For some it might be a dystopian novel and for others it might be an uplifting memoir, but almost everyone has a book, poem or essay that left a meaningful impact on them. We asked some of the brightest folks around town to tell us about books that have had a lasting impact for them.

Susan Huckle | Actor/Writer

I was profoundly moved by Educated by Tara Westover. While her upbringing was far more extreme than mine, I never read a book I related to so deeply: a rigid, sheltered fundamentalist childhood, all the questioning and growing that happens after exposure to the greater world, and navigating family relationships throughout. It’s part of what inspired me to write my story. I just finished the manuscript and look forward to taking the next steps with it. Working title: The Earth is Flat, and Other Things My Mother Taught Me. Read more>>

Cameron Patterson | NBA & Coaches Agent

I’ve delved into quite a few impactful books throughout my career journey. From Walter Isaacson’s “Steve Jobs” to David Falk’s “The Bald Truth” and Angela Duckworth’s “Grit,” there are two must-haves that have become career cornerstones for me: Charles Duhigg’s “The Power of Habits” and Henry Organ’s “The Informational Interview.” Read more>>

James Mosley II | Animation Producer

I would say “Producing Animation” by Catherine Winder (Author), Zahra Dowlatabadi (Author), and Tracey Miller-Zarneke (Editor). I believe it is the only comprehensive, sensible, material that breaks down all of the facets, techniques etc. of producing different kinds of animation. It practically teaches you how to build an animation production studio from the ground up. Finding this book excited me and I devoured it. I read it 2-3 times and I still reference it. The book was really important to me because I had a revelation at the time that I wanted to become the best animation producer in the world and I started to see animation producing as a craft that I could master and an art in itself. By the time that I finished the book I was a production manager but I suddenly knew more than my role required and I began to chase the next level. Read more>>