With summer in full swing, it’s time to start crossing some of those books off of your summer reading list. If you’ve been searching for your next good book, look no further than our selection of summer reading recommendations, compiled by your WH Cornerstone team. Happy reading!
Bill’s Picks | WH Cornerstone Co-founder and President
The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-First Century’s Greatest Dilemma by Mustafa Suleyman. I’m fascinated by the artificial intelligence wave. This book is an urgent warning of the unprecedented risks that AI and other fast-developing technologies pose to global order, and how we might contain them.
The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn. This book aims to take the reader on a journey from an ancient parable, the ancient inscriptions in Sumer, Assyria, and Babylonia that become the puzzle pieces behind what is taking place in our world to this day. Last summer I read another book by Cahn called the Harbinger. Can’t wait to dig into this one. The author is a masterful story teller
Standing Next to History by Joseph Petro. I’m reading this currently. I friend of mine gave me this one. This book is a first hand walk through 70’s, 80’s and 90’s history. In addition, you get a first-hand, inside view of how the secret service actually operates. Fascinating read! Highly recommend.
Walking to Destiny by Christopher M Snider. I’m pursuing an Exit Planning designation. This book is a recommended read on the subject matter. Our practice has been inundated with retiring baby boomer business owners. I hope this book will help to add value to exit planning strategies.
Paula’s Picks | WH Cornerstone Co-founder and Principal
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Doing Less by Greg McKeown. This book comes highly recommended by my colleagues in my coaching program. Essentialism as a concept narrows down this notion into doing the right things which are absolutely necessary, in a right manner and at the right time. It is about categorizing things as important and unimportant as per one’s personal goals, and doing only the important things. This ensures that there is a proper channel for one’s energy, time, and effort. Can’t wait to dive into this one!
Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson. There has been a lot swirling around about Elon Musk and his many adventures. The insight into what makes him tick is fascinating. As a rule-breaking visionary, Elon is driven to save humanity and help man live on Mars. He pushes himself and his teams to find solutions fast and economical where it takes others lots of money and time. A long, yet, enlightening read.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. Described as “stunning and magisterial epic of love, faith, and medicine, set in Kerala, South India, following three generations of a family seeking the answers to a strange secret.” I listened to this one (it’s a long one) and it came to life with the variety accents depicting an era of a bygone India and of the passage of time itself. It’s deeply moving.
The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life’s Perfection by Michael A. Singer. My life coach Mark suggested I read this one from the author of The Untethered Soul and Living Untethered. It is about the lessons that come from “letting go” in live and the spiritual harmony and personal happiness that follows. I’m seeking the peace, calm and freedom that comes with surrendering. Hopefully you will see a difference in me after I’ve read it.
Dawn’s Picks | WH Cornerstone Director of Client Experience
The Girl in Cabin 13 by AJ Rivers. When Emma finds a dead body on her porch with her name written on the dead man’s hand she uncovers a sinister clue to the mystery that has haunted her since childhood. FBI agent Emma Griffin is sent undercover to the small sleepy town of Feathered Nest to uncover the truth behind the strings of disappearances that has left the town terrified. I have just started this book and I am already invested in seeing how it turns out. This is an easy summer read which was suggested to me by a friend. It is a nice diversion from everyday life.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is a compelling non-fiction book that tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells were taken without her consent in the 1950s and became one of the most important tools in medicine. Henrietta Lacks was a poor tobacco farmer who died of cervical cancer at the age of 31 in 1951. Before her death, a sample of her cancerous cells was taken by doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital without her knowledge or consent. These cells, known as HeLa cells, were the first human cells to be successfully cultured in a laboratory setting, becoming invaluable for medical research and leading to countless breakthroughs in areas such as cancer research, vaccine development, and genetics. I haven’t started this book yet but it sounds like an interesting biography which includes science and ethics. I am not sure that I would call it a light summer read but it does sound very interesting.
Allison’s Picks | WH Cornerstone Administrative Assistant
The Women by Kristin Hannah. I love this author. Two of her novels, The Nightingale and The Great Alone, are on my G.O.A.T. book list so, naturally, I couldn’t wait to read this one and it did not disappoint. The Women follows a young nurse in her early twenties who is deployed to Vietnam during the war. Hannah colorfully recounts the girl’s experiences including finding love and suffering painful losses while ‘in country,’ and potently describes how badly she was treated when she returned to the states. I absolutely loved this book and have added it to my list.
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara. This book was recommended to me and I’m still in the beginning chapters, but it is shaping up to be quite a fascinating read about how going over the top in hospitality and client service can make a business stand out amongst its competitors. I’ve been enjoying this memoir since page one and am looking forward to seeing how it plays out.
Carlos’ Picks | WH Cornerstone Summer Intern
The Trading Game: A Confession by Gary Stevenson provides a candid look into the world of financial trading. The book delves into Stevenson’s personal experiences, offering a unique perspective on the high-stakes environment of trading. It’s a compelling narrative that not only provides insights of the mechanics of the trading world but also examines the psychological toll it takes on those who navigate it.
Price Wars: How the Commodities Markets Made Our Chaotic World by Rupert Russell is a riveting exploration of the powerful influence commodities markets exert on global events. Russell traces the connections between market dynamics and geopolitical conflicts, illustrating how fluctuations in prices can lead to significant consequences.
Will’s Picks | WH Cornerstone Summer Intern
Eleven Seconds: A Story of Tragedy, Courage & Triumph by Travis Roy and E.M. Swift. For my first edition of our reading lists, I wanted to put in my favorite read of all time. This book was given to me when I was fourteen years old and when I started reading, it was hard to put it down. The book touches on the life of Travis Roy, a former Boston University hockey player that was paralyzed from the neck down to the rest of his body just eleven seconds into his first college hockey action ever. Following the injury, the way Travis persevered and lived his life full of ambition and courage was truly inspiring to read about, and has stuck with me all of these years later about how attitude and mindset can fill your life of great fortune.
Walden by Henry David Thoreau. I wanted to suggest another book that I read in the past that has resonated with me greatly. Based locally in Concord, MA, Thoreau spends a little over two years of his life in a small cabin he built near Walden Pond, advocating for a life of simplicity. Throughout his time at Walden, he writes essays that end up filling out the chapters of the novel touching on the ideas of simplicity, nature, self-reliance, spirituality, among others. It is a great read to delve into the genius that is Henry David Thoreau and read a novel based in our own great state of Massachusetts.
Jess’ Picks | WH Cornerstone Marketing Consultant
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin is a read that’s in a genre of it’s own. Full of personal anecdotes from one of the world’s most legendary music producers, it explores the idea that creativity is less of an innate ability — instead, it’s an integral aspect of everyday life that we can nurture to unlock our own creative power. His writing is approachable, relatable, and simple — yet profound and transformative. It’s a book I’ll recommend over and over again to everyone (especially those that say they aren’t creative).
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter. This is one of my favorite books that was recently turned into a series on Hulu. Before you watch the show, definitely give the book a read. It follows the true story of a Jewish family named the Kurcs and their tale of survival during World War II. The book weaves together multiple narratives, portraying the resilience, courage, and hope of as different members navigate the horrors of the Holocaust. The vivid characterizations and meticulous historical detail make this an unforgettable read, celebrating the enduring power of family and the human spirit.
“The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation” by Thich Nhat Hanh is, in my opinion, an essential read for anyone seeking spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy. It’s a profound and accessible guide to understanding and practicing Buddhism. Through clear and compassionate writing, Nhat Hanh explains key concepts like the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and mindfulness, making ancient teachings relevant to modern life.