Best summer reads: Books recommended by PR professionals

If there was ever a perfect moment to reignite your love for reading, it’s summer. Whether you’re enjoying a staycation, lounging at the beach, or simply catching a break from the daily static, books offer something rare – even precious – in today’s chaotic, digital world: depth, reflection, imagination – and genuine joy. And in an era dominated by five-second video clips and endless scrolling, sitting down with a great book can practically feel like a radical – and much-needed – act of self-care. 

In recent years, reading has experienced a quiet but powerful resurgence. According to the Booksellers Association, the UK and Ireland now boast over 1,052 independent bookshops, up from just 867 in 2016. This remarkable growth has been, in part, fuelled by a renewed embrace of community in the wake of the pandemic, where supporting neighbourhood businesses has become even more meaningful. Many of these shops have evolved into real cultural hubs, finding new ways to thrive – hosting author events, book clubs and literary festivals – while proving that the tactile, personal experience of browsing a physical bookstore still holds incredible value.

Libraries, too, are evolving: embracing technology to make reading more convenient, and inclusive than ever before. Through digital platforms like Libby and OverDrive, UK libraries now offer free access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks, allowing readers to borrow and enjoy books anytime, anywhere, with just a smartphone or tablet.

Books are trending on social

Even social media – once viewed as anathema where reading habits are concerned – has become one of its most powerful allies. Nowhere is this more evident than on TikTok, where the viral #BookTok community has transformed how readers are discovering books. Even older titles, such as The Song of Achilles, have experienced dramatic sales revivals thanks to passionate user recommendations and emotionally resonant content; while bookshops, from charming independents to major chains like Barnes & Noble and Waterstones, now feature dedicated BookTok displays.

Simply, reading equips us with tools for better communication, more empathy, and creative thinking. And for those working in comms – a sector built on storytelling – that’s essential. 

Here, are some recommendations from CIPR members and other professionals: books (and a few podcasts) that have recently inspired, challenged, or simply delighted them. As the late, great Argentine Jorge Luis Borges writer once said, “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.”

My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand
"A fascinating insight into the creative process of a perfectionist. I really enjoyed listening to her on my walks to work (via the amazing BorrowBox library app).” Niki Wheeler, director, Team Lewis

Come What May by Lucy Easthope and the Wargame podcast
“I thoroughly recommend Come What May, which looks at how learning from emergencies and disasters can help us through life. On a similar tack, the Sky News Wargame podcast, though a frustrating listen for emergency planners and communicators, might be helpful for anyone in and around crisis work.” Amanda Coleman, director, Amanda Coleman Communications

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray and Close To Death by Anthony Horowitz
“Every business library should have some fiction in it in my opinion. And these books contain more truths than a lot of the non-fiction. Happy reading!” Collin Kelly, media relations trainer, managing director, Comsteria

Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed
“A compelling case for embracing failure as a vital tool for growth and innovation.” Rachel Walder, marketing specialist, Turmeric & Honey

When It Hits the Fan (Podcast episode: Dynasty PR)
“An interesting episode about PR for anniversaries, exploring how cultural differences around anniversaries shape communication on either side of the Atlantic. The hosts point out that anniversaries are less retrospective in the US, than in the UK, because the culture is more forward focused.” Nicky Garsten, associate professor in communication, University of Greenwich

The Edinburgh Minute newsletter
“I read the Edinburgh Minute newsletter religiously. It’s run by writer, editor and journalist Michael MacLeod who saw the opportunity to build a sustainable, crowdfunded niche journalistic outlet to much success." Joe Peach, head of brand and communications, Prolific

Start With Why by Simon Sinek
“Although focussed on ‘marketing’, it’s message about understanding ‘Why you are’ rather than ‘What you do’ is so important and relevant in all aspects of business and life in general.” Alex Smith, finance director and non-executive director

Barcelona Dreaming by Rupert Thomson
“The most vivid and evocative paean to a place I have ever read. As DBC Pierre says in the liner notes, ‘I can literally feel it on my skin.’” Simon Tapscott, co-founder, Nearfield

Fortitude by Bruce Daisley; 
Why Men Win at Work by Gill Whitty-Collins; and 
Directional Living by Megan Hellerer
“I’ve found inspiration in recent months from all these books. Fortitude is a powerful exploration of resilience in the workplace, Why Men Win at Work is an eye-opening look at gender bias in professional life, and Directional Living is a guide for rethinking traditional career paths, granting permission to pursue purpose over prestige.” Rachael Kinsella, senior communications strategist Jones and Palmer

How They Broke Britain by James O’Brien; 
Politics on the Edge by Rory Stewart; 
Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall; 
Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera; and 
Loosely Based on a Made-Up Story by James Blunt
“How They Broke Britain is an excellent read on the actions and influence of a few key individuals; Politics on the Edge is a very well written insight into the world of constituency MPs and ministerial challenges; and Prisoners of Geography explains what drives many wars and territorial claims – so it’s particularly topical right now. Empireland is a detailed and often horrific insight into British Imperial rule in India and its impact on not just an Indian in Britain but in how Britain operates now, and I recommend Blunt’s audio version – brilliantly read by James who tells his fascinating story with great humour.” Jonathan Mitchell, director, shareholder, non-executive director, Arjowiggins HKK3

Superagency: What could possibly go right with our AI future by Reid Hoffman; 
Calling In: How to start making change with those you’d rather cancel by Loretta J Ross; 
We Need New Leaders: Mastering reputation management to reshape the C-Suite by Charlotte Otter; and
The Connected Species: How the evolution of the human brain can save the world by Mark A Williams
“Superagency is a really thought-provoking look at AI’s potential for good, Calling In is a powerful, amazing guide to building bridges instead of burning them, We Need New Leaders is a fresh and vital take on modern leadership and reputation management, and The Connected Species is a fascinating and gripping look at how human connection and brain evolution could solve global crises.” Sarah Black, CIPR Fellow and founder of Athru Communications

• Diving into professional reads this summer? If they are relevant to your development in PR and communications, make sure to log them as custom CPD submissions.
   

Ali Catterall is an award-winning writer, journalist and filmmaker whose writing has featured in the Guardian, Time Out, GQ, Film4, Word magazine and the Big Issue, among many others. Ali is also the writer and director of the 2023 film Scala!!!

In-depth book reviews

Empire of the Elite: Inside Condé Nast by Michael M Grynbaum
A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern
Moral Ambition: Stop wasting your talent and start making a difference by Rutger Bregman
The Silent Rebellion: Becoming a modern leader by Chris Lewis and Inez Robinson-Odom