With the calendar year drawing to a close, you’re probably looking forward to some summer holiday downtime. To help you while away a few hours of me-time, we’ve compiled a list of books you might want to consider throwing in the bag as you pack for the beach.

How did we decide on the titles? We asked our asset management team to tell us which books they’d like to dive into over the break. Hopefully you’ll find something here that sparks your interest, or the imagination of the younger members of the family. Enjoy your summer, happy reading and we look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton

This award-winning novel is a story of brotherhood, true love and the most unlikely of friendships. Critics have described it as heartbreaking, joyous and exhilarating. Jarrad Sundqvist describes it as a book that’s so good you won’t want to fall asleep on the couch, even after three servings of pudding. If you love great Australian writing this is a must read. Get Santa to put it on your list.

The Kindness Revolution: How we can restore hope, rebuild trust and inspire optimism by Hugh MacKay

What if instead of being the ‘lucky country’ Australia became known as the ‘loving country?’ Could we be kind and compassionate as a society all the time, not just when we step up to help others in times of disaster? These are the questions Hugh Mackay asks in his book The Kindness Revolution. It challenged the thinking of Susan Chenoweth. Perhaps it can inspire you too.

Legacy by James Kerr

Champions sweep the sheds. They follow the spearhead. They are good ancestors. In Legacy, James Kerr goes deep into the heart of the All Blacks to reveal 15 powerful lessons for leadership. Legacy is a unique, inspiring book that asks: How do you achieve world-class standards, day after day, year after year? Thanks for the recommendation Megha Sharma. Even diehard Wallaby fans will love this one.

Champagne: A secret history by Robert Walters

Champagne: A secret history is part of David Seager’s cellar of book recommendations. It takes us on a journey to visit the great growers, reveal the clandestine history of the region and dispel many of the myths that persist today. Controversial and ground-breaking, this book will change the way you think about Champagne, and provide sparkling conversation over a glass of bubbly at Christmas.

Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry

Mark Smith had only a passing interest in Greek myths, until he stumbled across this modern collection stylishly retold by legendary writer, actor, and comedian Stephen Fry. The book transforms tales of Zeus and the Olympians into emotionally resonant and deeply funny stories. And of course, each adventure, from Pandora’s box to Prometheus’s fire, is infused with Fry’s distinctive wit.

Happy Days: Grade One by Sue deGennaro

Eloise Flick reads this book to Oscar (that’s her son, not her husband) every night. Why? Well, some days are for ice-cream in the park, bubbles in the bath and big, bright bunches of balloons. Other days are for camping in the yard, splashing in the pond or skating down the path. But no matter what kind of day it is, there are always moments of happiness to be enjoyed.

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Why is the Australian Government banning children from social media? Well, maybe just like Justin Woerner, they’ve read this book. It argues that the spread of smartphones, social media and overprotective parenting have led to a “rewiring” of childhood and a rise in mental illness. Is the author right? Maybe grab a copy this Christmas and see for yourself.

Atonement by Ian McEwan

This symphonic novel of love and war, childhood and class, guilt and forgiveness is a brilliant and provocative narrative. Some of you may be aware that it was made into a movie starring Keira Knightly. But Alastair McLeod, who recommended this book, says you’ve really got to immerse yourself in Ian McEwan’s words to get the full impact of this story told in three parts

Family Village Tribe by Mandy Johnson

Is Flight Centre a modern-day organisation with a corporate structure that comes from the Stone Age? Perhaps. 1973 isn’t exactly prehistoric, but it was a time when two 23-year-old Queenslanders were keen to step outside the cave and create something that would eventually become mammoth. How did they succeed? Read this book, recommended by Nick Revis, to find out.

The 100-Year Life by Andrew Scott and Lynda Gratton

Does the thought of living (and working) for longer fill you with dread? Or can you see the potential for a more stimulating future as a result of having so much extra time? The traditional notion of a three-stage approach to our lives: education, followed by work and then retirement might need to evolve. How can we do that? Don’t worry. The 100-Year Life, recommended by Samantha Hutchison, is here to help.

Leading by Alex Ferguson and Michael Moritz

This book was recommended by who else but football mad Peter Vlachos. Leading captures the life of Sir Alex Ferguson and his 27 years as manager of Manchester United. Arguably the greatest soccer coach of all time (are we allowed to say soccer Peter?) Ferguson led his team to incredible success. What can we non-Scottish, non-footballers learn from him? So much.

Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe by Steven Strogratz

This is the captivating story of mathematics’ greatest ever idea: calculus. Without it, there would be no computers, no microwave ovens, and no space travel. But before it gave modern man (and Elston analyst Michael Wong) almost infinite powers, calculus had to survive millennia of drama. Join Professor Steven Strogatz as he reveals the legacy of calculus from Archimedes to AI.