Do you plan to have your nose in a book this summer?
We asked our team to tell us their favorite professional (and not so professional) books for a summer reading round-up! So as you hit the beach (or wherever you go this summer) we hope you enjoy these reads as much as we did!
Professional: Words that Change Minds: The 14 Patterns for Mastering the Language of Influence, by Shelle Rose Charvet
This is definitely my favorite professional development book – I love reading about the different patterns and figuring out which ones the people I know and work with fall into. In addition, I am learning what kind of language to use to influence each person – I’m looking forward to influencing my daughter to clean her room! Caveat: When I say this is my favorite, you need to know it’s my favorite in the same way that my father tells people I’m his favorite daughter… I’m his only daughter! 😉
Personal: The Host, by Stephanie Meyer
I love this book so much that I keep re-reading it. It’s about a post-apocalyptic world that has been taken over by a parasitic alien race, known as Souls, and follows one Soul’s journey when her human host’s consciousness refuses to allow the takeover of her body. For me, this book checks all the boxes – Supernatural aspect, romance, plot twist and something new (i.e. not another vampire book). It’s an easy read and perfect for a day on the beach!
Professional: Notorious RBG – The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon
I’m drawn to books written by women, about women, encouraging women! Faced with obstacles, personal and professional, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was fearless in her pursuit for gender equality. If you’re looking to be inspired and motivated, this is an incredible book about the life and legacy of RBG.
Personal: A Convenient Hatred: The History of Antisemitism, by Phyllis Goldstein
The book reviews the struggles of the Jewish people through history in being recognized and accepted in various countries, not ostracized. I believe it’s important in the current climate of our world, to understand where some of this hatred has developed in order to change our attitudes. The book was eye opening and gave me a deeper understanding of what’s it’s like to walk in their shoes. It’s informative, power, and enlightening!
Professional: Radical Candor, by Kim Scott
I actually did a whole book review of this one HERE. This book about the benefits of direct communication continues to help me in both personal and professional life. Read my full review and get this one pronto!
Personal: A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy), by Deborah Harkness
I am not a sci-fi and fantasy book type of girl, but after a recent surgery a friend of mine handed me this book for my recovery down time and I couldn’t put it down. The main character, Diana Bishop, is from a strong line of powerful witches, but she doesn’t want to be and for years has suppressed her powers. During a chance encounter she discovers her powers can’t be suppressed and her journey to understand her powers and the history of her kind is made more dangerous (and exciting) with the help of a powerful vampire, Matthew Clairmont. Maybe it’s that she thinks being a witch is silly too, or maybe it’s the romance and action – I’m not sure why, but this one hooked me. This would be the perfect vacation read – whether on the beach or in the mountains!
Professional: Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time, by Brian Tracy
This bestseller challenges readers to address difficult tasks at work rather than passing the day with simple tasks. Tracy makes the case that work can only become easier and more productive once you’ve figuratively ‘eaten that frog’ on your schedule.
Personal: The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great, by Ben Shapiro
This was a book my husband Scott and I read together (he is a big fan of Shapiro), but I have a very nostalgic personality and tend to look fondly at the past. I am also very aware of how our everyday lives transform quickly… It seems like every facet of life is contentious for someone else. This book will inspire you to look at yourself and answer the question, “Am I contributing to a better tomorrow, or the reason why ‘the good old days’ are long gone, never to return?”
Professional: How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie
I liked this book because I was fascinated how it was written in 1937, and still can be used for professional development to this very day. I thought this book was great because it teaches you how to express ideas and inspire people on an everyday basis that you meet throughout your career and personal life.
Personal: The Big Rich: The Rise and Fall of the Greatest Texas Oil Fortunes, by Bryan Burrough
I’m a big fan of history, and when you incorporate local ties to the story – I’m hooked. This book is one of my favorites because the author writes in great detail how some of the greatest oil families from our past were built from nothing and would then rise to the point of influencing politics in Washington. This book paints a detailed picture of the lives and histories of some of the families that made a name for themselves through the oil industry and how they influenced our local economies to this day. This is an easy read and a one that you can put down and pick back up without really skipping a beat.
