We asked rising stars from the community to tell us about a book they’ve read and the impact it had on them. We’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

Alana Cooler | Marketing Executive & Small Business Owner

Kristin Hannah is an auto-buy author for me because her novels are always so moving and impactful. She clearly does extensive research to craft rich, nuanced stories that really resonate with me on an emotional level. I often find myself getting teary by the realness of her character development and the themes she explores. Her most recent novel, The Women, was no exception. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the story follows women nurses (specifically one) and dives into powerful themes of PTSD, family relationships, and the complexities of love. I was completely captivated by the story. The Women is a true testament to Kristin Hannah’s skill as a storyteller, all her books have stuck with me long after turning the final page. Read more>>

Mary Lemmer | Impact-driven entrepreneur, humorist, writer, and TED speaker, creatively empowering leaders and organizations to thrive in uncertainty

Just one?! I’ve read over 150 books over the past five years, so that in itself will illustrate the impact of the book I’m going to share.Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad I binge read this book. I like it because it’s a beautifully and deeply written book about an experience that could be really hard to talk about especially in such a way that made it difficult to put this book down. Read more>>

Wanjing Zhang | Architect, Urban Designer & Medical Planner
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I’d like to share a book called Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values by Robert M. Pirsig. I first read this book a few years ago when I first started my adventure in the United States as a graduate student. At first glance, I was attracted by its title, which gives me an impression of an unreasonable blend of philosophy and mechanics. I was so impressed and excited to find how it parallels my work and life. Read more>>