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Introducing the Counsel Editorial Board, which shares some alternative reads
Alice Bacon, 3 Paper Buildings
Safe Area Goražde, Joe Sacco
If you want a superb introduction to journalistic graphic novels, this is the place to start. The book narrates the author’s fascinating time spent in war-torn Bosnia in 1994-95, whilst trapped within the enclave of Goražde.
The Arab of the Future: Volume 1: A Childhood in the Middle East, 1978-84: A Graphic Memoir, Riad Sattouf
This graphic novel sheds light on the origins of the Arab Spring, through a beautiful and funny childhood memoir. A captivating and informing read, with winning visual style.
David Barnes, 39 Essex Street
Basque: Spanish Recipes from San Sebastian and Beyond, Jose Pizarro
If you are not taking your vacation in San Sebastian then this will be the next best thing. It has more Pintxos than you can shake a stick at!
Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders, Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras & Ella Morton
Want to escape your clerks? Tempted by a new travel book that celebrates 600 of the most curious places in the world? We will still track you down…
Georgina Blower, Farringdon Chambers
The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins
Hawkins skilfully explores the themes of alcoholism, memory loss and obsession using the device of the unreliable narrator in this engrossing, Hitchcockian psychological thriller. It’s Gone Girl meets Rear Window.
Shepherds & Butchers, Chris Marnewick
Inspired by his experiences as a lawyer, Marnewick’s insightful and uncompromising exposé of the brutalising impact of the death penalty set in 1980s Apartheid South Africa has integrity and authenticity.
Melissa Coutinho, Government Legal Department
Operation Mincemeat: The True Spy Story that Changed the Course of World War II, Ben MacIntyre
Because this is more of the real story behind the film most people remember about The Man that never was.Difficult to put down, even though you know the end of the story.Or do you?
The Psychopath Test, Jon Ronson
More people are motivated by insanity than you know. Psychopathic traits are held by criminals and those who enjoy the most material success.A handy test to administer to friends and family…
Mary Cowe, Guildhall Chambers
The Face of Britain, Simon Schama
A scenic guide to how Britons have pictured themselves. Schama deals with the panoramas of art history and the anecdotes behind an individual miniature with a light touch.
Conspiracy, SJ Parris
Monk turned sleuth Giordano Bruno deals with sex, politics and religion in 16th Century France: all deadly topics. Historical psychodrama and irresistible murder-mystery combined.
Rawdon Crozier, KBG Chambers
Saki’s short stories, Saki (H.H. Munro)
By turns funny and unsettling, Saki’s stories are elegant, economical and, like a good summer aperitif, often come with a shard of ice at their heart.
The Unbearable Bassington, Saki (H.H. Munro)
2016 is the centenary of his death on the Somme, so I feel entitled to pick this Saki novel as well. Like a pocket Trollope with echoes of Wilde, Bassington’s end is pure Ibsen.
Aoife Drudy, Government Legal Department
The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion
This is a light-hearted summer read. It made me laugh out loud during a long train journey through France, much to the confusion of my fellow passengers.
The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg
An incredibly interesting analysis of our unconscious habits, how they help us and hinder us, and how we can change them if we really want to. Inspiring stuff!
Mark Hatcher, Bar Council
The Long Weekend: Life in the English Country House Between the Wars, Andrew Tinniswood
A rich, multi-layered account of life in English country houses between 1918-39 drawing on memoirs, diaries and letters. A luscious summery book offering insight into the gilt and gingerbread image of country house life.
Coalition, David Laws
Inside account of what happened during the 2010-2015 Tory/Lib Dem Coalition by one of the chief architects who concludes that a day in government is worth many hundreds in opposition.
Simon Hughes QC, Keating Chambers
Amsterdam, Ian McKewan
A great afternoon’s read; some quite dark themes treated with wit and style; and, almost 20 years after it was written, captures some aspects of late 90s London society which now seem long gone.
The Thirty Years War, C V Wedgwood
A famous treatment of one of Europe’s less ‘read about’ conflicts. If you fancy a break from fiction, but really can’t bear any more ‘current affairs’, this is perfect. History told in the author’s unique and powerful prose unburdened by endless footnotes. Fantastic.
