World Book Day

Many of us here at CPL already spend lots of our time during the working day around words. To mark World Book Day, we asked a few ‘CPLers’ what books they like reading in their spare time.

I picked up Go Figure at the airport the other day. The Economist's Tom Standage summarises the latest data and research to throw light on 'things you didn't know you didn't know'. It's an entertaining dip into the world of economics and there's a lot of thought-provoking stuff here. Alex Smith, editor

I am reading Nomad by Alan Partridge. I love Steve Coogan’s character and his unique take on life, the media, love, and his own talents! Also re-reading Fleshmarket Close by Ian Rankin.
Richard Walters, director – commercial

I’m reading The Sellout by Paul Beatty. It’s a dense, rich, uncomfortable satire that turns the world on its head. Sacha Lehrfreund, picture editor

My favourite book has to be Philip Pullman’s The Northern Lights because anything with a talking polar bear has to be a great book. I’m currently reading I Am Malala, which I really like because it gives me an insight into a part of the world I know little about, and how different it is to life in the UK. Matt Styrka, head of media sales

I’ve just finished re-reading 1984 by George Orwell. Chilling stuff and has many parallels with what's happening in the US at the moment. My favourite books have to be the Just William stories by Richmal Crompton – they still make me laugh out loud. Phil Minett, managing editor

I read Animal Farm and love how it has stood the test of time. Joel Garthwaite, new business manager

My favourite book is Yes Man by Danny Wallace. Not only is it funny and a very easy read, but it also shows how the power of positivity can have a remarkable effect on your life. Darren Price, head of production

I think graphic novels are underrated by the rest of the book-reading world. Stunning visuals, dynamic spreads, attention to print production, meaty story – and robots – it’s all here. I’m reading Descender by Jeff Lemire at the moment. Zsuzsa Goodyer, designer/illustrator

My favourite book is Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose. It’s simultaneously an atmospheric murder mystery – with unlucky monks getting bumped off left and right – an exploration of the medieval mind, and a treatise on symbology. A labyrinth within a labyrinth. I discover something new every time I read it. Rob Coston, editor

My favourite book is The Razor’s Edge by W Somerset Maugham, about a WW1 pilot who refuses to conform to the social norms in America and travels the world searching for answers to religion and human existence. I'm currently reading After You with the Pistol by Kyril Bonfiglionli. Alex Bailey, junior designer

I read a lot of poetry these days and am currently enjoying two recently published books of poetry, Emily Berry's Stranger, Baby and Mark Goodwin's Steps. When it's good it's a very precise form of writing. While the connection might not always be obvious, I think it's something that we can all – as journalists, copywriters and content creators – learn from. Martin Bewick, content lead

My favourite book ever is Decline of the West by Oswald Spengler, bought from Shakespeare and Co in Vienna using my then girlfriend’s rent money, which I did eventually pay back. Neil Adcock, director - client services

Jurassic Park. It is amazing and has defined me as the person I am today. Kai Theriault, media sales executive

Anything by Haruki Murakami is for me – he leads you on a path of intrigue, scrambles your brain and makes you fall in love – amazing! Louise Parfitt, journalist

Some of my favourites are The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien – a thoughtful and provocative novel-in-stories on the nature of truth and war; Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney – chaotic, hilarious, intense, thought-provoking, all wrapped up in 50,000 words and Dark Lies the Island by Kevin Barry – beautifully dark and poetic short stories. Craig Bates, acting head of print & mail

I've read almost every Katie Price book going – very cheesy and predictable, but perfect for relaxing on a beach. Lauren Buchan, sales executive

I love Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and Birds without Wings by Louis de Bernières. The characters are unique and the prose is beautiful. Storytelling at its best. I recently read An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris, which was just as joyfully addictive as everything else by him. Helen Coston, media executive

I recently read The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson – clever, witty and an engaging read. Adam Driver, senior account manager

The best series I've ever read was the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov.  Spiros Aliprantis, digital developer