The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

"This book is about following your intuition and has a lot of life wisdom throughout."

Jake O’Donnell, Trade Processing

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate?Discoveries from A Secret World by Peter Wohlleben

"A thought-provoking way to view the natural world we seem to be increasingly out of touch with."

Anthony Han, Rainier

The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan Housel

"This book approaches the topic of personal finance through the lens of human behavior in a way that is extremely relatable. Its wisdom can be understood, appreciated, and applied by readers of all financial backgrounds, from a first-time saver to a professional investor. It's a thoroughly enjoyable read, too."

Paul Stanzione, Portfolio Strategies Group

The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green

"A quick read, this book is part memoir/part collection of essays that are formed as reviews of different aspects of the world on a 5-star scale. These reviews cover everything from Diet Dr. Pepper to the plague. I really enjoyed this book (I laughed a lot and teared up a few times), but most importantly it was a very touching book, especially in light of the pandemic. It touched on a lot of the fears and worries I've had the past year and a half and helped add a different perspective to them."

Emily Hawk, Portfolio Strategies Group

The Four Agreements: A Personal Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

"A classic self-help book, I stole this idea from the great Tom Brady. The Four Agreements and the accompanying commentary will provide a deep and thoughtful perspective to the world around you. The ideas presented will set the course for you to live a fulfilling life and how to filter through the noise and life's ups and downs. If you ever find you've lost yourself or are looking to find ways to become the best version of yourself, this book is for you."

Caleb Humbert, PIE/POG

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice & Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

"Powerful, insightful and moving book. Bryan Stevenson shares an eye-opening perspective from his law practice, which is dedicated to helping the poor and disadvantaged from wrongful and excessive punishment."

Frank Lesczinski, Intermediary Distribution Group

What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada

"A nighttime favorite in our house, with full credit to my wife, an elementary school Literacy Specialist, for introducing this book into our family. It’s an inspiring and beautifully illustrated tale that encourages creativity, hard work, and courage for readers both young and old."

Jeff Ingraham, Portfolio Strategies Group

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

"This book made me wish that I hadn't completely avoided history and anthropology in college. Fascinating from start to finish with wide-ranging implications for all of us sapiens living today. Everyone should read this book, probably more than once."

Chris Porpiglia, Wealth Management

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

"Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is a wonderful combination of humor, insight into human behavior, and self-discovery. It explores the world of a therapist helping her patients, while she herself is dealing with similar questions. I could not put this book down and found the content so relatable. There are not many books that have really made an impact on how I view life, but this is one of them!"

Chelsea Seibel, Wealth Management

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

"This is a beautifully written book about two sisters in France during WWII. The characters are well-developed and the story is riveting. It's one of the best books I've ever read."

Sarah Turner, General Counsel

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead & Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

"This book is a must read for working professionals and leaders. Jocko details the mind-set and principles that enable SEAL units to accomplish the most difficult missions in combat, and then demonstrates how to apply them to any team, family, or organization. Each chapter focuses on a specific topic such as Cover and Move, Decentralized Command, and Leading Up the Chain. Jocko explains the concepts, why they are critically important, and then discusses steps for implementation in any leadership environment."

Ryan Hohenese, Advisory Services

Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan

"Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2017, this is a superbly written memoir that explores the nature of relationships and adventure within the context of the pursuit of the perfect wave. You do not have to be a surfer to enjoy this book, just an adventurous soul who appreciates a well-crafted story."

Dave Immonen, Wealth Management

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

"Interesting memoir with insights from his journeys (physically and spiritually). Offers entertaining wisdom/advice for just about anyone."

Editors’ note: We recommend listening to this as an audiobook to hear the always-dynamic McConaughey tell stories in his own voice.

Nicole Kingsley Brunner, Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

"This book is a treasure of American literature that has been tragically under-read.  Written in 1937, the book is set in the early-1900s Florida a woman recounts her life to a friend touching on themes such as gender roles and race."

Jack Schermeyer, Research

Atomic Habits by James Clear

"All-or-nothing thinking and perfectionism lead us to procrastinate and avoid doing so many of the things we know would make our lives healthier, easier, and more fulfilling. We ask ourselves - if I can't change everything, why change anything? If I can't go to the gym for an hour and a half, why bother? I love this book because it reminds us of the value in all the little things we can do everyday for ourselves and our families, employers, friends etc. that add up to big results and major impacts over time. The author provides lots of great strategies to tackle the small, incremental habits that build on each other to create both personal and professional growth and happiness."

Beth Mallette, Research

Beer Money: A Memoir of Privilege and Loss by Frances Stroh

"An absolutely mesmerizing memoir by Frances Stroh, I could not put it down. She is a gifted writer and accomplished photographer who details the rise and fall of her family's business (Stroh Brewing) in Detroit with heartbreak, humor, and hope. I've suggested this to friends and family - especially those of us who came from or are still part of a family business. Very thought provoking."

Robin Yacovetta, Wealth Management

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe

"Keefe wraps a nuanced and detailed portrait of a society at war within the familiar trappings of true crime. Leaves you with no real easy answers about the morality of any actions in this conflict (or any conflict)."

John Beitter, Research

Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson

"Leonardo is a about a self-taught genius who has such an intense curiosity as a perfectionist that excelled in everything he plunged into, and who expected least of all to be known for his artistic talent. He was such a perfectionist that the Mona Lisa painting was never finished and was under Leonardo's bed upon his death. He was never satisfied with his result, and as a result the patron who commissioned the work never received the delivery."

Jim Herbst, Wealth Management

The Anarchy by William Dalrymple

"The story of the East India Company and the colonization of a giant country by a company with its own huge army. Dalrymple is one of the greatest contemporary writers about India, and this is a terrifying tale of capitalism and colonialism run amok."

Marc Mayer, Chef Executive Officer

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

"This is a bighearted story of two life-long friends, Owen and John. Laugh-out-loud funny and deadly serious, this book explores love and loss and what it means to have (or not have) faith. Owen Meany is one of the most memorable, lovable and distinctive characters of any book I’ve read. And while I never wanted the story to end, one of the reasons I loved this book was how it ended."

Julie Nye, Intermediary Distribution Group