2022 Summer Recommendations List
With the year finishing up, many of us want nothing more than to relax with a good book, podcast or show. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite books, TV shows, movies, podcasts and more to inspire you this summer.
Read:
Mickey7 by Edward Ashton: “Mickey7 is a perfect holiday book. It is fun, easy to read with an interesting plot, and is thought-provoking around how we develop our personal identity.” Rachel Wright, Director, Executive and Professional Development.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: “Entertaining, funny and surprisingly observant piece of writing, which at times did make me hot under the collar. Based in the 60’s, it tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, a woman with a brilliant mind, throw into the equation an unmarried mother too – as she fights for equality in what was then very much a man’s world.” Debbie Heunis, EPD Manager, Executive and Professional Development.
Into the Rip by Damien Cave: “A great insight into how to approach real risk in life, based on Surf Lifesaving in Australia.” Rob Farmer, Facilitator, Executive and Professional Development.
Watch:
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: “Not only is he super funny, but Trevor uses this fantastic platform to challenge the status quo, inform on current issues in our society, and advocate for diversity and inclusivity.” Ella Zhang, External Engagement Manager, the University of Auckland Business School.
Kid Sister: “From writer-actor-executive producer Simone Nathan, this New Zealand comedy series explores the protagonist Lulu’s life as she makes mistakes, learns lessons, and perhaps even finds herself (you’ll have to watch to find out). I enjoyed learning a bit about the Jewish-New Zealand community and liked the show’s pace – I binged through it in one afternoon! If you’re looking for a laugh, I recommend this feel-good show!” Madhurima Sen, Marketing Content Manager, the University of Auckland Business School.
Ted Lasso: “The comedy is great, the acting is excellent, and the characters’ storylines develop in a way that makes them feel more like actual family/friends/colleagues than fictional people. The episodes are filled with humour and highlight valuable lessons about personal /professional growth that sometimes we take for granted!” Noah Ghebremichael, Senior Business Develop Manager, Executive and Professional Development.
Listen:
No Such Thing as a Fish: “No Such Thing as a Fish is such a good listen – the writers of QI bring together their favourite fun facts of the week and discuss them. It’s hilarious and educational.”
99% invisible: “Design is everywhere in our lives, perhaps most importantly in the places where we’ve just stopped noticing. 99% Invisible is a weekly exploration of the process and power of design and architecture.”
Stuff You Should Know: “If you’ve ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.”
Elouise Van Wiele, Programme Advisor, Executive and Professional Development.
Extra reading recommendations:
How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion and Persuasion by David McRaney: Delving into the latest research, this book explores the limits of reasoning, the power of group-think, and the effects of deep canvassing.
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe: The Sacklers are one of the richest families in the world, known for their lavish donations to the arts and sciences. The source of the family fortune? OxyContin, the catalyst for the opioid crisis. 
The Lost Pianos of Siberia by Sophy Roberts: Largely a story of music in a fascinating place, Roberts tracks instruments to find one whose history is solely Siberian. Her journey reveals a desolate land inhabited by wild tigers and shaped by its dark history — and peppered with pianos.
Sociopaths and Psychopaths: A crises of Conscience and Empathy by Dr Max Wachtel: In this book, Dr Max Wachtel explores common questions around psychopathy and sociopathy, using research to provide an intimate portrait of those holding those titles.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton: In this wildly funny, heart-breaking, internationally bestselling memoir, journalist and former Sunday Times columnist Dolly Alderton vividly recounts the struggles of adulthood in all its terrifying and hopeful uncertainty.
From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks: The greater our achievements, the more we notice our decline, and the more painful it is when it occurs. What can we do, to make our older years a time of happiness, purpose, and success?
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi: Two half-sisters, Effia and Esi, are born into different villages in 18th Century Ghana. Effia is married off to an Englishman and lives in comfort, but unbeknownst to Effia, her sister, Esi, is sold into the slave trade, and shipped off to America. Homegoing follows Effia’s and Esi’s descendants through the centuries, in Ghana and America, right up through the present day. 
Sources of Power by Gary Klein: How do individuals make split-second decisions that save lives? Sources of Power is based on observations of humans acting under such real-life constraints as time pressure, high stakes, personal responsibility, and shifting conditions.
This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay: Scribbled in secret after endless days, sleepless nights and missed weekends, This is Going to Hurt provides a no-holds-barred account of time on the NHS front line. Hilarious, horrifying and heart-breaking, this diary is everything you wanted to know – and more than a few things you didn’t – about life on and off the hospital ward.14 December 2022