Nigel Pascoe QC, Pump Court Chambers
Scoop, Evelyn Waugh
The all time classic English comic novel. Evelyn Waugh at his satirical best, it traces the adventures of a young foreign correspondent for the Daily Beast, reporting on a crisis in a fictional African state. Simply superb.
The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, Kate Summerscale
A treat for criminal lawyers. The Victorian detective investigates the murder of a 16-year-old girl. Evocative, riveting and a classic good read.
Haresh Sood, Derwent Chambers
Holy Cow, Sarah Macdonald
This is an excellent story about an Australian journalist who hated her time in India as a backpacker and vowed never to return. However, her partner is posted to India so she does return, only to fall in love with it. The journey of transition is hilarious, candid and very emotional.
The Present, Spencer Johnson
We spend so much time thinking of things that have happened in the past or ‘may’ happen in the future, and often miss enjoying the present. This is a book about realising, enjoying and appreciating what we have and enjoying the moment, as opposed to what we don’t have. A book from which many people can learn.
David Wurtzel, Bencher of Middle Temple
The Diaries of Victor Klemperer (2 vols) 1933-41 and 1942-5, Victor Klemperer
The daily account of a Dresden professor (Jewish but married to an ‘Aryan’) who managed to survive in the city throughout the Nazi regime. A triumph of the human spirit.
War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy
The real thing, not the TV series:love story,battles, history on an epic scale.The length simply means there is so much of it to enjoy.
ALSO ON THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Michael Todd QC (Chair), Erskine Chambers
Desiree Artesi, Thomas More Chambers
Steve Rudani, Bar Council
Alice Bacon, 3 Paper Buildings
Safe Area Goražde, Joe Sacco
If you want a superb introduction to journalistic graphic novels, this is the place to start. The book narrates the author’s fascinating time spent in war-torn Bosnia in 1994-95, whilst trapped within the enclave of Goražde.
The Arab of the Future: Volume 1: A Childhood in the Middle East, 1978-84: A Graphic Memoir, Riad Sattouf
This graphic novel sheds light on the origins of the Arab Spring, through a beautiful and funny childhood memoir. A captivating and informing read, with winning visual style.
David Barnes, 39 Essex Street
Basque: Spanish Recipes from San Sebastian and Beyond, Jose Pizarro
If you are not taking your vacation in San Sebastian then this will be the next best thing. It has more Pintxos than you can shake a stick at!
Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders, Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras & Ella Morton
Want to escape your clerks? Tempted by a new travel book that celebrates 600 of the most curious places in the world? We will still track you down…
Georgina Blower, Farringdon Chambers
The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins
Hawkins skilfully explores the themes of alcoholism, memory loss and obsession using the device of the unreliable narrator in this engrossing, Hitchcockian psychological thriller. It’s Gone Girl meets Rear Window.
Shepherds & Butchers, Chris Marnewick
Inspired by his experiences as a lawyer, Marnewick’s insightful and uncompromising exposé of the brutalising impact of the death penalty set in 1980s Apartheid South Africa has integrity and authenticity.
Melissa Coutinho, Government Legal Department
Operation Mincemeat: The True Spy Story that Changed the Course of World War II, Ben MacIntyre
Because this is more of the real story behind the film most people remember about The Man that never was.Difficult to put down, even though you know the end of the story.Or do you?
The Psychopath Test, Jon Ronson
More people are motivated by insanity than you know. Psychopathic traits are held by criminals and those who enjoy the most material success.A handy test to administer to friends and family…
Mary Cowe, Guildhall Chambers
The Face of Britain, Simon Schama
A scenic guide to how Britons have pictured themselves. Schama deals with the panoramas of art history and the anecdotes behind an individual miniature with a light touch.
Conspiracy, SJ Parris
Monk turned sleuth Giordano Bruno deals with sex, politics and religion in 16th Century France: all deadly topics. Historical psychodrama and irresistible murder-mystery combined.
Rawdon Crozier, KBG Chambers
Saki’s short stories, Saki (H.H. Munro)
By turns funny and unsettling, Saki’s stories are elegant, economical and, like a good summer aperitif, often come with a shard of ice at their heart.
