Our Top Reads for 2019
You know us, we love to read! And we love to share our book recommendations, too. So here are the team’s favorites from 2019. Time to put another log on the fire, grab a cup of tea, and settle in for an afternoon of mind expansion. Enjoy!
Ned Wheeler, CFO:
Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction by J.D. Salinger
I liked this book because, unlike with non-fiction, it managed to take just small relatively random moments and bring life, humor, and bizarre realities to the surface. It was actually amusing in a way I'm not used to when reading. Very enjoyable.
Jamie Glomb, BD Manager:
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
A story of love, murder and living in nature. One of the most captivating books I've read in awhile.
Jess Harden, Director of Operations also chose this book as her favorite:
Its beautifully written - the imagery 100% takes you to the marshes of North Carolina. The author makes you fall in love with the main character Kya and makes you feel like you’re right there alongside Kya on her journey - you root for her, you feel like an outcast with her, you feel happy and sad and lonely for her. The overlapping storylines are fun too. I thought I had it all figured out, but I was surprised in the end.
Brigid Prior, Bookkeeper:
Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
I would recommend it because it is hugely illuminating and helped me see outside of my own world perspective... not to mention it was funny!
Kelsey Thayer, HR Manager:
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
I would find myself shouting “NOOOO!!!” and *legitimately* laughing out loud which is the telltale sign of being fully immersed in a book.
Ryann Lofchie, CEO:
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
I read this book in one day because I couldn’t put it down. It is fascinating, tragic, heartbreaking and deeply disturbing at times, yet this woman with a will of steel finds a way to triumph in the end. Oh, and she wrote this before she turned 30.
Hannah Walden, Facilitator & Associate Consultant:
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
I couldn’t put this one down and I’ve lent it out to at least four people in my life this year. It’s the story of a therapist who goes on her own journey through therapy and personal crisis. She lets us peek behind the curtain into what it’s like to be a therapist and answers questions I’ve always wondered about like, “do therapists judge their clients?” and “do they talk about them to other therapists?” It’s a hilarious and tender exploration of what it feels like to be human. I loved it so much!
Jess Bernard, Client Experience Manager & Associate Consultant
Jess went for extra credit by choosing two books:
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker
Reading this book came at the perfect time! We spend so much of our lives in gatherings. But I hadn’t given it much thought. Getting engaged and planning a wedding in 2019, this book really became my reference guide. It pushed me to think about the type of hosts we wanted to be and what type of environment we wanted to create for our guests. I continue to take the whole “don’t be a chill host” very seriously and keep it in mind when planning events for personal and work life.
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brené Brown
This book challenged me to be braver. More daring. It was the leadership call to action I needed! Our collective team has put a lot of work into infusing our culture with the power of vulnerability. This book gave us shared language and tools to continue to do the hard work of showing up and getting in the arena. I see us bringing our whole hearts to work. And it’s beautiful.
Stephanie Wolf, Creative Manager
Find Your Artistic Voice, by Lisa Congdon
I admit to fan-girling Lisa—she started her creative career later in life and reminds us that the journey to finding yourself is never really over. It's actually great to take on the mindset of a beginner and realize that there are always people you can learn from. The book is also a visual person's delight with Lisa's signature quirky illustrations throughout.
