The Frozen River
by Ariel Lawhon

“This book is a different take on historical fiction and is inspired by real life 18-century midwife, Martha Ballard. Set in Maine, this book is beautifully written, heartbreakingly tough at times, thought provoking, and enthralling. I loved it far more than I would have thought and it has been my favorite of the year! And while it does not center on animals as my previous picks have, there are several that play a role - particularly the silver fox.”

- Susan Pilon, Wealth Management

A Little Life
by Hanya Yanagihara

“A Little Life is a fictional novel looking at all types of relationships over several decades. Narrated by several different characters, it is interesting to see each perspective in a close-knit friend group and how they evolve. The lasting effects of extreme trauma are as tightly woven as the friendships themselves. It is written in earnest and is absolutely brutal at times. Pick it up with caution and read slowly.”

- Madeline Kenny, PIE

The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments
by Hadley Vlahos, R.N.

“In this wonderfully written book, hospice nurse Hadley Vlahos shares intimate stories of her patients' final journeys, capturing the complex emotions of life's end. Through her compassionate lens, she explores the beauty, pain, heartbreak, and even joy that can accompany the process of dying, offering a deeply human perspective on a relatively taboo topic.”

- Meaghan Wright, Client Services

The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer
by Siddhartha Mukherjee

“The sad truth is that 40% of all Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. This means it's very likely we all have or, at some point, will be directly or indirectly impacted by this terrible disease. Siddhartha Mukherjee beautifully tells both the history and science of the fight against cancer while doing so in a deeply human way. The PBS documentary by Ken Burns based on the book is very well-done as well.”

- Sahil Bhatia, Research

The Silo
by Hugh Howey

“These books are set in a dystopian future where people live in a silo underground and are unsure of the events surrounding how they got there. It is a bit mystery, a bit thriller and very entertaining. The second season of the Apple + show Silo is about to come out and these are the books the series is based on.”

- Ryan Stiphany, Wealth Management

Shark Heart
by Emily Habeck

“This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. The storyline requires a complete suspension of disbelief, and yet the artful writing makes it completely approachable and engrossing. This is a thought-provoking love story written in a combination of poetry, prose, and playscript.”

- Sarah Turner, Legal

Go as a River
by Shelley Read

“Go as a River is a deeply moving coming-of-age story about a young woman named Victoria who faces love, heartbreak, and the challenge of finding herself amidst the beauty and wilderness of the Colorado mountains. Beautifully written, the book delicately explores themes of grief, resilience, and the transformative power of nature.”

- Felicia LeRoy, Research

Good Inside
by Dr. Becky Kennedy

“Good Inside presents a refreshing and empowering perspective on parenting that emphasizes the inherent goodness within both children and adults. I think it presents practical tools and heartfelt wisdom to help families navigate complexities of raising children in today’s world, and I felt the tools were applicable not just with children but in a variety of settings.

The book is structured around the core concept that every child is “good inside” and understanding this fundamental concept can transform the way we respond to behavior. Rather than viewing misbehavior as a reflection of a child’s character, you can see it as an opportunity to connect, teach, and reinforce the values you wish to instill instead. I really enjoyed the personal anecdotes and real-life examples that help illustrate the points and actionable strategies that I can implement immediately, from effective communication techniques to methods for fostering emotional intelligence.”

- Crysten Parker, Wealth Management

The Biggest Bluff
by Maria Konnikova

“You’d think a book on poker would be all about taking great risks, pushing in all your chips at the biggest moment, and some conquering luck. The Biggest Bluff certainly has those moments, but Maria’s story of PhD Psychologist turned WSP bracelet winner is much more a story of the human experience. Of the difference between skill and luck, and of the value of emotional discipline, continuous learning, and embracing the endless uncertainty of life. Everyone is dealt a different hand, and Maria’s was a remarkable one.”

- Gerry Gugger, Taft-Hartley

Be Ready When Luck Happens
by Ina Garten

“First, this is not a cookbook! Rather, it’s about following your passion, dreams, and hard work. I would recommend the book because it shows that following your passion isn’t hard work at all. It leads to interesting pathways an individual can never imagine.”

