The sizzling hot summer continues: Top books as handpicked from our Rockgas Team

Lazy summer days often call for relaxing pool or beachside or nestled in a hammock under the shade of a tree and what better way to do that, than with a good book.

Our Rockgas team have handpicked picked some of their favourite summer reads and shared those with you below – your perfect companion for these last days of the warmer weather.

Christine from the Rockgas Team

My pick is – The Jaipur Trilogy by Alka Joshi. It includes The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and the Perfumist of Paris. I loved all of these books and found it hard to put them down – perfect for some holiday reading. The vivid story is so rich and complex. Reading about Lakshmi’s journey from escaping an abusive marriage to becoming one of the most sought-after henna artists in Jaipur captivated me from the first chapter to the final page.

Natasha from Rockgas Wiri

A book I have read a few times and still refer to is Think like a Monk, by Jay Shetty. I like the book because it helps me to ground myself and just clear my mind when things get overwhelming. A great relaxing, mindful read.

Geoff from Rockgas Wiri

I love The Gotti Wars by John Gleeson. I’s about the District Attorney who took down one of New York’s big mob bosses. It’s worth a read, it’s probably a bit more focussed on him, rather than the investigations and methods that led to his final arrest.

I also enjoyed Cinderella Boys by Leo McKinstry. It is about Coastal Command (the part of the RAF who hunted German shipping during WW2) and its transformation from an afterthought to the professionals who helped win the war at sea.

Speaking of battles, but from a different era, I also loved Miyamoto Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa. Musahi was one of Japan’s greatest Samurai philosophers. It is about his journey from a rash young man who fought at the most famous Shogun era battles to someone who matured and studied philosophy and swordsmanship. He was also a bit of an avenger of the poor and oppressed. A great read, especially if you are considering going to Japan.

Jayne from the Rockgas Property Team

Set in war torn Kabul in Afganistan, A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini follows two generations of woman through three decades of war. Its heartbreaking, powerful and totally unforgettable. Its one that sits with you for a long time after. Definitely worth the read but make sure you have tissues near by!

Angela from the Rockgas team

Although written in 1930, How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie is probably even more relevant in this age where many of us communicate more by text and social media than we do face to face. It provides advice on relationships and a key to understanding both ourselves and those around us. I soaked this book up and try to apply it every chance I get. It’s no surprise over 30 million copies has been sold worldwide.