We’ve all got our favorite reads – those go-to books that inspire us, motivate us, or simply offer an escape from the stresses of everyday life. The EGM staff is no exception: some of our picks offer practical advice for succeeding in business or accomplishing personal goals, while others are simply fun page-turners. Here are a few of our staff favorites.
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
This one comes highly recommended by no fewer than three EGM team members. Subtitled How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, this self-help book by Jen Sincero – an author, speaker, and self-described success coach – offers advice on identifying and overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors that serve as obstacles to the life you desire. Alix says, “It’s not sugar-coated…it just tells you what you need to hear sometimes when you get knocked down on life a little.”
Recommended by: Alix, Jenna, Jen
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This classic novel, written more than 200 years ago, still resonates with modern-day readers. It follows the tumultuous relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy landowner who is too proud to associate with the locals in rural England – until he falls in love. “This is my all-time favorite,” says Natasha. “I have read it many times. I love any Jane Austen book for that matter.”
Recommended by: Natasha
Game Changers: What Leaders, Innovators, and Mavericks Do to Win at Life by David Asprey
The bestselling author of The Bulletproof Diet shares techniques for becoming happier, healthier, and smarter, drawing upon the wisdom of some of the country’s top influencers in business and science. It’s a collection of anecdotes designed to show you ways to overcome anxiety, make better business decisions, practice gratitude, and more.
Recommended by: Rick
Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrew
Those who enjoy magic and fantasy a little darker than Harry Potter will get a kick out of this 10-book series depicting a world that has suffered a “magic apocalypse” where vampires, werebears, and necromancers roam the streets in search of blood and the mercenary attempting to restore order. Mack says, “This will probably go down in history as my #1 book series. Unlike most series these books change and the character grows from every experience. If you like fantasy books (that are) more grown-up and gritty, this is going to be a favorite.”
Recommended by: Mack
The Negative by Ansel Adams
It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that our staff photographer would gravitate toward this work by one of the most acclaimed photographers of the 20th century. Volume two in Adams’ series on photographic techniques covers artificial and natural light, film and exposure, and darkroom equipment and techniques. Naturally, it includes some stunning photography, too.
Recommended by: Jesse
Bossypants by Tina Fey
If you’re familiar with Tina Fey’s work on SNL or 30 Rock, you know how sharp the comedian’s wit is. Her widely-acclaimed autobiography is a humorous collection of essays describing her coming of age, from an awkward childhood to eventual television success. Its charm lies in its self-deprecating humor; Fey isn’t afraid to take a few good-natured swipes at herself while also offering up surprising doses of introspection.
Recommended by: Jenna
His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman
This fantasy trilogy follows two otherwise normal children as they navigate their way through a series of parallel universes full of fantastical creatures like witches, armored bears, fallen angels, and soul-eating specters. The award-winning novels have been adapted into a TV series scheduled to premiere later this year. John describes it as “the first book that really got me turned onto a series or a genre.”
Recommended by: John
The Essential Sheehan: A Lifetime of Running Wisdom by George Sheehan
Dr. George Sheehan was a New Jersey cardiologist credited with helping to spark the running craze in the 1970s. This book assembles a collection of columns he penned for Runner’s World and other publications and is an inspiring read for anybody interested in running, whether new to the sport or a lifelong aficionado.
Recommended by: Chris
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
America’s king of horror published this brutally honest memoir that not only offers practical advice for aspiring writers, but discusses his early failures, addictions, and the 1999 accident (King was struck by a van) that nearly claimed his life. It’s divided into five sections offering insight and advice, written in the author’s trademark laid-back style. Mark says, “This book encouraged me to follow my own dreams of becoming a writer and taught me to take my art seriously – and never give up.”
Recommended by: Mark