- Bob Frutoz, Intermediary Distribution Group

The Midnight Feast
by Lucy Foley

“Lucy Foley is a master of the twist ending in this murder mystery thriller.”

- Becca Galliford, Wealth Management

The Studio
by John Gregory Dunne

“It is a very bad idea to let a writer shadow your executives for a year. But in 1967, at the dawn of New Hollywood, 20th Century Fox did just that, and I love them for it. The fun part of my job is trying to understand “why” a business is successful, and when I’m not doing that, there’s a very good chance I’m at the movies. So this book was like catnip.”

- John Beitter, Research

Mrs. Everything
by Jennifer Weiner

“Mrs. Everything is an ambitious novel that tells the story of two sisters’ lives over many decades. After growing up in the idyllic 1950s, they navigate coming of age and searching for happiness with the historical backdrops of the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and beyond. I really enjoyed the details that brought each of these eras to life. It made me reflect on the challenges that our mothers and grandmothers faced, as well as the commonalities women share across generations. By the time the book was finished (it closes out in 2015!), I was sad to say goodbye to these richly drawn characters.”

- Sarah Mayne, Marketing

Ultra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn't Food
by Chris van Tulleken

“What is an ultra-processed food? As we find out early on in Ultra-Processed People, it can be boiled down to two simple facts: UPF is wrapped in plastic, and contains ingredients not found in your everyday kitchen. So begins a wild tale of the food industry, learning how manufacturers squeeze every last calorie and dollar of profit out of their foods. Both entertaining and informative, this book kept me hooked while also teaching some valuable lessons about the science and business of food. I promise after reading this book, you will never look at xanthan gum, citric acid, or read a food label at the grocery store the same!”

-Alex Sterba, Wealth Management

Circe
by Madeline Miller

“Circe is a compelling, beautifully written exploration of strength, identity, forgiveness, and gender roles. It is a captivating and challenging retelling of ancient Greek mythology that gives voice to a character who has historically been overshadowed by better-known heroes.”

- Lizzy Curwin, Legal

Elon Musk
by Walter Isaacson

“A compelling biography of one of the most impactful, and at times controversial, innovators of the 21st century. You'll learn how Elon's upbringing created a set of value-principles, and a risk-taking mindset, that shapes his decision-making process.”

- Jeff McCormack, Wealth Management

How to Win Friends and Influence People
by Dale Carnegie

“First published in October of 1936 during the Great Depression, the time-tested strategies and concepts are equally applicable today. Carnegie discusses in detail how to genuinely connect with people, craft meaningful allies in both work and life, as well as how to gain self-confidence and tackle the toughest challenges of life. A must-read for those looking to improve their emotional intelligence and have meaningful relationships with others!”

- Ryan Hohensee, Advisory Services

Unsettled
by Steven E. Koonin

“The author provided a great explanation of the science behind climate change for a non-scientist audience. Very informative and enlightening.”

- Chris LaBounty, Intermediary Distribution Group

[Re]Coding America
by Jennifer Pahlka

“Equal parts hilarious and maddening, this book was a great read for how government actually functions (or doesn't...) – i.e., how do policies actually get implemented? – which also proves timely given the current environment and headline-making announcements about "government efficiency." DOGE to the rescue!? :-)”

- Jeffrey Ingraham, Portfolio Strategies Group

The Midnight Library
by Matt Haig

“This book is about seizing the day every day to create a meaningful life without regrets. It was a very relatable topic to anyone that has felt stuck at some point with where they're at in their life, and a reminder that you have the power in the present to shape your future to what you want it to be.”

- Mina Kessler, Marketing

How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
by Katy Milkman

“I love how this book outlines all the tactics, motivations, and obstacles to behavior change by using concrete examples, and then applies them to real life. From the workplace, to sports, to New Year's resolutions, we can all relate to the difficulties of change, and this feels like a book of secrets with the key to unlocking our potential to change.”

- Shaquay Ely, Client Services