Avid readers are always looking for their next tome. But even if you don’t consider yourself a bibliophile, here’s your chance to find a great read and get lost in its pages. Some of our Marriott School faculty, staff, and students share their favorite books. No more excuses. . . it’s time to read.
Seven Summer Reads
Book/author: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Name: Emily Smurthwaite
Occupation: Marriott Alumni Magazine editor
1. Synopsis: A writer in London unexpectedly becomes pen pals with a farmer and his friends on the island of Guernsey. Through their correspondence she learns about the people's struggles during the WWII German occupation—and how literature and potato-peel pies (the only dessert available) kept their hopes alive.
2. Character I'd like to have lunch with: Juliet, the heroine—but I'd probably pass on dessert.
3. Number of times I’ve read this book: Zero. I listened to it during my commute. I do own a hard copy and plan to read it this summer.
4. This book is perfect for: Anyone who wants a highly entertaining story that's also an interesting piece of historical fiction—with a pinch of romance.
5. What makes the book unique: Its format is a charming exchange of written correspondence between the characters.
Book/author: From Poverty to Power, Duncan Green
Name: Eva Witesman
Occupation: Public management assistant professor
1. Synopsis: How active, empowered citizens and effective government can change the world.
2. How I found this book: I was asked to review it for a journal. I had no idea what an impact it would have on my worldview.
3. My favorite place to read: The couch in my living room with my kids piled on top of me.
4.This book is perfect for: Being grateful for the freedoms we have and being inspired to make the world a better place.
5. Biggest takeaway: Agency is central to our individual and societal freedoms. We have to choose to see ourselves as powerful beings and bring about our own change. We can't rescue other people; we can only help them learn how to rescue themselves and how to level the playing field so they can.
Book/author: How Customers Think, Gerald Zaltman
Name: Glenn Christensen
Occupation: Marketing associate professor
1. Synopsis: This book explains how much of our thinking is unconscious and driven by deep metaphors that organize and frame the way we experience the world.
2. Number of times I’ve read this book: I own two copies, and I don't know how many times I've read it. I go back to chapters in it every semester.
3. Is this book a laugh, cry, suspense, or shiver? It's an enlightener, chock-full of aha moments.
4.Favorite Chapter: Nine, "Memory, Metaphor, and Stories."
5. Good Quote: "Memory is another source of fiction."—Paul John Eakin.
6.This book is perfect for: Anyone who wants to understand consumers. And I think that's everyone.
7.What makes the author unique: He is one of the brightest minds in consumer behavior research and a personal hero.
Book/author: The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
Name: Glenn Christensen
Occupation: MBA student
1. Synopsis: A little German girl, Liesel, learns she can't resist books and steals them despite not knowing how to read. Her foster father helps her learn the power of words while she faces the challenges of growing up in WWII Germany.
2. How I found this book: Like most books I discover, my sister-in-law told me about it.
3. Biggest takeaway: Words are powerful. They can persuade countries to follow leaders who are gifted in the way they use words. Words can give some an outlet for expressing what they cannot share out loud. Words allow us to learn. And words can feed the soul.
4.What makes the author unique: In this book the author writes from the perspective of death. The interesting narrative voice adds a new dimension to the story.
Book/author: Einstein: His Life and Universe, Walter Isaacson
Name: Jun Song
Occupation: Undergraduate finance student
1. Synopsis: This comprehensive biography of Albert Einstein portrays his accomplishments in the scientific field and also his life as a husband, father, and friend.
2. How I found this book: I saw this book listed online as one of the best-selling books.
3. Best line or quote: "For a scientist, altering your doctrines when the facts change is not a sign of weakness."
4. This book is perfect for: Anyone who enjoys being intellectually challenged and reading bios of unique figures.
5. Biggest takeaway: In order to succeed, we have to be strong willed and embrace our differences.
6. What makes the author unique: Walter Isaacson, a former chair of CNN, uses an investigative journalistic style to integrate the scientific aspect of Einstein's life with his personal life.
Book/author: Einstein: Peace like a River, Leif Enger
Name: Monte Swain
Occupation: Accountancy professor
1. Synopsis: A classic journey story about a young boy with asthma, his younger savant sister, and a faithful father who performs miracles.
2. Character I’d like to have lunch with: Jeremiah Land, the main character's father.
3. Number of times I've read this book: Twice, though I've probably read the last chapter a dozen times. The whole book sets up the last chapter. It is hauntingly beautiful.
4. Is this book a laugh, cry, suspense, or shiver? A laugh and a cry.
5. My favorite place to read: Big leather chair in my den—or on the beach in Maui!
6.Biggest takeaway: There is beauty and balance in every aspect of our lives if we will just see it.
Book/author: The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict, The Arbinger Institute
Name: JaLee Clarke
Occupation: Dean's administrative assistant
1. Synopsis: Discovering the root cause of conflict; how we unwittingly perpetuate it and how to trade conflict for peace.
2. How I found this book: Through one friend's praise of the book for healing a severely fractured relationship and another friend's gift to me.
3. This book is perfect for: Those who aren't afraid to confront themselves, who like the challenge of rethinking habits, and who long for relationships, individually and collectively, that perpetuate peace.
4. Biggest takeaway: In moments of decision, I should first check my heart: am I seeing those involved, myself, out of the box and with a heart at peace? If my thoughts are in the box, I now have the tools to make including the shift, to see people correctly, and to make better decisions.
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Photography by Jed Wells
