Patti recommends The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

“I really enjoy Ann Patchett’s writing – she does an incredible job creating rich, compelling characters, and this book following the relationship between two siblings over the course of their life is no exception. It’s also set in the suburbs of Philadelphia, very near to where I went to college. I always enjoy reading about familiar places!”

Tony recommends Creativity, Inc: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull &Amy Wallace

“It’s a very interesting perspective on how to build and work with teams–this is where I pulled the term and idea for the ‘brain trust” from, which we use a lot at PTKO”

Rick recommends Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism by Fumio Sasaki

“I’ve been reading this as an extreme counterpoint to holiday season! It’s one person’s story of approaching Zen through extreme minimalism, in a friendly conversational style.”

Rick also recommends Manna – Two Views of Humanity’s Future by Marshall Brain (Bonus! It’s free to read at that link)

“I stumbled upon this short story this year, which apparently has some underground cred as it’s science fiction written by an NCSU engineer grad from 20 years ago. Pretty crazy, but it’s nearly all come to pass by this point.”

Christiann recommends Design Is Storytelling by Ellen Lupton

“A fun to read, visually engaging, and highly skimmable look at the anatomy of the storytelling behind visual communication. Great inspiration as we work to tell stories in fresh and interesting ways every day.”

Andrea recommends Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

“This author has been one of my favorites and she didn’t disappoint on this book she published in 2015. This is a great read for anyone wanting to unleash their creative self!”

Lisa recommends The Power by Naomi Alderman

“I can’t say enough good things about this book – it’s right up there in the all time favorite category for me. When we have the power, what do we do with it. How will you choose to use your power? Will you make different choices than those who came before you?”

Lisa also recommends Tell the Machine Goodnight by Katie Williams

“This book imagines a world were A.I. has figured out how to make us happy and then challenges you to question both the meaning and value of happiness.”

Nate recommends The Storm Before the Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic by Mike Duncan

“A book about the the days before the last days of the Roman Republic fell. What changes to decorum, habit, ritual, and standard practices weakened the Republic before the rules were not just bent but broken for good?”

Eric recommends Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes by William Bridges & Susan Bridges

“Instructive, practical, and at times even mystical, the Bridges guide to change provides simple wisdom and insight into our innate abilities to adapt and grow.”

Eric also recommends the shot story A Sensitive Dependence on Initial Conditions by Kim Stanley Robinson (free to read at that link!)

“This short story consists of multiple retellings of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, according to systemic models and political theories, while holding out hope that free will will prevail. It’s a fascinating meditation on the power of people’s choices that can change history.”