📚 Dream big like the turtle

Those of us in the top half of the world are sipping the last of the summer wine and looking for our next great read as we dive into September.

Well, look no further than this email, as we’ve got three fantastic options shortlisted for you to choose from. You’ll find these below so don’t forget to vote!

If you’ve been missing in action lately from the book club - make September that month you get back on track with your reading and participation in the group.

This also means that we are nearing the end of our August book - Passion Struck by John R. Miles - which we’ll be discussed with John on our end of month book club call this Thursday!

If you’ve not yet been on a call with the book club or if you’ve not joined lately, this is a great opportunity to get involved and hear directly from one of our authors, which is indeed a rare treat.

Whether you’ve read the book or not, you’re welcome to either sit back and enjoy the conversation or get involved and ask questions of your own.

We’d love to have you all there.

For September, we’ve shortlisted three incredible books that each explore what it means to live more intentionally. Together, they look at how we connect with others, how the systems around us shape our behaviour, and what really drives long-term fulfilment.

We hope you find one you like - and don’t forget to vote for it below!

This eye-opening investigation into the modern food system reveals how ultra-processed foods are reshaping not just our bodies, but our minds, habits, and culture. Blending science, history, and personal experimentation, Van Tulleken makes a compelling case for rethinking what we eat, and why we eat it. A powerful read for anyone interested in health, behaviour change, or how invisible systems influence our daily lives.

Why you might like it:
It goes far beyond diet, it’s about agency, systems, and how our everyday environment nudges our behaviour in ways we don’t always notice.

Who it’s for:
Professionals interested in habit change, behavioural science, wellbeing, or anyone trying to live and lead more intentionally in a highly engineered world.

Check it out on goodreads

What really makes a life fulfilling? Drawing on the longest-running scientific study of happiness, Waldinger and Schulz unpack decades of data to answer this age-old question. Their conclusion is simple but profound: strong relationships are the key. This book offers practical insights for building deeper connections at home, at work, and within ourselves, making it an ideal companion to modern self-development and leadership conversations.

Why you might like it:
If you're reflecting on what really matters, or looking to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships, this book combines research, humanity, and actionable wisdom.

Who it’s for:
Reflective professionals, emerging leaders, or anyone rethinking what success and fulfilment look like beyond productivity and career milestones.

Check it out on goodreads

A warm, wise, and timely exploration of what it truly means to see, and be seen, by others. Brooks blends personal stories with social science to show how deep, meaningful connection isn’t just an emotional luxury, but a professional and human imperative. If you’ve ever wanted to be a better listener, leader, or friend, this book is a brilliant guide to becoming more present and perceptive in every interaction.

Why you might like it:
If you're curious about how to build stronger relationships at work or in life, this book offers practical, emotionally intelligent tools without ever becoming preachy.

Who it’s for:
People-focused professionals, leaders, coaches, mentors, or anyone interested in better conversations, better teams, and better human connection.

Check it out on goodreads

Which book should we dive into next? Cast your vote now, and the winning book will be announced on Monday next week.

We’ve had quite strong reaction to our August book - Passion Struck - and conversations are ranging over on our Discord channel.

Some have enjoyed it - others not so much…

“I think I'm on maybe chapter 6 or so but I feel like this book is just regurgitating a lot of other books I've read. And I've heard the word delve so much and I don't really know anybody that uses that word and that's usually one of those chat GPT flag words. Not saying people don't use it but I think I've heard it five times now in this book.” - Katie

“I’m not saying that I’m not enjoying the book. But I can’t imagine a less relatable story than the one about Dwayne ’The Rock’ Johnson!” - Antii

“Ok, I’m going to go against the grain here, there’s decent messaging in here but the book is poorly written. Strange repetitions of phrases within the same paragraphs…..I feel he’s used AI to help him write this. Certainly needs a better editor.” - David

We're so excited to host our next Bad Ass Bookshelf bookclub call to discuss Passion Struck with Author John R. Miles this Thursday!

Call details as follows:

Date: Thursday, 28th August
Time: 17:00 GMT (12:00 EST / 09:00 PST)

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