Since the warm weather greeted us early this year, we have been plowing through some summer reading and are ready to share recommendations with our colleagues. Preferences for reading material are as varied as vacation spots, so our list is lengthy and diverse!
If you are reading to expand your potential at work and in your career, start with Essentialism, by Greg McKeown. The author challenges the reader to name the essential goals and projects and then to bring discipline to delegate, refuse, delay, or ignore all other distractions. This was an NCEDA book club read. Extending the idea that our own minds have all the power we need to achieve significant goals, Carol Dweck’s Mindset is empowering and will teach you how to approach others so they are empowered as well. In his latest, Dan Pink explores how timing and sequence contribute to our success and happiness – check out When – there are immediate takeaways that we have implemented. And, for improving your interpersonal interactions with coworkers, subordinates and even family – check out Radical Candor by Kim Scott. She has a podcast, too, if you want it on the go!
If you’re thinking about placemaking strategies for your community, we recommend This is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are by Melody Warnick . She has helpful suggestions for communities small and large. This was our WEDN book giveaway this year. If you want to read about a community transforming after losing the largest employer, Janesville: An American Story by Amy Goldstein is a must read. This is another NCEDA book club pick.
If you prefer your non-fiction to take you far away from the workplace world, try The Wright Brothers by David McCullough. He applies his thorough historical treatment to these two remarkable inventors and entrepreneurs. The memoir by Tara Westover, Educated, describes her upbringing by survivalist zealots and how her quest for knowledge transformed her.
Now, you may say that a true summer read is fiction that will transport you from your life into another world. Two favorites, both prize-winners, are The Power by Naomi Alderman and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. These are character-driven stories in quirky and varied locations. You should hurry, because The Nightingale will be a major motion picture in 2019!
We know, we know, you are super busy and do not have as much time to read as you would like – in that case how about a few volumes of short stories? We loved the southern setting of Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingslover. Ann Beattie has a new volume called The Accomplished Guest. Enjoy a visit with Margaret Atwood and Stone Mattress, which includes short stories linked by characters and setting.
On the off chance that these do not strike your fancy, you might peruse reading suggestions from:
If you read something good – go over to our Facebook page @CreativeEDC and let us know! We will include it in our next recommendations!
Don’t forget the sunscreen as you head to the beach with a book. You’ll lose yourself in the book and time will melt away!