Celebrating World Book Day with our favourite books

World Book Day is the perfect time to celebrate the power of a great book — whether it’s one that inspires, challenges perspectives, or simply tells an unforgettable story. We asked a handful of fund managers and team members at FundCalibre to share their top recommendations and why these books left a lasting impact on them. If you’re looking for your next great read, their picks might just offer the perfect inspiration.

Biographies & Memoirs 

Abby Glennie, abrdn UK Mid-Cap Equity

Invention: A Life of Learning Through Failure – James Dyson

James Dyson’s autobiography is more than just the story of vacuum cleaners — it’s about perseverance, innovation, and overcoming failure. Abby says she found the insights on engineering fascinating, but what stood out most was Dyson’s decision to relocate his company to Singapore, highlighting the UK’s challenges in supporting corporates. As a UK-focused investor, she found it particularly thought-provoking.

Julie Dickson, Capital Group New Perspective

The Last Secret Agent – Pippa Latour

This book tells the true story of Pippa Latour, one of the youngest female spies in World War II. Her bravery and determination in completing her mission resonated with Julie, who sees a parallel in investing and staying focused on the long-term goal, just as the New Perspective fund does when navigating global markets.

History, Politics & Society

Simon Murphy, VT Tyndall Unconstrained UK Income

Say Nothing – Patrick Radden Keefe

This gripping true-crime narrative explores the Troubles in Northern Ireland through the disappearance of Jean McConville, a mother of ten. Simon found it an excellent and engaging testament to history, politics, and human complexity. With masterful storytelling, Keefe unravels a haunting mystery while exposing the deep scars left by conflict.

Ned Naylor-Leyland, Jupiter Gold & Silver

The Fluoride Deception – Christopher Bryson

Investigative journalist Christopher Bryson delves into the controversial history of fluoride use in water. Ned found it an eye-opening read, challenging mainstream narratives. The book raises unsettling questions about industry influence and public health policy. Ned says this book will leave you questioning how much of what we accept as fact is really true.

Staci West, Operations & Marketing Manager at FundCalibre

Invisible Women – Caroline Criado-Perez

This eye-opening book exposes the hidden gender bias in data, showing how the world is designed primarily for men — from medical research to city planning. Staci says it’s the book she recommends the most, as its shocking insights leave readers outraged at the systemic inequalities. She also suggests This Won’t Hurt by Dr. Marieke Bigg for those wanting to dive deeper into gender bias in healthcare and beyond. Prepare to be both equally informed and infuriated.

Business & Innovation 

Matthew Page, Guinness Global Innovators

The Checklist Manifesto – Atul Gawande

Atul Gawande explores the power of checklists in improving efficiency, from surgery to aviation. Matthew says this book offered a fresh perspective on process-driven decision making. Inspired by it, his team developed their own checklist to refine their investment due diligence, showing how a simple tool can drive better outcomes.

Fiction & Literature 

Vince Childers, Cohen & Steers Diversified Real Assets

Love in the Time of Cholera – Gabriel García Márquez

A timeless classic, Márquez’s novel is a poetic exploration of love, patience, and destiny. Vince was captivated by its rich prose and deep insights into the human condition. Beautifully written and deeply moving, it’s a book he would recommend to anyone looking for an immersive and unforgettable read.

Sports & Economics

Darius McDermott, managing director at FundCalibre

Soccernomics – Simon Kuper & Stefan Szymanski

For a lifelong football fanatic, Soccernomics is the perfect blend of Darius’s two passions: football and finance. This book takes an economist’s approach to the sport, using data and analysis to challenge common myths about football — from why some countries excel while others struggle, to the financial decisions behind transfers and club success. Thought-provoking and insightful, it offers a fascinating new way to look at the game. Think Freakonomics, but for football.

But can you make money from World Book Day?

In a recent interview, Alexandra Jackson, manager of the Rathbone UK Opportunities fund, tips The Court of Thorns and Roses series from Sarah J. Maas, as she shares insights into a fascinating UK company: Bloomsbury Publishing. Listen to the full interview to learn how this fund is profiting from book sales.