BYU Marriott faculty share their favorite annual reads—and the best time of year to read them.
January
Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box
by The Arbinger Institute
"Though not a ‘church' book, this book brings to life gospel truths by showing applications in modern settings. The principles the book teaches push back against natural-man tendencies that we all slip into, so rereading is a must. Reading and rereading help us focus less on how particular motes appear in others' eyes and more on personal applications and necessary life changes."
Why January:
"This is a great read for the holiday season, wrapping up with some good New Year's resolutions!"
—Bill Tayler, accounting
February
Meditations
by Marcus Aurelius
"During my first seven years in the military, I led search and rescue teams in combat and was exposed to some of the darker aspects of mortality. I was drawn to Meditations as a source of wisdom and perspective, and I continue coming back to it for the same reasons—it helps the reader ‘zoom out' from daily problems and focus on eternal priorities. The book is the journal of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and was never intended to be published. I'm astonished at how the book's powerful lessons on self-regulation, relationships, nature, success, eternity, getting out of bed, and that which ought to be considered ‘good' in this life ring true nearly 2,000 years later."
Why February:
"Reading the book in the winter helps me reflect on what truly matters during this short life as I revisit goals and plans for the coming year."
—Cameron Strawn, aerospace studies
March
East of Eden
by John Steinbeck
"East of Eden is a novel that re-creates the Cain and Abel story through generations of a family living in California in the early 1900s. It's the book that really helped me understand both agency and forgiveness. Whenever I read it, it just makes me want to be a better person, and it helps me be more forgiving of others at the same time. It's long—but is so, so worth it."
Why March:
"Read this in late winter, moving into spring, when you have time to really dig into it."
—Ben Iverson, finance
April
At-One-Ment: Embodying the Fullness of Human-Divinity
by Thomas Wirthlin McConkie
"Thomas McConkie was born into a Latter-day Saint family, then practiced Buddhism for many years, and later returned to the Church. In this book, he brings insights and practices of mindfulness, contemplation, and presence that are rooted in Restoration teachings and scripture. He shares a message of hope: that we may each be one with God through Christ and, similarly, that we may be one with each other. The ideas and practices bring new insights into Restoration scripture with a focus on the heart of Jesus Christ's message."
Why April:
"I would recommend reading this book in the spring with an eye toward Easter. It describes entering into new life that is more alive in Christ."
—Craig Merrill, finance
May
The Hiding Place
by Corrie Ten Boom
"The Hiding Place is a profound testament to the power of hope and resilience. Corrie ten Boom's experiences during World War II—from hiding Jews to surviving a concentration camp—illustrate immense capacity for courage and forgiveness in the face of brutal adversity. The book inspires personal strength and moral integrity and is a powerful reminder that we can always choose our response, no matter the circumstances."
Why May:
"I recommend reading this in the spring—a season of rebirth and renewal. The themes of overcoming darkness with light and hope particularly resonate as the world awakens and blooms, encouraging readers to reflect on their choices and the impact of their actions."
—David Wood, accounting
June
The Harry Potter series
by J.K. Rowling
"My go-to repeat read is Harry Potter—the whole seven-book series. I keep coming back to these books because they are, well, magical! The stories take unpredictable twists and turns. The characters have depth and develop during the many adventures they face. The books are saturated with interesting literary illusions and rich symbolism while addressing the universal theme of the fight between good and evil."
Why June:
"If I had to pick one season, I would pick summer. They are a good, family-friendly listen on long car rides."
—Brigitte Madrian, dean
July
The Poisonwood Bible
by Barbara Kingsolver
"The novel is about an American evangelical Baptist family who moves to Congo. The father attempts to convert the Congolese to Christianity, even though he does not understand their culture, traditions, or language. Even so, the family is transformed and enveloped by life in Africa.
I love this book because it relates to my personal and professional life: I believe in authentically sharing the gospel by getting to know people as friends, not by trying to thrust it on them wholesale.
This book is a perfect example of ‘knowing your audience,' a chief concept we teach in Management Communication 320."
Why July:
"One, the book touches on oppressive colonialism in the 1950s in Africa, where summer's heat can be oppressive. Two, I don't teach in summer, so I always catch up on my reading."
—Liz Dixon, MPA
August
A River Runs Through It and Other Stories
by Norman Maclean
"I love this book for two reasons: the way it reminds me of my Montana childhood, and the way it beautifully captures the heartbreak of helping someone who is dear to us. Plus, Maclean is a perfect writer who uses phrases like this: ‘If you have never seen a bear go over the mountain, you have never seen the job reduced to its essentials. . . . The bear leaves the earth like a bolt of lightning retrieving itself and making its thunder backwards.'"
Why August:
"This is best to read in the shade during a hot summer, next to a river."
—Aaron Miller, MPA
September
Insights from a Prophet's Life: Russell M. Nelson
by Sheri Dew
"Learning about President Nelson motivates me to live a more Christ-centered life. I'm inspired by his focus, habits, and faith. Through the stories shared, I glean insight on how President Nelson has become the person he is today. I identify steps I can take in my life to better myself and my family."
Why September:
"Read this book in early fall to kick off the new school year."
—Katy Reese, information systems
October
The Thursday Murder Club
by Richard Osman
"I've reread the books in this series because they are simply fun and have a witty and engaging writing style. What draws me back are the friendships of the four main characters who are ‘pensioners' and meet weekly to solve a murder. I hope to have friendships like theirs in my later years."
Why October:
"Fall is a good time for this book because the novel centers on a group of retired, elderly folks who are in the autumn season of their lives yet who are far from idly sitting and waiting for the next season of life to come."
—Patti Freeman, experience design and management
November
The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict
by The Arbinger Institute
"The Anatomy of Peace was recommended to me years ago by a colleague after he learned about some challenges in my extended family. This book gave me much-needed perspective on what it really means to love unconditionally and to approach every relationship with a heart full of peace—not fear. I have reread this book several times, and it continues to serve my personal growth and quest for charity."
Why November:
"I recommend reading this book in preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas. During the holidays, we turn our thoughts to the Savior and His gifts of love and mercy. This book contains helpful, practical tools for growing those same attributes."
—Cassy Budd, accounting
December
Who Moved My Cheese?
and
Peaks and Valleys
by Spencer Johnson
"These books keep me centered and pointed in the right direction in my career. I'm always reminded that I need to be more like Sniff and Scurry, who experiment with new things (Who Moved My Cheese?), and that I need to remember to overcome both my fear and my arrogance so I can spend less time in valleys and more time on life's peaks."
Why December:
"I like to read these in December as I think about goals and plans for the next year."
—Paul Godfrey, management
