Summer Reading List

Summer is a time for back-yard BBQs, beer gardens, bike rides, but most important of all – books! Whether you’re lying on the dock down by the cottage with one in your lap, or unsteadily holding one up to your nose during your morning commute, nothing beats a good read. So here is a round-up of the Cumulus’ designers’ favourite reads for the sunniest season.

The Science of Interstellar by Kip Thorne

Suggested by May Wu

It pretty much explains everything you didn’t understand in the movie. With lots of diagrams and renderings, this books decodes some of the complicated theoretical sciences and quantum theory we could never fully understand.

Twenty Dinners by Ithai Schori and Chris Taylor

Suggested by May Wu

Not so much a read, but it’s certainly a book that’s pleasing to the eyes. The book is kind of a recipe for throwing laid back dinner parties. Recipes include everything from appetizers, entries to drinks that uses the best ingredients of each season.

PIN UP Interviews by Felix Burrichter and Andrew Ayers

Suggested by Kelly Neill

A book of interviews by the biannual architecture magazine, PIN UP. The editors sit down for conversations with everyone from Rick Owens to Zaha Hadid to Rem Koolhaas. The interviews are short enough that they are like bite-sized culture reads on your subway ride to work.

Folding Techniques for Designers: From Sheet to Form by Paul Jackson

Suggested by Abe Galway

Folding Techniques explains how to turn a two dimensional piece of paper into elegant 3D forms. It has easy to follow instructions with diagrams and beautiful photographs.

Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne

Suggested by Paul Szaszkiewicz

Essays by the musician about his experiences biking in cities all over the world. David Byrne goes so far as to talk about the changes and developments he has seen in New York City, its urban planning and its politics.

Cod: A Biography Of the Fish That Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky

Suggested by Sheldon Catarino

We thought the subject of this book was appropriate enough for summer, considering the fishing theme. It is a nice little read that will definitely teach you something new about history.

Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Suggested by Kelly Neill

A great thriller novel, “the next Gone Girl”, as some like to call it, Girl on the Train is completely engrossing once you start it.

Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

Suggested by Ella den Elzen

This is the perfect book to read at a cottage or on a rainy weekend. It is a little slow to start, but eventually sucks you in. In true Murakami style, it is mysterious, humorous and a little bit strange.

Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel

Suggested by Paul Szaszkiewics

It only seems appropriate that we, as a start up, are reading books about start ups. Peter Thiel talks about creating an innovative business and how to find value in unexpected places.

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Suggested by Sheldon Catarino

Set during Chicago’s World Fair, The Devil in the White City is filled with crime, murder and all of its lurid details. It’s the perfect story for light summer reading!