Bertie Russell recommends
Bertie is Managing Director at Russell Simpson. Since 1979, Russell Simpson have been working with unparalleled property in Prime Central London and are experts in some of the capital’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.
Read on to find out which six books Bertie recommends, and why…
As someone who struggled with dyslexia from a young age, reading was always something I found difficult at school. Thanks to Roald Dahl’s Matilda and a selection of his other books I became hooked on reading from the age of about 10, even though it would take me four times longer than many of my peers to read the books.
I now have an obsessive habit of reading every night in bed before I go to sleep. It really helps calm my mind from a busy day and relaxes me into a sound night’s sleep.
I flit between two varied themes: business / personal development and fast paced fiction varying from sci-fi to historical novels based on true events. I avoid anything traumatic and horror related… not good for a calm night of sleep! I think I get drawn to one or the other dependent on the stresses of day to day to life. Some days I need some escapism and some days I feel driven to learn.
Matilda
Roald Dahl
This is the first book I couldn’t put down. I read this voraciously as I was walking between school lessons at the age of 10 so transfixed in the wonderfully vivid world of Dahl’s imagination. With my kids I have rediscovered his stories and many family car journeys are now filled with his audio stories.
The E-Myth Revisited
Michael E. Gerber
My siblings and I read this book during Covid in 2020. This book was the inspiration for many great things that have happened for our family business since that date. This book was revolutionary for personal and business development for me and I am very grateful for its learnings.
Never Split the Difference
Chris Voss and Tahl Raz
Former Head of Hostage Negotiation for the FBI, Christopher Voss is a MASTER of negotiation. As someone involved in a sales business this is fascinating, but he also brings to your attention that negotiation takes place in every aspect of life including with your kids! The lesson is really about genuinely listening.
Lessons in Chemistry
Bonnie Garmus
Wonderfully fast paced novel with great characters and insights into 1960s America from a female perspective.
Surrounded by Idiots
Thomas Erikson
An exploration into the four personality types. For self-awareness, self-discovery and empathy this book blew my mind!
The Millionaire Next Door
Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
I have a secret obsession of personal finance. This book is certainly not for the masses, but I loved how this book uncovers the humility of the vast majority of the financially wealthy. In a world filled with brash social media narcissism this book brings some honesty and reality to the quietly humble and consistent people out there.