A Good Summer Read Recommendation

If you are looking for a read to open the mind this summer, which takes you on a journey of so many rich learnings of the past that can be applied to the future, then I recommend this book written by John Julius Norwich – a historian and travel writer who truly embodies CLARITY, COURAGE and CONGRUENCE. “Sicily A Short History from the Ancient Greeks to Cosa Nostra”.

A friend bought this for me and I decided to allow my experimental muscle to flex and give it a go. Often on vacation I bring a suitcase of business books and read two or three, the rest have to wait for the next break.

This gift was a special one for so many reasons, not least because this book was written by John in his 86th year, having been a regular visitor to Sicily since the 1960s. It is the book that he was ‘born to write’, and my goodness what a legacy to leave to the world. He has written other books (which I’m keen to research and read) but WOW, this is one to start with!

The history of Sicily is so rich- nowhere else in the world will you find in such a small island history from the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Germans, French, Spanish and Neapolitans. In one week, I have been transported from 600 BC to post war Europe.

Reading this has enabled me to venture into an area of life that I have never allowed myself time to relax into. It has always been about business, leadership and self growth and this week it has been a lovely experience to just let new learnings wash over me and learn in a different way.

It has also made me consider that there is truly a book and story in all of us. If John created this particular masterpiece of many in his 86th year…It really is never too late for anyone!

Sadly, John Norwich passed away in 2018, three years after the book’s publication, but this piece of literature lives forever as does his passion for this incredible island and history.

Sicily is not an independent nation, in fact she has not had that distinction since Norman times but my goodness she has one hell of a story to tell that personally I never knew…and I am not entirely sure if many do.

If you venture to buy and read, you are in for a real treat.

Happy summer, happy experimenting, happy reading and happy sharing great books that enables us all to grow and learn…