Summer is just around the corner and, to me, there’s nothing that says summer like a cold drink, a Muskoka chair, a scenic view—and a great book! Personally, I’m a fiction reader, it’s my favourite escape from real life. But there’s nothing like a great non-fiction book to inspire new ideas or action in your career or personal life. To help stock your bookshelf or e-reader for the season, I’ve polled the Felicity team to find out what’s at the top of their summer reading lists. (Hint: Read to the end for a chance to WIN the next book on your summer reading list!)
Name: Karin Eldor, Social Media & Content Strategist
Book: Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person
Author: Shonda Rhimes
“I watched the TED Talk by Shonda Rhimes called ‘My Year of Saying Yes to Everything’ and was completely blown away. Not only do I love her tone of voice, but I also love her message of spending quality time with her kids (i.e., no cell phone in hand) even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day. That short playtime has helped her re-energize her creativity. And while we’re taught that saying “no” can be an important step towards success (in general), I’d love to know what else Shonda has said “yes” to!”
Name: Leah Kirkpatrick, Healthcare Communications
Book: In Other Words
Author: Jhumpa Lahiri
“I am most excited to read Jhumpa Lahiri’s ‘In Other Words’ because she is a lyrical, poignant and expressive storyteller. Once you start reading one of her books you want the words to go on forever. This one is of particular interest to me because it chronicles her journey to master Italian, and is written in both English and Italian. It will give me a chance to practice a language I’ve been studying for three years.”
Name: Lawrence Cummer, Technology Journalist
Book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
Author: Marie Kondo
“Not exactly summer reading, and far from new, but top of my reading list is Marie Kondo’s ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’ (which I hope to read long before summer, since it’s about 200 super-teeny-tiny pages—but given how often I read anything not directly related to work, and how many weeks it’s sat on my desk, who really knows?) Why that book? Because I’m excited about the prospect of reigning in the chaos that is my office, home and… And, well, I have way too many socks!?”
Name: Shari Cogan, Account Lead & Media Relations Specialist
Book: Sh*tty Mom: The Parenting Guide for the Rest of Us
Authors: Mary Ann Zoellner, Laurie Kilmartin, Karen Moline, Alicia Ybarbo
“This is a light read, but I can’t wait. The authors, who are Today Show producers, are amazing. And, since my kids will be away at camp, it will be a great time to reflect on motherhood too.”
Name: Laura Currie Ryder, Account Lead
Book: French Women for All Seasons: A Year of Secrets, Recipes, and Pleasure
Author: Mireille Guiliano
“I love books about living the ‘French way.’ It’s a bit of escapism and reminds me of my years in Europe and how to bring some of that living to my Toronto lifestyle. It also has a lot of simple recipes throughout the book that I’m looking forward to trying out!”
Name: Amy Laski, President
Book: Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
Authors: Chip Heath and Dan Heath
“This book made a big impression on me when I read it after it first came out, and I’ve been meaning to read it again. I guess the initial stickiness may have worn off a bit so hoping a refresher will provide a boost.”
Name: Livy Jacobs, Account Lead and Media Relations Specialist
Book: The New Canadian Garden
Author: Mark Cullen
“After experimenting with a delicious garden of goodies last summer, I plan to get my hands dirty with more purpose… and know-how. A little guidance will help my garden go a long(er) way!”
Name: Robyn Feldberg, Consumer Marketing Specialist
Book: Falling
Author: Jane Green
“Jane Green is my favourite chick lit author. I’ve read and enjoyed all of her books. Through her active social media presence, Green allows readers to glimpse into her personal life. By getting to ‘know her’ via social media, I have gained a stronger attachment to her writing. Last year Green launched a cookbook via Kickstarter and I was so happy to be one of her sponsors!”
Name: Rachel Evans, Vice President
Book: I Am Pilgrim
Author: Terry Hayes
“I’ve heard great things about this mystery, which is quite different from what I normally read. I think it will be the perfect book to read while I’m sitting on the dock this summer.”
Name: Amanda Lane, Community Manager
Book: They Fought Like Demons: Women Soldiers in the Civil War
Author: De Anne Blanton and Lauren M. Cook
“History classes and textbooks often gloss over women’s roles in war. When it comes to wars before the 20th century, all you ever hear about is the heroics and the suffering of male soldiers, but never that women were part of the wars as well. This is an untold story I’m excited to read.”
Name: Dileen Simms, Account Coordinator
Book: Half of a Yellow Sun
Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“I saw and was impressed by novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk, ‘The Danger of a Single Story.’ I decided to read her 2006 book ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ last year, but have yet to pick it up. This summer it’s top of my list! Set during the Nigerian Civil War, the book intertwines the stories of five different characters.”
Name: Danielle Furlan, Account Executive
Book: In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction
Author: Dr. Gabor Maté
“Sounds like a thriller, right? While it couldn’t be farther from fiction, I continue to be fascinated by the human brain and human behaviour. Dr Maté discusses the complex nature of how our brains change through addiction. Curiosity is the main reason I’m aiming to dig into his research and studies.”
Name: Lisa Klein, Account Lead
Book: A House in the Sky
Author: Amanda Lindhout
“This is a memoir about survival and not giving up, recounting the author’s fifteen month abduction in Somalia. I met Amanda Lindhout, and she’s an extremely empowering and inspirational woman. Since the movie, starring Rooney Mara, is currently in development, I know I need to read the book ASAP!”
Name: Dale McIntosh, Event Specialist
Book: Rules of Civility
Author: Amor Towles
“I’m looking forward to being swept up by this story, that follows Katey Kontent on a journey from Wall Street secretary to the upper echelons of New York society. What could be more magical than 1930s New York?”
Name: Hailey Eisen, Editorial Content Strategist & Writer
Book: Eligible: A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
“Given that I read Pride & Prejudice for a Grade 11 book report and loved it, I’m excited to read this modern version of the story written by one of my favourite authors. Sittenfeld has penned a number of books (I’ve read them all!) including American Wife, a must-read novel based on the life of Laura Bush.”
CONTEST: Tell us what’s at the top of your summer reading list for a chance to
Win Your Read!
In the comments below, tell us what book is first on your summer reading list and why you’re excited to read it. On June 3, we’ll draw the names of three winners who will receive a free copy of that book (in print or e-book, your choice!). Happy Reading!