With the colder months in full swing, we wanted to share some reading recommendations from Triodos co-workers with our wider community.
If you need some reading inspiration, an idea for a gift, or have extra time to sink into a new book, here are eight books that have struck a chord with our co-workers. We have gathered fiction and non-fiction recommendations that cover topics spanning our three key themes as a sustainable bank – environment, culture and social.
The Joyful Environmentalist
Isabel Losada
A book about helping our precious planet that is fast, funny and inspiring too.
Bestselling author & Triodos Customer, Isabel Losada, doesn’t bother with an examination of the problem but gets right on with the solutions. A mixture of narrative non-fiction and non fiction this book was also chosen as best overall book on sustainability 2022 by The Independent.
Another Triodos customer Sir Mark Rylance, wrote of 'The Joyful Environmentalist’ - "she gave me spirit a lift and my feet somewhere to stand."
Uncommon Wealth: Britain and the Aftermath of Empire
Kojo Koram
If you’re interested in learning about complexities of decolonisation, Kojo Koram uncovers Britain’s treatment of independent countries after the empire in this non-fiction read. It also reveals how decisions of the past have shaped and impacted Britain today.
The Boy Between
Amanda Prowse and Josiah Hartley
The Boy Between is a deeply personal and uninhibited account of depression, told by mother and son in alternating chapters. It’s described by Amanda as the book she never wanted to write. Their message is, in the end, one of hope. That you can live a good life with depression, and there are strategies to help you do so.
The Climate Book
Greta Thunberg
Climate activist Greta Thunberg has partnered with more than 100 climate change experts to develop an essential book for people who want to help protect the planet. Alongside the oceanographers, economists, philosophers and more, Greta shares her learnings and reveals the extent of the world’s problems and how we can take action.
Birdgirl
Mya-Rose Craig
Environmentalist, diversity activist and Triodos customer, Mya-Rose Craig, published Birdgirl this year to share her journey defined by her love of birdwatching. She explores how her hobby helped her find her voice, and opened her eyes to the inequalities and destruction that are being inflicted on our planet.
100 Queer Poems
Mary Jean Chan and Andrew McMillan
Published in Pride Month 2022, this new anthology provides a powerful and expansive definition of queerness. It showcases and celebrates voices from contemporary and visionary poets over the past few decades.
Open Water
Caleb Azumah Nelson
Open Water is a story centred around a love affair between a photographer and a dancer. Azumah Nelson celebrates black artistry in this non-fiction novel, recognising how systemic racism politicises the everyday lives of black people, and the pressures this brings to black communities.
River Journey
Bevis Watts
After discovering a family of beavers living on the banks of the River Avon in 2021, Triodos Bank UK chief executive, Bevis Watts, embarked on a three-month mission to study these endangered animals and collect data. This adventure turned into inspiration for a book and Bevis published his debut wildlife memoir ‘River Journey’ earlier this year, with all author proceeds donated to the Beaver Trust and Avon Wildlife Trust.
AnwenThanks for the recommendations! Some great suggestions
Simon LiebesnyThe author's name is Caleb Azumah Nelson.
Triodos Bank UKHi Simon, thank you so much for pointing that out. I've now updated the article. Thanks, Alana
AlanYes, very good reads. I personally liked another one that came out recently "War of the wind" Author: Victoria Williamson. Good.