Summer Time Is Here: What’s on Your Reading List?
As you might suspect, given our line of business, we love to read. With the summer solstice looming, it’s time to officially kick off the season – either with a great beach read, compelling memoir or wellbeing book.
If you’re struggling to get started, here’s a peek into what’s on our reading lists. We’re big fans of Goodreads, local libraries, independent bookstores and, of course, the always ubiquitous Amazon.
Jersey Shore-based managing partner, Kate Achille, lives the closest to the ocean. Here’s what she says about her summer reading selections. No lighthearted beach reads on this list:
“So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo – Truth be told, I just finished it, it’s fabulous and should be required reading for, well, everyone. I did a lot of reading about race relations and whiteness several years ago but am not up to date on the latest resources. Overall, I’m using this summer for learning and unlearning.
Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld – I’m waiting for those mentioned below to become available from my local library. This one goes off my summer theme, reimagining Hillary Rodham’s life if she didn’t marry Bill Clinton. I can’t say exactly why I chose this one, other than I needed a beach read.
Strong Hearts, Wounded Souls: Native American Veterans of the Vietnam War – It was recommended to me by William Tincup because I completed my M.A. in Historical Studies and wrote my thesis on the post-war experience of Vietnam veterans. I did not, however, do much research around what that meant for native and indigenous populations – until now.
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah – I am a bit of a memoir junkie and enjoy learning how other people’s brains process their life experiences. In the case of Noah, we’re about the same age, so I’m interested to learn more about his life.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett – I try to mix novels into my reading here and there. In keeping with my previously stated mission, the topic of this one relates to race and the idea of “passing” for white, which reminded me of the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Plessy v. Ferguson.”
Similar to Goldilocks and the Three Bears, we’re still looking for that juicy beach read. Here’s what our eclectic CEO Jeanne Achille has on her nightstand:
“The Way of Effortless Mindfulness by Loch Kelly – during the pandemic, I’ve relied heavily on lectures from the Garrison Institute for spiritual guidance. Loch Kelly’s teachings resonated with me because I think creating awareness is a huge component in problem-solving. I’m looking forward to diving into his book, mindfully, of course.
Notre Dame de Paris: A Celebration of the Cathedral by Kathy Borrus – If relocating was in the cards, Paris would top my list. It’s one of my favorite places to explore – not in a formal tour mode but as a happy wanderer discovering the most banal yet serendipitous moments. While horrifying to watch Notre Dame burn, there’s a broader story captured here and it’s refreshing to remember how to rebound from adversity.
Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe – Kate is our resident history buff at Devon so I can’t possibly compete with her in the category. She read this book and recommended it to me; since part of our family hails from Northern Ireland, there’s a deeply personal connection with “the troubles.”
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson – I’m a member of Northwestern’s book club and just signed up to be a discussion leader for this reading assignment. Fascinated by how change can be instrumented – even in a morass of deceit, conspiracy and politics – by individuals, this one looks like it will be a favorite next to other books such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – This is my official beach read for the summer of 2020. As soon as accessing the beach whenever and wherever becomes a reality, I’m all in!”
Getting it just right is Devon’s Head of Speaker Bureau and Awards Marketing, Alicia Knoop. Soon to have a college freshman on her hands, she says “my reading selections and preferences have taken a turn towards entertainment. Something I can escape into…
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah – This was a recent book club pick. In the 70s, a family in crisis moves from Seattle to the Alaskan bush. The story is about their will to survive not only harsh environmental conditions but also mental health issues and abuse – both mentally and physically. Tough to get through, but I enjoyed it.
The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff – I read one of Jenoff’s other works, The Orphan’s Tale, so when I found this book, I picked it up. Based on real events, the author weaves important moments from WWII into the story of women aiding in the war effort. An excellent read.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert – Written by the author of Eat, Pray, Love, the story is set in the 1940s in the New York City theater world, so there are quite a few excessive escapades. I’m still making my way through it.
The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda – Recommended to me, so I decided to give it a whirl. If I like it, I plan to recommend it to my book club.
The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda – Noticed this one from the same author as the book recommended to me and my “to read” pile was getting low.”
If you’ve made it to this point in our post, you’re clearly an avid reader as well. Would you do us a favor? For every social share of this article (please be sure to tag @devongroup), we’ll make a donation to Reading Is Fundamental. Happy reading and let’s all do our best to have a wonderful summer!