The Unbearable Bassington, Saki (H.H. Munro)
2016 is the centenary of his death on the Somme, so I feel entitled to pick this Saki novel as well. Like a pocket Trollope with echoes of Wilde, Bassington’s end is pure Ibsen.
Aoife Drudy, Government Legal Department
The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion
This is a light-hearted summer read. It made me laugh out loud during a long train journey through France, much to the confusion of my fellow passengers.
The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg
An incredibly interesting analysis of our unconscious habits, how they help us and hinder us, and how we can change them if we really want to. Inspiring stuff!
Mark Hatcher, Bar Council
The Long Weekend: Life in the English Country House Between the Wars, Andrew Tinniswood
A rich, multi-layered account of life in English country houses between 1918-39 drawing on memoirs, diaries and letters. A luscious summery book offering insight into the gilt and gingerbread image of country house life.
Coalition, David Laws
Inside account of what happened during the 2010-2015 Tory/Lib Dem Coalition by one of the chief architects who concludes that a day in government is worth many hundreds in opposition.
Simon Hughes QC, Keating Chambers
Amsterdam, Ian McKewan
A great afternoon’s read; some quite dark themes treated with wit and style; and, almost 20 years after it was written, captures some aspects of late 90s London society which now seem long gone.
The Thirty Years War, C V Wedgwood
A famous treatment of one of Europe’s less ‘read about’ conflicts. If you fancy a break from fiction, but really can’t bear any more ‘current affairs’, this is perfect. History told in the author’s unique and powerful prose unburdened by endless footnotes. Fantastic.
Nigel Pascoe QC, Pump Court Chambers
Scoop, Evelyn Waugh
The all time classic English comic novel. Evelyn Waugh at his satirical best, it traces the adventures of a young foreign correspondent for the Daily Beast, reporting on a crisis in a fictional African state. Simply superb.
The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, Kate Summerscale
A treat for criminal lawyers. The Victorian detective investigates the murder of a 16-year-old girl. Evocative, riveting and a classic good read.
Haresh Sood, Derwent Chambers
Holy Cow, Sarah Macdonald
This is an excellent story about an Australian journalist who hated her time in India as a backpacker and vowed never to return. However, her partner is posted to India so she does return, only to fall in love with it. The journey of transition is hilarious, candid and very emotional.
The Present, Spencer Johnson
We spend so much time thinking of things that have happened in the past or ‘may’ happen in the future, and often miss enjoying the present. This is a book about realising, enjoying and appreciating what we have and enjoying the moment, as opposed to what we don’t have. A book from which many people can learn.
David Wurtzel, Bencher of Middle Temple
The Diaries of Victor Klemperer (2 vols) 1933-41 and 1942-5, Victor Klemperer
The daily account of a Dresden professor (Jewish but married to an ‘Aryan’) who managed to survive in the city throughout the Nazi regime. A triumph of the human spirit.
War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy
The real thing, not the TV series:love story,battles, history on an epic scale.The length simply means there is so much of it to enjoy.
ALSO ON THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Michael Todd QC (Chair), Erskine Chambers
Desiree Artesi, Thomas More Chambers
Steve Rudani, Bar Council
Introducing the Counsel Editorial Board, which shares some alternative reads
The beginning of the legal year offers the opportunity for a renewed commitment to justice and the rule of law both at home and abroad
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
By Kem Kemal of Henry Dannell
By Ashley Friday of AlphaBiolabs
Providing bespoke mortgage and protection solutions for barristers
Joanna Hardy-Susskind speaks to those walking away from the criminal Bar
From a traumatic formative education to exceptional criminal silk – Laurie-Anne Power KC talks about her path to the Bar, pursuit of equality and speaking out against discrimination (not just during Black History Month)
Yasmin Ilhan explains the Law Commission’s proposals for a quicker, easier and more effective contempt of court regime
Irresponsible use of AI can lead to serious and embarrassing consequences. Sam Thomas briefs barristers on the five key risks and how to avoid them
James Onalaja concludes his two-part opinion series
