They say you can’t tell a book by its cover, but we’ve found you can get an inside look at a person’s mind and heart by seeing what’s on their bookshelf. Here are a few examples of some eye opening books from from several voracious readers in our industry. And BTW, we’re hoping you’ll start sending us submissions about your recent reads (books, blogs, digimags).
I am currently reading three books (I read a lot)! First up is “Jesuit Science and the Republic of Letters” by Mordechai Feingold. I am being inducted into the Jesuit Honor Society and have to make a speech about the Jesuit contribution to the History of Science. Next up is “The Invention of Science” by David Wootton, a general reading on history of science, which is my favorite subject. Finally, I am also reading “The Poet and the Murderer” by Simon Worrall, a fantastic true story of perhaps the greatest forger in history, Mark Hoffman, who forged documents including Lincoln, Emily Dickinson and the Mormon Church.
Editor’s Note: As some of you may know, Dave is a book lover par excellence. He built his own library (an entire building, next to his home) to house his rare book collection, which includes a first edition of Newton’s Optics!
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I am currently re-reading “The Culture Map: Breaking through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business” by Erin Meyer. Working in a global non-profit, I find myself in negotiations with people of varied nationalities and cultural backgrounds, oftentimes in their countries. This book has served not only as a reference guide to effective communication but sheds light on building real relationships and the value of embracing the key differences in each culture. (As an aside—I’m eagerly awaiting my pre-ordered copy of Brave Leadership: Unleash Your Most Confident, Powerful, and Authentic Self to Get the Results You Need by Kimberly Davis!)
Rarely does a week go by that I do not read Sports Illustrated. I only will read it in the magazine [print] form. The articles are wonderful and I always love the pictures. Admittedly, this reading is nostalgic for me as it reminds me of great times growing up. I am also reading “Living Out Loud: Sports, Cancer and the Things Worth Fighting For,” written by now deceased sports reporter Craig Sager, his son Craig Sager II and Brian Curtis. My satisfaction with this book was immediate, right from the forward written by former basketball star Charles Barkley. Although I am not yet finished, it’s clear this book is going to be inspirational as I take in its lessons to stay positive, value what we have and enjoy life.
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I just finished reading, "The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender," by Leslye Walton. This was an e-book that I couldn't put down. I rarely finish a book in a week but this time I did. The story was beautifully crafted and was told perfectly throughout each chapter. It will start with peculiar things and leaves you wanting more. It's filled with magic, love and loss, and history, as a few generations of the Roux family relocate from France to Manhattan to Seattle. I can't wait to read more from this author. This is her debut novel and I loved it.
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| I will be in the air for 10 hours next week, flying from San Francisco to London, and will be reading "The Difference: When Good Enough Isn't Enough" by Subir Chowdhury. I am trying to be a more thoughtful person by learning how to be a better listener at home to my family, at work to my patients and staff and in my everyday interactions with all the people I encounter. | 
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| Julian Pabon, Marketing Associate, OptiSource International, an Essilor Company, is reading “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek.
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| This book is written for anyone who wants to inspire others or wants to find someone or an organization that inspires them. Most companies know WHAT they do, HOW they do it, but not many know WHY; it's not profit or a paycheck. When you know WHY you do what you do, it changes your whole perspective, it gives you a true sense of purpose. |  |