If you checked out our recent article about professional development books, then I’m sure that your reading list has already grown significantly. Sure, business and…
Set in war-torn, German-occupied France during WWII, this novel tells the overlapping story of two sisters dealing with love, survival, and freedom. Vianne Mauriac must live with the enemy in her requisitioned home after sending her husband off to the Front. Meanwhile, Vianne’s sister, Isabelle, is young and in love. But, when she’s betrayed, she joins the Resistance to risk her life and save others. It’s an inspiring and captivating novel that gives heartbreaking insight into the tumultuous landscape during WWII.
“Reading the stories of how people were treated so poorly just because of their religion broke my heart. Then there was the realization that maybe things aren't so much different today. All in all, it is a really good book.” --Lori L., Executive Assistant
Bill Gates, Sr. is a pretty successful man—and raised even more successful children. Needless to say, there’s a lot we could learn from him. Using different chronological narratives in his deeply personal memoir, he discusses the values and principles that he learned in his childhood while growing up during the Great Depression.
“A short collection of stories, memories, and life lessons. Great things can happen in life by simply showing up!” --Corrine A., Senior Executive Assistant
It’s easy to get weighed down by assignments and to-do lists and let the little things that genuinely make us happy fall by the wayside. Well, author Gretchen Rubin decided to kick that idea to the curb and dedicate a year to working on being her happiest self. She called it her “Happiness Project,” and the book chronicles her journey. It’s a read that’s relatable, motivating, and thought-provoking.
Actress, comedian, and writer Felicia Day had pretty humble beginnings as a homeschooled, “uncool” kid in the Deep South. So, it’s likely that not many people expected her to wind up being a huge force in new media. Her rags-to-riches rise to fame is inspiring, and throughout her book Day talks candidly about the many roadblocks and challenges along the way—including struggles with anxiety and depression.
“I am currently reading this since it only came out Tuesday. I bought the book because I am a total Geek and LOVE LOVE LOVE Felicia Day. Her story is so inspiring. She describes how her strange upbringing and struggles with crippling anxiety and depression impact everything she does and yet has come out on top as ‘Queen of the Geeks’. Amazing woman.” --Chandra M., Executive Assistant
We all know how powerful a handwritten note can be—especially in this age of tweets and Facebook posts. But, for some reason, we’re all still pretty stingy with dropping a card in the mail. Lawyer John Kralik was going through rough time dealing with a failing law firm, a divorce, and family issues. However, one day he was struck with the realization that he should start placing more emphasis on the thing’s he’s grateful for, rather than the things he’s unhappy with. He set a goal of sending 365 thank you notes in the coming year, and his touching memoir is an inspiring reminder of the impact of simply being grateful.
“Any kind of book about gratitude can give one a fresh perspective. I like the book by John Kralik, 365 Thank Yous. It is a very easy going quick read. Nothing majorly astounding but there was something about it that I really liked. It made me reflect and give thanks for everything that I should be grateful for.” --Denise S., Assistant to VP
Following the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed was lost. Her family drifted apart, her marriage was crumbling, and she was experimenting with heroin. So, she made an impulsive decision. She would hike over 1,000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail—completely alone. Although she quickly realized that she was completely unprepared, she persevered and ultimately ends up finding herself. Wild is a candid account of her experience, as well as the life lessons learned while on the trail.
"Even in the most hopeless and darkest of times, this writer shows you that everything is a choice and you are the captain of your own ship." --Kiyomi M., Office Ninja
With two books on this list, you know that Cheryl Strayed is a must-read author! Posing as Sugar, the once-anonymous online columnist for The Rumpus, Strayed doled out advice to tons of eager readers. This book pulls together all of the best pieces of advice from her column, as well as a few columns that were never actually published. It’s a funny, honest, and incredibly insightful read.
"Cheryl Strayed delivers the hard truth about love, life, and humanity with such validation and tender gentleness; her words are poetry." --Kiyomi M., Office Ninja
Psychiatrist Viktor E. Frankl was held in four different Nazi death camps between the years 1942 and 1945, and his memoir tells the captivating story of spiritual survival. While his parents, brother, and pregnant wife all perished in the camps, Frankl learned a lot about the strength of the human spirit and how we deal with suffering. Frankl’s book is equal parts inspiring and heartbreaking.
"Even in the face of death and cruel torture, Viktor demonstrates living with dignity, having a positive mindset, and looking toward the future." --Kiyomi M., Office Ninja
Mitch Albom always looked to his college professor, Morrie Schwartz, as a mentor. But, as many people do, they lost touch over the years. In Tuesdays with Morrie, Albom reconnects with Schwartz in the last months of his old mentor’s life, and they spend every Tuesday chatting in his study. Albom winds up with a lot more than friendly visits with an old confidante. Instead, he receives many lessons on how to successfully live out the rest of his life with love, laughter, and joy.
“I read Tuesdays with Morrie in my teens and that book inspired me to create my own culture.” --Carlo I., Director of Workplace Experience
Rooted in beliefs from Ancient Mexico, Toltec wisdom asserts that there are four agreements in life that are necessary for a path to personal freedom. Shamanic teacher and healer Don Miguel Ruiz takes an in-depth look at each of these agreements, and how they can help readers on their path to self-discovery.
