A Midsummer’s Light Read
“Reading gives us a place to go, when we have to stay where we are.” – Mason Cooley
It’s August already! Have you used up all your vacation time? The sun is setting earlier for many of us and soon we will be back to our daily routines, for those lucky enough to have found a temporary escape. Are you still looking for an adventure… maybe in your own backyard? We asked a few people on our team to recommend some good summer reads. Enjoy!
Do you have any recommendations of your own? Let us know in the comments section below!
Bruce Wilkinson – President & CEO
Hometown: A dairy farm in Connecticut
Book I am recommending: In the Light of What We Know by Zia Haider Rahman
My favorite character from this book is: Zafar because he scrutinizes what we cling to as our surface identity, causing us to reach deeper into who we are both individually and collectively.
Why you should read it: Exquisite storytelling with rich, dense, thought-provoking language beautiful crafted to cause one to think deeply about what forms our individual and collective identities. It’s an amazing story of a poor Bengali mathematician from childhood to Oxford to adulthood, spanning a cross cultural marriage, the 2009 financial crisis, life in Afghanistan post US invasion and more. All told by a deep friend who is a Pakistani elite. Strange bedfellows.
Lara Villar – Senior Vice President, Strategy and Innovation
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
The character I would most like to be: Siddhartha (Hermann Hesse) because he leaves everything behind and takes a journey to find answers to questions about wisdom and the meaning of life.
Book I am recommending:The Bad Girl (Travesuras de la niña mala) by Mario Vargas Llosa
Why you should read it: Because the writing is a pleasure to read. It’s a story of love and loss. Ricardo worships “Lily” – the bad girl – in all her transformation and despite how badly she treats him. It perfectly highlights the impact of obsession. The characters are so well written that you are likely to find it hard to say goodbye to them when you get to the end.
Christopher Chiu – Senior Specialist, Grant Proposals
Hometown: Cambridge, Massachusetts
The character I would most like to be: Tasslehoff Burrfoot from the Dragonlace series of novels written by Margret Weis and Tracy Hickman. He hates being bored, has a passion for maps and likes to ‘borrow’ things he ‘found.’
Book I am recommending:The Chinese Kitchen by Deh-ta Hsiung
Why it should be on your shelf: You know when you have a bunch of random ingredients in your kitchen and you are not sure what to do with them? Well this cookbook is organized by ingredient! It includes information about the medicinal properties of the items, as well as how they are grown and prepared.
Catch: It is no longer in print so let the second-hand book shop hunting begin. If you can’t wait until then, click here.
Marcia Ortega – Senior Specialist, Global Volunteer Program
Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina
The character I would most like to be is: Gandalf from Lord of the Rings. I would love to experience life in a fantastic parallel world and have his magical powers!
Book I am recommending:The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Why you should read it: Because it’s your chance to be a voyeur without the obvious implications. It’s a very simple and engaging story where a 12-year-old girl and a concierge invite us to witness life in an elegant Parisian building through their eyes. The conversations between these unexpected friends reveal points of view on life, class and culture.
Chris Foster – Director, Innovation & Business Intelligence
Hometown: Papillion, Nebraska (a suburb of Omaha)
Favorite character from a book: Holden Caulfield, The Catcher in the Rye
Book I am recommending: On the Move: A Life by Oliver Sacks
Why you should read it: Despite him being an accomplished neurologist, he considered himself more of a writer, and had this incredible ability to tell the stories of his patients in a way that makes it seem like he’s stretching the boundaries of humanity. In his memoir, his own stories – his love of motorcycles, travel, a weightlifting phase, family life, struggles at work and with publishing, and friendships with people like Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, Francis Crick, W.H. Auden, and others somehow made me appreciate life just a little bit more.
Another recommendation: The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
Why you should read it: I don’t know how to describe this book, only that I couldn’t put it down! It’s a very compelling novel with rich characters and timelines and world locations. I loved how the character of Holly Sykes was written and developed throughout the book.
