Whether you prefer reading on your Kindle, listening to an audiobook or carrying a good old-fashioned paperback, reading has never been more accessible than in today’s ever-changing digital world.
To celebrate World Book Day 2025, we’re bringing you a special edition of OCOCO Media Club! Read on to discover the books that hold a special place in the OCOCO team’s hearts, as well as our top recommendations for your next read.
The books that changed our lives…
Natalie:
It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be by Paul Arden
I first read It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be when I was working for an education start-up, before I’d even launched my own agency, and I know it’s quite cliché to say – but I do not think my life would have been the same without reading it.
This was over 12 years ago now, but I remember that first read through vividly.
The book shares insights, experiences, and anecdotes from throughout marketing icon Paul Arden’s career, designed to entertain and inspire in equal measure.
At the time, it felt like it gave me permission to be creative and do things differently. Suddenly, I felt like seeing the world in my own, slightly different, perspective could be a superpower.
The book itself is short, which helps as I reread it at least once a year, whenever I need a little bit of a boost. Snappy chapters, stats, quotes and bite-sized spreads make its wit and wisdom easy to digest.
I encourage anyone to read it, and interestingly, I’ve had it recommended to me before on more than one occasion. Always particularly strongly too, with a “you would absolutely love this book” – and I really do.
Laura:
The Power of Letting Go by John Purkiss
“If you learn to let go, your life will take off.” This self-help book from John Purkiss takes the reader through the stages of letting go and helps us to understand what will happen when we begin to do so. With proven techniques and in-depth case studies, The Power of Letting Go can help you to discover a new way to live.
I will preface this by saying that I felt as though not every segment of this book applied to me and I didn’t complete every activity because of that. However, I do truly believe that there is at least one element here that each of us can learn from. It’s true that letting go helps us to gain more from life. For me the biggest lesson from the book was to stay present. It’s easy to get swept up in the chaos of life and we can spend too much time worrying about the future. Through connecting with your senses, you can avoid stressful situations and enjoy the important moments in life. The final message of the book is “when we let go completely, we realise we’re consciousness itself.”
Jake:
Lion of Macedon by David Gemmell
As a young adult, I never enjoyed reading. I always loved good stories but would find myself limited to the narratives found in television and film. For some reason, the process of reading books and following a story in my mind just never seemed to click for me.
I had owned my copy of Lion of Macedon for a few years, a gift from my dad I believe when he was trying, unsuccessfully, to convince me of the joys of reading. One day at some point in my mid-twenties, I gave it a go. There was a lot at stake. This book had the potential to turn me into a lifelong book-enjoyer, or a cynical book-avoider, destined to remain forever jealous of those around me who could find such pleasure in the written word. Thankfully, to my surprise, I was able to follow the story, and loved it.
The book follows the life of Parmenion, a Spartan outcast caught between the two worlds of his heritage, and the many challenges he faces (no spoilers!) on his journey to become the most feared military general in the Macedonian army, and strategos to Alexander the Great.
It’s a fascinating blend of fantasy and history, prophecy and heroism, exploring legends of ancient Greece to their fullest extent - and beyond. Lion of Macedon, and the brilliantly satisfying conclusion to the story in the sequel, Dark Prince are wholly responsible for my love of reading. And while I have long since exhausted the published works of David Gemmell, he remains my favourite author, by far. In hindsight, it was a high bar to begin my reading career, but perhaps that’s exactly what I needed to change my life.
Nicholle:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
If the world was burning and I could only save one book, it would be Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. At the risk of sounding melodramatic, the novel changed the trajectory of my life when I first picked it up 15 years ago, sparking an interest in literature that would gradually flourish into two English degrees and a collection of overflowing bookshelves. It was even the subject of my university admission essay. Honestly, I could talk about it for hours.
For me, there’s something so special about reading an Austen novel. She was witty, satirical, years ahead of her time, and Pride and Prejudice, in my opinion, is her best work. Reading it completely changed my view of classic literature, which I had ironically prejudged as being too dated and difficult to enjoy.
The novel follows the turbulent relationship between the spirited Elizabeth Bennet and proud Mr. Darcy, as they dance (or not in Darcy’s case) with the rules of courtship. In between the couple’s flirtatious sparring and the Bennet sisters’ affinity for drama, Austen weaves social critiques of Georgian England into a web of passion, scandal and human folly. The dialogue is evocative, the characters are complex and the romantic tension is unparalleled.
One look at the sorry condition of my original copy and you would see just how many times I’ve poured over it. It’s my ultimate comfort read and I can’t recommend it enough.
We recommend reading…
Natalie:
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
The book that really is better than the movie.
A modern thriller with a twist that will keep you guessing until the end, and so incredibly well-written - this is one of my all-time favourite novels.
Laura:
Us Three by Ruth Jones
An uplifting tale of lifelong friendship and fun…
Written by actor and producer Ruth Jones, Us Three will feel like home to any big Gavin & Stacey fans.
Jake:
Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow by David Gemmell
If you think about ancient Greece as often as you think about the Roman Empire, then you’ll probably also enjoy David Gemmell’s epic take on the Trojan war.
It’s a great read from one of my favourite authors, and the best part is; it’s the first book of a brilliant trilogy.
Nicholle:
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
A quirky murder mystery that’s as strange as it is thought-provoking. Loaded with dark comedy, astrology and existential questions, it's my first five-star read of 2025.
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