It’s National Book Lovers Day, so we thought we’d share some books a few of our team members are reading right now. In the words of each team member, here’s a little about each book and why we think you’d enjoy reading it.
Breath by James Nestor
Breath is a transformative read and one of my favorite books. It’s one of those rare reads that completely shifts your perspective on something you take for granted – in this case, breathing. What struck me most was the profound impact our breath has on our health, affecting everything from sleep quality to cognitive function. The stories that explored the historical and cultural breathing practices throughout the centuries were fascinating and led me to research some topics to further myself. It’s informative and inspiring and motivated me to pay closer attention to my own breath and explore breathing techniques to improve my well-being.
Run to the Finish by Amanda Brooks
Run to the Finish really hit home for me. As a “middle-of-the-pack runner” this book reminded me why I love running in the first place. It helped me reconnect with the joy of being outdoors and taking in all the nature around me. Running with friends has always been a big part of my life, and Brooks really emphasizes how important that social aspect is. It makes every run more fun and meaningful. Plus, the book talks about the sense of achievement from tackling tough runs, and how each step is a step towards making yourself better. One thing I loved was her mantra “Forward is a pace.” It’s such a great reminder that not every mile is going to be perfect, but what’s important — in running and life — is that we keep moving forward. Brooks’ writing is so motivational and down-to-earth, making this a must-read for anyone who loves running, no matter their pace.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Circe is a captivating novel that reimagines the life of Circe, the daughter of the sun god Helios and a nymph. Unlike her divine family, Circe feels out of place among the gods and discovers her true power among mortals with witchcraft. Banished by Zeus to a deserted island, Circe hones her magical skills, tames wild beasts, and encounters famous figures like the Minotaur, Daedalus, and Odysseus. Throughout her isolation, she faces numerous challenges and must confront powerful enemies – including vengeful gods. At its core, Circe is about self-discovery and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. It’s a beautifully written tale with a strong, independent protagonist. If you love stories that blend mythology with rich character development, this book is definitely worth your time.
Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein
Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden is full of inspiration for growing beautiful flowers, featuring stunning photography and design that makes it a joy to read. The vibrant photos and practical advice make it perfect for anyone who enjoys gardening, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower. With step-by-step planting instructions and tips on harvesting and arranging flowers, it covers everything you need to know to grow a thriving garden. It even offers seasonal planning guides to keep your garden blooming all year long. If you love flowers and want to create your own beautiful garden, this book is a must-read!
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
My favorite book, at least in that I’ve read it 3 times, is Catch-22. Because the chapters bounce around in time, it is a puzzle on the first read, which demands a second read. I remember rolling out of a chair laughing (literally) with my second read. I first heard about Catch-22 as a kid watching the TV show Room 222, which I now realize is a numeric coincidence. I remember Linda Ellerbee hosting irreverent NBC News Overnight saying she kept two copies of two books at home and work: The Bible and Catch-22. I think about Catch-22 all the time.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
I was first introduced to Barbara Kingsolver in 1999. I was in college and working at a cell phone kiosk in the local mall. Despite it being 1999, this kiosk got very little traffic for Nokia clip-on hardcovers and the like – so I had a lot of time on my hands. Rather than using this time to study, I picked up The Poisonwood Bible – because it was an Oprah’s Book Club selection (again, 1999). It was decadent with its overly descriptive, but also matter-of-fact style – and transported me from the kiosk to the Belgian Congo.
All said, 24 years later, when Demon Copperhead was recommended on a podcast and I heard the author’s name, I was immediately taken back to 1999 and hoped for the same transformative feeling. Demon Copperhead did not disappoint. It’s a coming-of-age story set in a poverty- and opioid-stricken area of southern Appalachia. The main character, Demon, holds nothing back as he takes us through his journey from birth to foster care and from addiction to loss – spattered with a few bouts of success and even love. Overall, it’s a story of perseverance and the will to survive – and I highly recommend it.
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
Recently, when looking for something to listen to next, I found a few lists of recommended classics and best novels of all time. I’ve slowly been picking my way through the titles and really enjoyed The Day of the Jackal. It’s a thriller that centers on a meticulously planned and secretive assassination plot against French President Charles de Gaulle by an assassin known as “The Jackal.” The story moves at a really fast pace and continues to ratchet up the tension with every chapter. If you’re into spy novels full of political intrigue and espionage, it’s definitely a good read.
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
The Measure poses the question: How do you measure your life? By creating a world in which everyone knows how long their life will be, Erlick explores the philosophical questions raised by such knowledge, as well as the social, cultural, and political implications. This summary perfectly describes the book – truly one of the most thought-provoking, intriguing books I’ve read. I finished it a year ago and still think about it!