Tara Matthews – Consultant, Storyteller and Content Producer
Hometown: Rye, New York
The character I would most like to be (for a day): Scarlett O’Hara from the beginning of the book, Gone with the Wind because I would love to wear a hoop dress.
Book I am recommending:The Woman Who Lost Her Soul by Bob Shacochis
Why you should read it: Because you secretly long to be tangled up in espionage, conflict and romance. And if you have ever had a drink at the Hotel Oloffson in Haiti…
Laura Manni – Manager, Community Engagement and Communications
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
The character I would most like to be: The 100-year old man who climbed out the window and disappeared. What an adventure.
Book I am recommending: Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis
Why you should read it: Because you are curious about what would happen if dogs had the ‘gift’ of consciousness. This story begins at a Toronto tavern where Hermes and Apollo make a bet:
“I wonder”, said Hermes, “what it would be like if animals had human intelligence.” “I’ll wager a year’s servitude,” answered Apollo, “that animals – any animal you like – would be even more unhappy than humans are, if they were given human intelligence.”
What ensues is both comical and dark, but never boring.
Another recommendation: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (It’s a 4-part series referred to as the Neapolitan Novels)
Why you should read it: It helps you to select the next three books you’re going to want to read without requiring a list of book recommendations. You’re welcome.
Jennifer Palmer – Senior Specialist, Digital Marketing
Hometown: New Brunswick, New Jersey
My most favorite character from a book is Holden Ca
ulfield
Book I am recommending: Just Kids by Patti Smith
Why you should read it: It’s a fun and touching memoir by a rock goddess. In it she talks about her early years in NYC, living in bohemian splendor and squalor with the photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
Another recommendation: The Loser by Thomas Bernhard
Why you should read it: If you have ever lived in the shadow of greatness there are characters in here that you can relate to. The story centers on a fictional relationship between piano virtuoso Glenn Gould and two of his fellow students who give up everything because they just don’t compare to the genius of Gould. It is a meditation on success, failure and fear.
Adrian Kerrigan – Senior Vice President, Partnerships
Hometown: New York City, NY
The character I would most like to be: Bond, James Bond. A classic character who uses his wit and intelligence to make a difference.
Book I am recommending: Inferno by Dan Brown
Why you should read it: Because it’s a fun and light engaging read. A thrilling escape. Professor of Symbology Robert Langdon is back in Italy to solve more intricate riddles.
Jennifer Rosario – Senior Specialist, Human Resources
Hometown
: Sydney, Australia
Book I am recommending: The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
Why you should read it: Because it is a powerful and interesting read. It takes place in the United States South, and helps gain broader understanding on traditional gender roles, particularly of African-American descent, the impact on the different socio-economic statuses, as well as the importance and strong bond of sisterhood.
Marivette Cannon – Team Leader, Facilities & Office Management
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Favorite character from a book ever: Damali Richards from Vampire Huntress Legends
Book I am recommending: Forgotten Realms: Homeland (Legend of Drizzt #1) by R. A. Salvatore
Why you should read it: The main character has to prove that he is not what his species, the Drow or Dark Elf, is known for throughout his realm, beings of cruelty and corruption! Friendship and trust are not given to one who is considered wicked, malicious and immoral.
Michael Ortiz – Communications Intern, Volunteer ProgramFavorite character from a book ever: Siddhartha, the protagonist from Hermann Hesse’s book Siddhartha
Book I am recommending: Cyrano De Bergerac, a play by Edmond Rostand
Why you should read it: It has an incredibly heartwarming ending and a very witty title character. The play is also responsible for introducing the word “panache” to the English language!
Michael Woliver – Operational Analyst
Hometown: New Richmond, Ohio
Favorite character from a book ever: Bond… James Bond. No need to say more.
Book I am recommending:Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley
Why you should read it: Because you are interested in the history of epic moments. In this book, Bradley tracks the five marines who raised the flag on Iwo Jima.
