World Book Day: Our Favourite Books
Yes, we are aware that for people with kids, World Book Day can be just another day of running around trying to keep your child (and their school!) happy…
But we thought, why not flip it around this year? Adults are allowed to have fun too (we think?!)
(Disclaimer: This seems like a good time to tell you - don’t worry, we haven’t got the team to dress up as their favourite book characters).
So, what did we do? We asked the DATS team to revisit their favourite book of all time, and tell us a bit about why it’s so special to them. We wanted them to take a break from the work, the clients, and the world of marketing, and to focus on them (for 5 minutes at least!).
So here we go, here are the team’s favourite reads, complete with links for you to buy them, if you find yourself inspired by our recommendations…
Verity (Account Manager)
“My favourite book is Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. An immensely dark yet intelligent thriller that draws you in with a mix of sharp-edged wit and a gripping plot line - making it my all time favourite thriller.”
Emily (Director & Head of Influence)
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“The Great Gatsby, to me, will always be one of my most beloved books. Set in the roaring 20’s, we are introduced to the ideology of the ‘American Dream’ - the orgastic future that year by year recedes us. It was a story that always resonated with me, that despite his lowly social standing, Gatsby transcended into wealth and status - all whilst retaining his humility and above all, his open heart - something which unfortunately would be his undoing. Just like Gatsby, I think we all do believe in the green light, that anyone from anywhere can make it if we get a lucky break, “so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
Emma (Account Executive)
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
“My all-time favourite book is American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis. I've read several of Ellis' books and whilst I love Less than Zero and Rules of Attraction, the disturbing and unpredictable narrative of American Psycho had me hooked. The novel follows Patrick Bateman, a narcissistic serial killer in New York, who is obsessed with material wealth. American Psycho is a true case of gore soaked in glamour, proving to be addictively repulsive. I love it!”
Lucy (Creative & Social Media Executive)
The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolizer
“My favourite book I’ve read in recent years is The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolizer. It’s a feminist novel about a young woman trying to figure out who she is, and who she is supposed to be in the world.
I saw a lot of myself in the character of Greer but I also liked how it was spread over many years and followed her career and personal life. We could really understand who she Is as a person and how she grows throughout the book.”
Reuben (Social Media Manager)
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
“I feel a bit like the odd-ball at the party: everyone has these classic works of fiction and I have the most matter-of-fact, ruthless book in existence on here. But I probably learnt that from the book. I haven’t read much fiction since I was a kid - I’m one of those annoying people who finds there are enough great stories out there in the real world to keep my mind occupied. As a 19-year-old drifting along aimlessly through life, this book changed my life as soon as I dived in. It’s chapters are full of controversial advice, harsh realities and ruthless perspective. But, if like me, you’re curious about the dark arts that govern much of our daily life, it’s obligatory reading.”
Daisy (Managing Director & Founder)
“So, my favourite book is Atlas Shrugged By Ayn Rand - it sort of goes against everything I believe in because she’s a conservative and developed objectivism from it. But it’s a really interesting take on a dystopian society and where we could all end up.”