Books offer us the ability to use our imaginations and take a break from the busy world. What better way to celebrate National Literacy Day than getting lost in a book that has meaning and has helped guide us in our own lives in some way. We asked members of each team in the company about the book they feel inspired them the most, how it helped them achieve a goal or overcome an obstacle. Click, enjoy, share and let us know what your favourite or inspirational books are! twitter.com/axonnmedia inbound@axonn.co.uk +44 (0) 207 517 2200 www.axonn.co.uk You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest in content marketing: go.axonn.co.uk/newsletter

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Inspiration from Tolkien to Dr.Seuss
We celebrate International Literacy Day

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Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer
“It’s not always necessary to be strong, but to feel strong”
It made me
realise that even when I feel I have nothing, it doesn’t compare to what McCandless chose to go through.
Choice of: Charlotte Bennett-Smith
Role at Axonn: Digital Marketing apprentice

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Top of the Rock – Warren Littlefield
“Creating things is sometimes difficult”
Choice of: Jennifer Morris
Role at Axonn: Senior Video Producer
It’s hard to imagine any TV show having the kind of success described in the book but
it’s a great time capsule told from an insider.

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Invisible Monsters – Chuck Palahniuk
“Nothing of me is original. I am a combined effort of everyone I have ever known”
Chuck Palahniuk’s style is one of minimalist short sentences and disquieting metaphors. It’s pure poetry, and it’s a style I have inadvertently tried to emulate in my own writing.
Choice of: Charlotte Crowley
Role at Axonn: Marketing Content Assistant

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Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
“There are now fifty or sixty countries fighting in this war. Surely so many countries can't all be worth dying for”
As a writer, the book has inspired me to be a little more adventurous in the way I work. As a person, it’s made me realise that the world can be so ridiculously complex and manic.
Choice of: Joey Tyson
Role at Axonn: Travel Writer

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Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keneally
If there’s one thing I’ve taken from everything I’ve read, it’s how important it is for us all to simply be kind to each other.
Choice of: Dipika Patel
Role at Axonn: Head of Content
“He who saves the life of one man, saves the world”

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Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier
“...and the ashes blew towards us with the salt wind from the sea”
I've read it at least five times and even though technically I know what's going to happen, it still shocks me a little every time.
Choice of: Kate Robinson
Role at Axonn: Content Writer

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I’ve always loved animals and I think Reading books like the Animals of Farthing Wood series and Richard Adams' Watership Down and Plague Dogs when I was young probably played a big part in that.
Watership Down – Richard Adams
“But they don't sit down and set their wits to work to devise ways of spoiling other creatures' lives and hurting them. They have dignity and animality”
Choice of: James Martin
Role at Axonn: Content Editor

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The Sirens of Titan – Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
“I was a victim of a series of accidents, as are we all”
Choice of: Joe Boyd
Role at Axonn: Assistant Content
Manager
Really, it is the story of free will, of making the most of what you have, and of the overall insignificance of humanity. It might sound trite, but it has inspired me constantly since I read it.

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Detox Your Heart – Valerie Mason-John
“Their anger has become a piece of rotten luggage in their hearts, weighing down on them, causing their shoulders to sag”
The book really goes into depth about small things and behaviours you can change in yourself to make you a better happier person.
Choice of: Keisha Ming
Role at Axonn: Account Executive

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The Lord of the Rings Trilogy – J.R.R. Tolkien
“The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him”
Choice of: Joanna Carter
Role at Axonn: Fashion & Beauty Writer
The story also shows that heroes can be found anywhere and that bravery doesn't just depend on the ability to wield a sword.

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The Blue Lotus - Hergé
“I raise my glass to your precious health, Tintin. Your courage and nobility have restored happiness to this humble house”
Choice of: Phil Norris
Role at Axonn: Content Manager
The Blue Lotus' explanation of the real-life Japanese invasion of China – including the infamous Mukden Incident – played a significant role in helping me pass my History GCSE.

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A Place Called Here – Cecilia Ahern
“Everything in life has a place, and when one thing moves, it must go somewhere else”
Choice of: Natalie Corner
Role at Axonn: Senior Marketing Assistant
It gives me an answer to the age old mystery of where your socks go when you lose one and not the other. There’s always a place for something lost.

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This book will save your life – A.M. Homes
“He'd so thoroughly removed himself from the world of dependencies and obligations, he wasn't sure he still existed”
Choice of: Caroline Howley
Role at Axonn: Content Manager
Essentially, reading it just left me feeling really good, and provided me with a different filter to see the world through.

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Oh, the places you’ll go! – Dr. Seuss
"You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!"
Choice of: Karen Webber
Role at Axonn: Marketing Director
Dr Seuss reminded me to avoid that useless place; to go out and do things and be present in the moment.

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