation, and growth. "Leading With Heart" is a must-read for anyone looking to become a more effective and compassionate leader in today's rapidly changing business landscape.
   
    
2. “Migrations” by Charlotte McConaghy - Recommended by Laurie, CPO
   
   A poignant novel which follows the journey of a young woman as she embarks on a dangerous mission to track the migration of the last remaining flock of Arctic terns. Set in a near-future world devastated by climate change and mass extinction, the novel weaves together themes of loss, hope, and resilience. As she faces numerous challenges on her journey, she also grapples with her own personal demons and searches for a sense of purpose in a world on the brink of collapse. Through its vivid storytelling and compelling characters, "Migrations" offers a stark yet ultimately hopeful commentary on the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of finding meaning in even the darkest of times.
   
    
3. “The Choice” by Dr. Edith Edgar - Recommended by Amy, Digital Account Manager
   
   In this memoir, Eger tells the inspirational story of her experiences in the Holocaust and her subsequent journey to becoming a psychologist specialising in trauma recovery. In her teens, Eger and her family were sent to Auschwitz, where they endured unimaginable horrors and she lost both of her parents. After the war, she then moved to the United States and eventually became a psychologist, using her own experiences to help others heal from trauma. In this book she explores her personal story of survival, resilience and forgiveness offering a powerful message of hope and healing. Showing how we have the choice, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, to find meaning and purpose in the darkest of times - choosing how we respond to life’s challenges.
   
    
4.  “100 More Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People” by Susan Weinschenk - Recommended by Andrew, Digital Designer
   
   A comprehensive guide providing designers with evidence-based insights into human behaviour, cognition and perception, which are crucial for creating effective and user-friendly designs. Drawing from the latest research in psychology, neuroscience and behavioural economics to provide practical tips and strategies for designing products, websites and apps which are visually appealing, functional and intuitive. From understanding how people process information to the role of emotion in decision making this book offers valuable insight into creating more engaging, successful and human-centred design.
   
    
5. Yuval Noah Harari collection: “Sapiens”, “Homo Deus” and “21 Lessons for the 21st Century” - Recommended by Laurynas, Junior Web Developer
   
   These three books by Yuval Noah Harari explore the past, present, and potential future of humanity. "Sapiens" traces the history of humankind, examining how our species came to dominate the planet and the consequences of our actions. "Homo Deus" looks to the future, exploring the potential impact of technology on humanity and the ethical questions that arise as we seek to upgrade our bodies and minds. "21 Lessons for the 21st Century" offers a thought-provoking analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing humanity today, from artificial intelligence to climate change. With an engaging writing style, insightful analysis and the ability to challenge the reader to think critically about the world around them - these books offer a fascinating exploration of what it means to be human and how we can shape our collective future.
   
    
6. “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi - Recommended by Cara, Content Marketing Specialist
   
   In this compelling and emotional memoir by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at the age of 36. The book chronicles his journey from a young medical student with a promising career ahead of him to a patient confronting his own mortality. With elegance and honesty, Kalanithi explores the profound questions and insights that arise when facing death, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life's final moments. Through his reflections on his own life and work, he offers a deeply moving meditation on the human experience, the nature of time, and the meaning of life. "When Breath Becomes Air" is a beautifully written and deeply affecting book that has touched readers around the world with its honesty, insight, and humanity.
   
    

Bonus Round - Quick Fire Recommendations

• Do Good, Get Paid by Natalie Fee
• The Last Rhino by Lawrence Anthony
• I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
• First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung
• The Biggest Prison on Earth by Ilan Pappé
• The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine by Ilan Pappé
• Jews Don’t Count by David Baddiel
• Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
• Remote Works by Ali Greene and Tamara Sanderson
• The Dark Forest by Liu Cixin
   

We hope that these Bliss-approved titles inspire you to make an impact, learn something new and expand your horizons. World Book Day is a reminder of the transformative power of reading, encouraging personal growth and opening up a world of possibility. We encourage you to join us in continuing to discover and share the joys of literature with others! What will you read next? 

Happy reading!