What are ECI reading? Our summer reading list

With the summer holidays in full swing, it’s the perfect time to dive into a good book, whether you’re poolside, on a plane, or enjoying a quiet moment in the garden. From thought-provoking non-fiction to brilliant storytelling, here’s what the ECI team are reading this summer:

Jin Ni Ooi

The Hard Thing about Hard Things

I picked up The Hard Thing about Hard Things after a colleague at ECI recommended it, and it quickly became one of the most insightful business reads I’ve come across. Ben Horowitz doesn’t shy away from the realities of running a company. Instead, he dives into the gritty, unpredictable side of leadership that rarely get talked about. I found his honesty refreshing, especially when it comes to making tough decisions and dealing with failure. There’s a great section on managing through chaos that’s stuck with me – practical, direct, and weirdly reassuring.

Chris Watt

The Lonely Skier by Hammond Innes

This was a thank-you gift from a friend for organising a ski trip, and it turned out to be quite a gem. The Lonely Skier is a 1940s thriller set in the Dolomites just after the war, where a down-on-his-luck ex-soldier is sent to a remote resort to pose as a screenwriter – only to get caught up in a hunt for hidden Nazi gold. 

At well under 200 pages, it’s ideal if you’re busy or just need something pacey and instantly absorbing to clear your head. The setting is tense and atmospheric, the characters are boldly drawn and very much of their time, and the whole thing moves at a real clip. Hammond Innes – himself a former artillery officer – was known for his well-researched novels and his knack for creating memorable characters and compelling plots. 

Not exactly business reading, but a great escapist holiday pick if you’re after something short, sharp, and gripping. 

Simona Everts

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

I think having sisters made Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors especially engaging for me. The book follows three sisters reuniting after the death of their fourth sister, and its real strength is how it captures the complexity of sibling relationships. Whilst some parts felt a little far-fetched, I think that’s what makes it a great holiday read. It also tackles serious themes like addiction and depression in a way that’s both readable and emotionally honest.

Rich Pearce

The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides

The Wide Wide Sea tells the story of Captain Cook’s third and final voyage. Not just the big discoveries, but also the growing tensions and mistakes that led to his death in Hawaii. He’s a character who everyone has heard of and his legacy is increasingly debated and controversial, but someone I didn’t know much about. It’s told through the eyes of his crew and the people he met from their diaries, letters, and verbal histories. This approach makes it very real. You’re taken right into the action, from freezing seas to tropical islands, and you see how the journey affected both the crew and the people they met. It’s a fascinating and very human story, and well worth a read

Olivia McGee

The Thursday Murder Club

I found The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman to be an enjoyable and uplifting read. I loved the dynamic between the main characters, especially with it being told from Joyce’s perspective. Her voice is refreshingly light and engaging – it gave the narrative a unique charm.  

What surprised me most was how hopeful the book made me feel about ageing, as it presents life in a retirement village as full of possibility, connection, and even adventure. While the murder mystery itself is cleverly constructed, it is the characters who truly bring the story to life. With a film adaptation coming to screens soon, and more books in the series, I’m looking forward to seeing how the story continues to unfold, both on the page and on screen!

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