Why Perth accountant John Palermo is reading Dr Seuss

Nicole Abadee

Updated May 24, 2016 – 9.57am, first published at 9.45am

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Chartered accountant John Palermo has diverse reading tastes. Current books: Fox in Socks and Angels in America.

Did you read much as a child? Who were your favourite authors?

I did. Roald Dahl and Paul Jennings.

John Palermo: "We support the Black Swan State Theatre Company, which is about to put on Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, about the AIDS crisis in New York in the 1980s, so I am about to read that." Angelo Vlachoulis

When do you find time to read now?

It is not easy. Much of my reading time these days is with my four-year-old son Samuel. We are all over Fox in Socks by Dr Seuss. The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse is an absolute favourite.

What was the last book you read?

Beneath the Dardanelles: The Australian Submarine at Gallipoli, by Vecihi Basarin and Hatice Basarin. Fascinating.

What sort of books do you enjoy most?

Big, heavy illustrated books on architecture. I have a particular interest in post-modernist architecture – we recently bought and renovated a 1960s-style house in that style.

I love Case Study Houses published by Taschen, and Modern Originals by Leslie Williamson, all about European mid-century architecture and design. Books like this are great for relaxation and inspiration – and a break from the world of finance.

What influences your choice of books?

What I’m doing at the time. We support the Black Swan State Theatre Company, which is about to put on Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, about the AIDS crisis in New York in the 1980s, so I am about to read that.

John Palermo featured on the BRW Young Rich list last year with an estimated wealth of $26 million.

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