13 Jun Add These Picks to Your Summer Reading List
There’s something about summertime that inspires people to head to the bookstore and pick up a couple of paperbacks. Maybe it is because reading seems to go hand-in-hand with vacation – a great activity to kill time on an airplane or keep you entertained while relaxing on the beach.
Whether you’re looking to get wrapped up in a novel, learn how to better your business, or read a book by an Upstate author, consider these recommendations from the CBCaine Blue Crew!
Reads with Local Ties:
- Reimagining Greenville: Building the Best Downtown in America by John Boyanoski with contributions by Knox White
- Ivey Jacops, Sales Manager, said “Learn how our downtown transformed from a four-lane highway city to the beautiful, walkable city it is today. It also gives you some fun facts to have in your back pocket to look like a local expert!”
- Serena by Ron Rash
- When Kate Dabbs, Director of Marketing and Operations, traveled to the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookstore in France, coincidentally the featured author was the Upstate’s own Ron Rash! She says Serena is her favorite of his writing thus far.
- Border Child by Michel Stone
- Angela Halstead, Broker-in-Charge of our Spartanburg office, said “Michel Stone hails from Spartanburg, and Border Child is a sequel to her debut novel, Iguana Tree, which won several awards. Both get great reviews!”
- By Invitation Only by Dorothea Benton Frank
- Linda Saunders, Experience Manager, says she has a hard time putting down any book by this author. Born and raised in Sullivan’s Island, many of Frank’s novels are set in the lowcountry.
Business Books:
- The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn
- VP of Sales and Broker-in-Charge Amanda Jones recommends following the four principles in The Fred Factor that can help you bring fresh energy and creativity to your life.
- Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness
- Learn about the similarities between successful people in different fields (athletes, scholars, medical professionals, etc.) and how while their fields differ, they all have the same formula for success. Ivey Jacops, Sales Manager, says she did the exercise the book recommended for writing your purpose statement with her family, and it was very powerful.
- One Minute Manager by Kenneth H. Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
- Experience Manager Linda Saunders said “As far as business books, you can’t beat One Minute Manager. It is an older one, but it has such good ideas.”
- Dataclysm: Who We Are (When We Think No One’s Looking) by Christian Rudder
- “As someone with a degree in psychology who makes a living in digital marketing, this book was right up my alley. Christian Rudder, co-founder of OKCupid, brings a unique spin on the subject of big data. While most people know they are being watched on Facebook and Google (and act accordingly), they go with their gut instinct when online dating and their actions speak volumes” said Marisa Stephens, Digital Strategist.
Favorite Fiction:
- Inspector Montalbano series by Andrea Camilleri
- Graphic Designer James Prow enjoys this compelling crime series that takes place on the island of Sicily.
- Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
- Marisa Stephens, Digital Strategist, said “Coming from the generation who grew up on Harry Potter, I love a little mystery and adventure with some whimsy added to the mix! Mr. Penumbra’s is the perfect combination and a lighthearted, easy page-turner.”
- The Breakdown by B.A. Paris
- Sheila Hensley, Controller, said The Breakdown was a thrilling, fast read that she couldn’t put down. A great vacation book!
- A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
- Director of Marketing and Operations, Kate Dabbs, said “This is probably the best book I have read in a decade. Sometimes I skim books because I get impatient with the plot, but this one required the reading of every word because the sentence construction was too good to miss. The story was endearing, endlessly interesting, and a delight. I was so disappointed when it was over.”
We hope you enjoy your summer and take a little time to get wrapped up in a book (or several)!
