There are a several reasons why people pick up a book and have themselves a good old fashioned read. From mental stimulation to reducing stress, to expanding your vocabulary, and improving your focus and concentration, the list goes on and on. But, there is one very serious drawback to reading that people don't openly talk about it.
Whether or not you are an avid reader, we all try to make time to read -- even if it's via our cell phone screen. So, when you finally do get that moment to cuddle up with a good book in your favorite reading chair with a piping hot cup of tea in hand, it’s a really special moment.
But the reality is, it goes more like this: after about ten minutes of battling with your inner self to stop fixating on the distractions that flood your mind, you pick up the latest NY Times bestseller, and start down the path of personal enlightenment. Crisp page by crisp page you read on (what can I say, I'm old school). Then it hits you -- you’ve been bamboozled!
This can’t be the mystery drama that everyone in the office has been raving about. The book that got five out of five stars on Amazon. This is the book club book?!
A List of Must-Read Books
Whether you read to fulfill a deep desire to never stop learning (go you!), or pop in an audio book to pass time during a long commute, there is nothing worse than investing in a poorly matched book (I strongly believe there are no bad books, just bad people). In honor of my friend the book, and National Read a Book day, I thought to myself, “Hey self, let’s create a list of the top selling or best rated books. That would be really fun and innovative, right?”
No, I wasn't sold on the idea either. So instead, I took to the streets, digital of course, and asked our international team (cheerio, UK!) of recruiters, managers and important folk for their book recommendations. From fiction to history to self-help we got it all, and the best part, if you aren’t satisfied, you can get your money back.*
*OK, so I've just been informed that Yoh won’t actually refund your book purchase, but you do have someone to blame for the crappy book suggestion. That's what I call silver lining.
FICTION BOOKS
The Vacationers by Emma Straub
Action & Adventure
“The Vacationers is a fun and breezy novel about a dysfunctional family on a 2-week vacation. I truly felt like it took me on a mini-vacation to Mallorca, Spain! I would recommend this for others that are looking for a wonderful beach or pool-side read or for someone that just wants to experience a little vacation in book form.” -- Annie Gill, Healthcare Recruiter
Drama, two part series
"I recommended this short series (only two books) because it's easy to read over a long weekend (I read it in one day myself). It will break your heart, and then put it back together again in the second book. These books are hard to put down!" - Christine Tucker, Executive Assistant, SVP of Field Operations
Mystery
This book was told by an unreliable narrator, so it kept you on the edge of your seat the whole time because you weren’t sure what was the truth or not. It also caused a heated discussion in my bookclub, so you know it’s good when that happens!” - Amy Williams, Marketing Specialist
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
Romance
“While I wouldn't consider Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity, an easy, breezy relax by the pool read, you will tear through it to see what happens and it will make you feel an enormous amount of gratitude for all the abundance in your life that you didn't see or appreciate before you read the book.” - Jessica Wisdom, Recruiter
Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?: True Stories and Confessions
Satire
“If you are looking for a book with a plot, this is not the book for you. This is a lively collection of short, pithy stories is made even more enjoyable because they written with honest emotion by the authors the mother/daughter combination of Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella. There are many LOL and relatable moments for women of all ages.” - Christine Hayes, Strategic Account Manager
NON-FICTION BOOKS
“A great book about the physical and physiological characteristics about long-distance running as well as a very interesting story about a truly ancient society that actually still exists in the heard of old Mexico.” -- Mike Wager, Regional Director
“Cleopatra was a great read for two reasons: The author has a fantastic grasp of the English language – this is the one of the best written books I have ever read. Second, this is the story of a great female leader whose name was tarnished, but unknown to most, she achieved more than many men of her time.” -- Matt Rivera VP, Marketing and Communications
Eat Move Sleep: How Small Choices Lead to Big Changes
Apple iTunes Best of 2013 in Nonfiction and Health
“In this fast read, Rath sums up a very basic way to improve your overall health. In each quick chapter, he gives framework for keeping it as simple as eat better, move often and sleep more!” -- David Bishop, Business Analyst
Psycho-Cybernetics
“It’s all about the power of the mind and how positive thoughts and beliefs can have a huge impact on your life. To a certain extent it teaches you how to re-programme your brain and automatic responses to situations that you have been brought up to believe either through an event or by constantly being told and then react to in same way without even thinking about it (motor responses). The book defines the mind-body connection as the core in succeeding in achieving personal goals. Zig Ziglar and Tony Robbins have modeled their techniques on the teachings of Dr Maxwell Maltz.” - Goran Bozic, Business Development Partner
“No 'Magic Bullet' in this book. Just a great reminder along with some useful tools that your success or failure in any area of your life is mostly determined by the many small daily decisions that we make about how we spend our time, who we hang out with, spend money on etc. that ultimately compound into the results we see.” - Chad Brown, Market Manager
"Michael Pollan is someone considered a culinary philosopher by many. Michael is currently a Berkley University lecturer on food, agriculture, health and the environment. This profession has allowed him to traverse the globe, comparing farming practices, cultures, public consumption patterns, regional economics, GMO's and hierarchal ties across America.
Reading this book resulted in a tailspin of curiosity and researching and altered the way I see the food industry (even soil engineering). Michael has an inquisitive, intellectual and child-like engagement about him that pulls you in, leaving you with even more fundamental questions to those he addresses in his books and lectures." -- Morgana Buell, Recruiting Coordinator
