Still looking for something to read this summer? We’ve got you covered with this summer reading list!
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet summer evening in the garden, lounging by the beach or need to kill some time on long journey, Team Löning picked out some great reads for you in this year’s summer reading list!
If you are looking to dive deeper into the field of Business and Human Rights, our team members learned a lot from reading these three books this past year:
Cobalt Red – How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives
by Siddharth Kara
Around 75 percent of the world’s supply of cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, often mined in inhumane, dangerous, and toxic conditions. Siddharth Kara shines a light on the systemic exploitation of the country’s resources and tells the stories of the people who live, work and die for cobalt.
“I was very moved by this book and I think it’s a must read for anyone who wants to know more about where the essential component used for the batteries we use every day in our smartphones, laptops, and electric cars comes from.” – Katharina
by Matthew Friedman
Through intimate interviews, including with over 350 young girls trafficked from Nepal to India, this book shines an important light on the harrowing realities of modern slavery. With over 35 years of experience in the fight against human trafficking, Friedman’s book is distinguished by its ability to combine personal, transformative events with hard-hitting facts, raising awareness and inspiring actionable insights and solutions.
“When I met Matthew Friedman, I was horrified by the stories he told us about his work. Even though I’d been working on modern slavery for a while, his personal stories reminded me of how important this work is, and that behind every statistic there are real people trapped in terrible conditions that we need to speak up for.” – Nika
Business and Human Rights: From Principles to Practice
by Dorothée Baumann-Pauly and Justine Nolan
This edited volume brings together different perspectives on the integration of human rights into everyday business practice. Featuring interdisciplinary contributions from renowned scholars and practitioners, it provides practical insights and case studies relevant to businesses and other practitioners in the field.
“Educating (tomorrow’s) leaders on business and human rights is so important. And providing sustainability professionals with sound guidance on human rights risk management is also much needed. This textbook provides both theoretical and practical insights, edited by two leading experts who never forget that it’s all about people at the end of the day.” – Markus
If you want to dive into impactful and moving stories or immerse yourself in different perspectives challenging the way you see the world, these three picks could be something for you:
by Muon Thi Van
Nominated for the German Youth Literature Award 2024, ‘Wishes’ follows a Vietnamese family’s journey to a new home on the other side of the world, seen through the eyes of a young child.
“As an immigrant mother, I found “Wishes” by Muon Thi Van deeply touching. With beautiful illustrations by Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Victo Ngai, it explores themes of separation, hope, and the challenges of starting over in a new place. This book helps families talk about important topics like immigration and displacement in a in an age-appropriate way.” – Thao
An Immense World – How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us
by Ed Young
In this book, the author explores the ways in which animals perceive the environments that surround them. Structured along the senses which humans share with animals and those we do not possess; Ed Yong reveals the secret worlds that lie beyond our perception and hints at those that are yet beyond even our imaginations.
“This is an eye-opening read towards beginning to understand just how complex animal species are. There are astonishing surprises at almost every turn of a page, from low-pitched infrasonic whale communication over floating spiders to detection of ultraviolet flowers by birds and insects. Even those animals we deem most “primitive” or “simple” feature prominently with their complex senses. The author’s journalistic writing style makes this an enjoyable journey rather than a purely scientific read which enables the reader to fully immerse themselves in these new worlds.” – Simon
Sie sagt. Er sagt. (She says. He says) – Only in German
by Ferdinand von Schirach
This book, which is actually a theatre screenplay, is about a trial in which the former lover of a TV moderator is accused of allegedly raping her after a chance reencounter a few months after their separation. The play deals with the difficulties in finding out the truth when there is only her word against his.
“The book deals with a very moving and current topic, making me ask myself how I would feel in a trial like this. By illustrating how facts can be twisted to serve different interpretations, I realised that establishing the truth is a very difficult task, and that so many factors come into play and that granting them the correct weighing in the final decision is a delicate balancing act.” – Sofía
