Looking for summer reads that broaden your horizons and truly stick with you? We’ve got the perfect solution for your 2024 holiday list! We’ve launched ‘Propa-Swap,’ our very own office library initiative that turns the hunt for the best books into a unique, community-driven experience. Imagine a ‘literary Russian roulette’ where colleagues share their most prized gems, from timeless classics to pulse-pounding thrillers, creating an eclectic list of must-reads, both modern and classic.
Summer reads: from Graphic Design to AI
Our literary melting pot offers a surprising variety sure to satisfy even the most discerning readers. Among our 2024 top picks, you’ll find graphic design manuals to spark your creativity, AI essays that will make you rethink the future, and thrillers that will keep you up all night.
We haven’t forgotten the greats, either many of those “50 books you must read in a lifetime” are tucked away right here. Whether you’re looking for a light beach read or an intellectually challenging tome, “Propa-Swap” has your summer reading covered.
Plus, we have to admit: the actual exchange was… quite productive (check out the full video on Instagram: link).
Summer of Books: A 3-Week Challenge
With “Propa-Swap,” Summer 2024 transforms into a 3-week reading marathon. Each participant has a mission: to dive into a book chosen by a colleague, promising an experience that goes far beyond a simple “what to read this summer” list.
These aren’t just vacation books; they are gateways to new worlds, ideas, and perspectives. Whether you’re on the beach, in the mountains, or in your own backyard, get ready for a literary adventure that promises to leave you with much more than just a tan. Remember, reading on vacation doesn’t just make you more interesting—it might just change your life… or at least give you a few more stories to share when you’re back at the office!
Here are the recommended reads for Summer 2024, one by one, from our entire team!
Kafka on the Shore (Haruki Murakami) – Ellen
“Murakami is weird. Very weird. When I started this book, I asked myself, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ I kept having doubt after doubt while reading, but in the end, I loved it. It’s a unique book; only Murakami could have written it. Arm yourself with patience, and you’ll love it too!”
The Shadow Line (Joseph Conrad) – Luca
“A little shade (ombra) in the summer never hurts… This book belongs to my favorite category: books I buy and then promptly don’t read! Jokes aside, it’s an emotional story of a young man facing challenges he never imagined. A true classic.”
Machina Sapiens (Nello Cristianini) – Nic
“Since we hear so many inaccuracies about AI, this book flips them on their head and sets the record straight. The author is an Italian computer scientist and professor of AI at the University of Bath. He knows his stuff. He even gives some fun advice, highly recommended.”
As We See It / The Hunter’s Destiny (Wilbur Smith) – Pigoz
“An adventurous, gripping book—perfect for reading under a beach umbrella. The story takes place in British East Africa during the years leading up to the outbreak of World War I.”
Extra Bold: A Feminist, Inclusive, Anti-racist, Nonbinary Field Guide for Graphic Designers (Ellen Lupton) – Richox
“A must-read for every graphic designer. Period.”
The Spirit of the Time (Edgar Morin) – Marc
“An analysis of the foundations of today’s society. Despite being published in 1962, it’s a classic of mass culture studies that remains deeply relevant today, predicting consumerism and the ‘spirit of our times.’ It gave me a very broad perspective on society.”
‘A Livella (Totò) – Ivan
“A cult classic ‘Made in Campania.’ Needless to say why I connect with it; it’s a reflection on a theme that is very important to me: death.”
The Old Man and the Sea (Ernest Hemingway) – Tadde
“Hemingway’s farewell to humanity, his last great classic published during his lifetime. Here, the sea is seen in a very different light: it’s a cradle of dreams but also of nightmares. The entire story unfolds in very little time—just enough for you to read it all in one breath.”
The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair (Joël Dicker) – Franci
“When I started reading it, my daughters wanted it too! We had to take turns because none of us wanted to wait. A massive thriller that will keep you glued to the pages.”
101 Lies We Tell Ourselves in Love (Nadiolinda) – Diego
“Those lies we tell ourselves just to feel good—and that are perfectly fine to keep telling! A very light read that represents me well.”
Three (Valérie Perrin) – Gina
“Read in the summer, recommended for the summer. A narrative mystery, very emotional. There are three protagonists, and until the very end, you don’t understand who did what or what the consequences will be. Very engaging, and it reminds me of Propaganda3!”
Tokyo Vice (Jake Adelstein) – Fillo
“Early 80s: an American investigative reporter goes undercover in Japan to investigate the Yakuza. They turned it into an HBO series that is just as good as the book.”
Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) – Ricky Bozzi
“The ultimate classic. It tells the story of the Bennet family—husband, wife, and five daughters. A book to be read and re-read.”