Andrew Bhattacharya – Director, Compliance & Grant Administration Hometown: New York, New York
Character I would like to be: Sam Spade, he’s an investigator and I identify with him.
Book I am recommending: The Big Truck that Went By: How the World Came to Save Haiti and Left Behind a Disaster by Jonathan Katz
Why you should read it: Because it’s an excellent reminder about how good intentions aren’t enough.
Gail Cohen – Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Book I am recommending: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Why you should read it: I think this quote says it all:
“My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer,” the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky.
“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.”
Darnelle Bernier – Director, Pharmaceutical Engagement
I want to retire in: Hawaii
Favorite character from a book: Lila from the book Lila by Marilynne Robinson. This character’s resilience and grace through tremendous hardship struck me deeply.
Book I am recommending: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Why you should read it: It’s a fascinating story of family and healthcare abroad – engrossing – couldn’t put it down – complex story of natives versus those who have adopted a country.
Another recommendation: Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
Why you should read this book: For the sheer pleasure of experiencing his unique use of language in this book.
Nautika Clemons – Innovation Assistant
Hometown: Claremont, CA
Character I would most like to be: Luke from Among the Hidden (The Shadow Children series) because he goes on amazing adventures as he tries to solve the mystery of his birth.
Book I am recommending:Elöise at the Plaza by Hilary Knight (I am reading a lot of picture books these days because I take care of my younger brothers a lot.)
Why you should read it: Because she’s a great girl character in a kids book – funny and adventurous. And it has pictures!
Karen Cure – Senior Specialist, Grant Proposals
Hometown: Westchester, New York
Character I would most like to be: Matilda for her magical powers.
My favorite character in a book ever: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Why you should read it: Because it’s a great read. It’s sobering and complex. It illustrates what it is like to live in substandard housing.
Another recommendation: The American Way of Eating by Tracie McMillan
Why you should read it: Because you love food, just like me. This book gives you insight into how difficult it is to eat well in the US.
Glenn Erickson – Specialist, Healing Help Placement
Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Favourite character from a book ever: Lord Voldemort because he can turn into a snake.
The book I am recommending: Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Why you should read it: Because the ending is one of the coolest things I have ever read.
Heidi West – Senior Specialist, Global Volunteer Program
Hometown: Susanville, California
Favorite character from a book EVER: Kilgore Trout – Kurt Vonnegut (he appears in several books)
Book I am recommending: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Why you should read it: Because it’s non-fiction, but reads like a great story. Tackles issues of ethics, health, poverty, and race, but is ultimately a book about people. This is what it says on the front of the book: “Doctors took her cells without asking. Those cells never died. They launched a medical revolution and a multimillion-dollar industry. More than twenty years later, her children found out. Their lives would never be the same.”
Another book recommendation from Heidi: Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari
Why you should read it: Because it’s really funny! Comedy and social science research come together to offer great commentary and insight on our modern pursuit of love, and the technology we use to facilitate our connections. Great for summer because it will make you laugh and you can read in short bursts, doesn’t require a cover-to-cover read to enjoy it.
Steve Power – Director, Grants Acquisition, Management & Evaluation
Hometown: Hazelbury Plucknett, United Kingdom
My favorite character from a book: The Lorax
Book I am recommending:A Good Man by Mark Shriver (the guy who founded the Peace Corps)
Why you should read it: Because it is about a life with purpose.
Paul Mikov – Vice President, Institutional Partnerships
Hometown: Strumica, Macedonia (the very corner between Greece, Bulgaria and Macedonia)
My favorite character from a book: Jean Valjean from Victor Hugo’s novel, Les Misérables. He exemplifies and embodies human grace that reflects that of God himself. Valjean presents grace as utterly indestructible, even in the face of the greatest and most potent evil.
Why you should read it: Because it is a literary masterpiece, it is a profoundly humanizing and ennobling work that stimulates the very best in humanity, and because through human narrative, it helps us to be able to visualize a little bit of the nature of God’s grace to us, His creation.
What are your recommendations?Let us know in the comments below!