Back to the office, back to books…

Working from home for the last year and a bit has proven tough on a number of fronts. Seperation between work and home life has been hard to define. In some respects, the ability to be at your desk within 20 mins of waking up is a godsend. In others, it’s really not healthy.

Getting back into the office 2-3 times a week has been really good. It’s been good to see colleagues in the flesh, to have some ‘organic’ and unplanned conversations and encounters. It’s also been really good to get back on a train. Something I never thought i’d say. Having a bit of clear space for planning and reflection has been incredibly valuable. It’s also meant that I’ve managed to get my head back into reading… something which Lockdown really didnt create space for.

The last couple of weeks have seen me churn through Cixin Liu’s brilliant Three Body Problem, Derek Thompson’s Hit Makers (Again) and Jared Diamond’s heartbreaking The Last Tree on Easter Island.

I am currently working my way through the masterful The Secret History by Donna Tartt.

For a long time I was convinved I’d already read this book. I’ve subsequently realised it was a book I’d owned for ages but never actually got round to reading.

It’s as good a book as I can remember reading - tight, with barely any fat - it moves quickly and confidently through it’s storyline. It’s the kind of book that makes me want to write.