It's that time of year, when many of us will be packing our bags in search of rest, relaxation and rays. Perhaps you are in need of a little inspiration for some accompanying reading material too?

Forget your TikTok influencers, or 'Time Out's hottest summer reads', we've gone to the true source of intellectual enlightment by asking some of the university's most esteemed academics for their top recommendations.

We also asked some of the team in the alumni office too...

Book covers

A selection of our summer reading recommendations as provided by our staff

Dirt - The Erosion of Civilisations

By David R. Montgomery

"It's an excellent introduction as to why we should care about the ground beneath our feet, how we are reliant on it for our food, water and clean air, how it is currently degraded by humans and how former civilisations have crumbled by not paying attention to the warning signs."

Professor Sacha Jon Mooney - Head of School of Biosciences

Fulfilment

By Lee Cole

"It's one of those great, character-driven, American novels which is deep, sad, and sometimes hilarious (one of the characters works in an Amazon-like warehouse which is referred to as a 'warehome' and he keeps trying to live up to his cultural studies lecturer brother). None of the characters are particularly fulfilled."

Professor Fiona Ellis - Acting Head of School of Humanities

How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog

By Chad Orzel

"I’d recommend this book by Chad Orzel, which helped my dog to understand that his inability ever to catch a squirrel is merely a consequence of the Uncertainty Principle rather than lack of personal athleticism."

Professor Mark Fromhold - Head of School of Physics & Astronomy

Managing Transitions

By William and Susan Bridges

"First published over 30 years ago, this book is brilliant at getting to the heart of how people and organisations respond to change and, by extension, how you can proactively navigate and manage change as a leader. Happy reading!"

Professor David Park, Dean of Nottingham University Business School

Max Magic

By Stephen Mulhern

"I'm always looking for books to read alongside my dyslexic son, to encourage his reading and help spark a love for stories. Max Magic is perfect. It's laugh-out-loud funny (especially for a 10-year-old), filled with adventure and friendships that overcome adversity, and of course magic! There's even a section at the end that teaches real magic tricks, a brilliant bonus that keeps the fun going beyond the final page."

Gemma Firth - Alumni Volunteering Manager, Faculty of Arts

One Man and his Bike

By Mike Carter

"Although not a new release, I just could not put this book down until I had read it all. It’s a fascinating real life adventure around the coast of Britain on a bicycle (probably the most sustainable mode of transport that exists)."

Professor Joel Segal - Head of Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering

The Chimp Paradox

By Steve Peters

"The Chimp Paradox gave me a transformative framework for understanding the emotional and rational parts of the human mind. Through the Chimp Model, the writer illustrates how our inner 'chimp'—the impulsive, emotional brain—can sabotage our goals and relationships if left unchecked.

"The book empowers readers to recognise and manage these instincts, fostering greater self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth. In my opinion, the book is an essential read for anyone seeking to improve their mental well-being and performance in both personal and professional life."

Professor Mohamed Elmaghrbi - Head of Department of Civil Engineering

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales

By Oliver Sacks

"A really interesting and sympathetic read from a neurologist on the topic of psychological phenomenon."

Professor Claire Gibson - Head of School of Psychology

The Nine Types of Leader: How the Leaders of Tomorrow Can Learn from The Leaders of Today

By James Ashton

"Really enjoyed learning from this book about great leaders, their successes and also mistakes they've made. Not only interesting to understand more about my leadership styles and steps I might take to improve but also gaining a greater appreciation of the styles adopted by those around me."

Dr Steve Bull - Head of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

The Offing

By Benjamin Myers

"It’s peaceful, warm and all about the summer. Rare Singles is good too, if you're into Northern Soul."

Professor Tony Pridmore - Head of School of Computer Science

Valley of the Dolls

By Jacqueline Susann

"Published in 1966, this cult classic follows the lives of Anne, Neely and Jennifer as they navigate the perils of fame, fortune and celebrity status. Such a good read - a subversive feminist novel that is just as relevant today as it was nearly 60 years ago!"

Stephanie Baxter - Alumni Volunteering Manager, Faculty of Engineering

What you are looking for is in the Library

By Michiko Aoyama

A heart warming charming book linking lots of stories to one person - the librarian who provides inspiration and guidance to her guests. A lovely Japanese novel - good for a holiday read.

Rachael Green - Head of Alumni Volunteering

What are your summer reading recommendations?

Add them to our Facebook post >