Bill’s Picks
Burn Boston Burn, by Wayne M. Miller
When a good crime story has a local connection, it somehow feels that much more real. For all our readers who grew up in the Boston area, as I did, this book is definitely worth adding to your summer reading list. What reads like fiction actually happened right here in our city.
I remember Boston in the early 1980s as a city that never slept. But neither could we: sirens blared every night. Corruption was rampant, and budget cuts reduced staffing for police and fire, creating conditions that fueled one of Boston’s most shocking crime sprees. Over two years, a group of police officers, civilians, and a firefighter set hundreds of fires, causing widespread damage and injuries. Beyond the crimes themselves, the book explores what allowed Boston to burn for so long.
Alone at Dawn, by Dan Schilling & Lori Longfritz
I’m told this is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you finish it – and that you can’t put down. Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman’s courage was extraordinary, and the fact that his full story remained largely untold for years makes it even more remarkable.
The book recounts in detail one of the fiercest small-unit firefights of the war, fought on an Afghan mountaintop – at 10,000+ feet – above an Al Qaeda position. Chapman and a small team of SEALs were heavily outnumbered as they raced to recover a teammate who had just fallen from the helicopter. Careful research and firsthand accounts help tell the story of the first airman since Vietnam to earn the Medal of Honor.
The Science of Scaling, by Dr. Benjamin Hardy
I try to read at least one strong business book every summer, and this year my reading list includes The Science of Scaling. If you’re growing a business but feel progress is harder than it should be, this book may offer a fresh way to think about expansion.
I met Ben Hardy at a Strategic Coach workshop after years of knowing about his work. As a sharp organizational psychologist, he helps leaders achieve more by focusing on the right activities rather than simply working harder. I’m looking forward to seeing how his ideas can help businesses scale more effectively and with less friction – for our own business and for our clients.
Crime Junkie Podcast, by Ashley Flowers & Brit Prawat
This is currently my favorite podcast – right after anything involving the New England Patriots. I usually listen to it on my morning walks, earbuds in, and it has become part of my daily routine.
Each episode explores a solved or unsolved real-life mystery, told in a way that feels more like a conversation than a documentary. The hosts excel at building suspense while keeping the stories relatable. Some cases are fascinating, some unsettling, and a few will make you double-check that your doors are locked before going to bed. If you enjoy true crime, this podcast offers plenty of material to keep you entertained all summer long.
Paula’s Picks
The Art of Spending Money: Simple Choices for a Richer Life, by Morgan Housel
In our practice, we spend a great deal of time helping clients develop a healthy relationship with money – one that supports not only building wealth but also living a meaningful life.
As Will Rogers said, “Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like." It's often easier to keep up with others than to understand what truly matters to us.
As people accumulate wealth, the challenge often shifts from saving money to spending it wisely. Housel explores how to use money intentionally to create meaningful experiences, simplify life, and focus on what truly matters. This isn't a book about getting rich. It's about getting the most from what you already have and learning to want what’s worth wanting. It's a thoughtful guide to reshaping your relationship with money so it works for you, not the other way around.
The Greater Game: Your 100x Blueprint for Exponential Growth, Freedom, and Legacy, by Dan Sullivan and John Bowen
As a Strategic Coach client, I've benefited from Dan Sullivan's mentorship for many years, alongside Bill and countless other entrepreneurs. I always come away from his books with practical wisdom and a fresh perspective.
In The Greater Game, Sullivan and co-author John Bowen present a framework for developing a long-term vision centered on growth, freedom, and legacy. This thought-provoking guide encourages readers to look beyond short-term goals and consider the impact they want to have over the next 25 years and beyond. As we continue building WH Cornerstone, I look forward to exploring ideas that can help create something meaningful and enduring for our clients, team, and community.
My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving, by Beth Pinsker, CFP®
I’m the primary caregiver for my aging parent, so I have this book high on my reading list because it makes our journey so much richer.
Watching our parents age stirs a mix of emotions: nostalgia, concern, and often uncertainty about what lies ahead. It also brings an ever-growing list of responsibilities that never shortens – and can feel overwhelming. Beth Pinsker combines personal stories about caring for her elderly mother with practical guidance from more than 100 experts and family caregivers. Her book offers strategies for navigating the financial side of caregiving with greater confidence, helping families spend less time worrying about logistics and more time focusing on the people they love.
The next two books touched my heart, especially in light of my TEDx talk, Low Tech Love: The Power of the Handwritten Note. Those who know me well have likely received a handwritten note from me and understand why I value them so highly. A handwritten note says, “I notice you. I’m thinking of you.” In a time when so many of us long for connection, that message is more powerful than ever.
The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans
The Correspondent is a beautiful novel about the connections we forge through the written word – whether handwritten or typed, and whether we know the people in person or not. Through its characters, it explores the hubris of youth, the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that shape a lifetime.
Once you read (or listen to) this book, you'll understand why everyone is talking about it – and you may be inspired to sit down and write a handwritten note to someone who matters to you.
Theo of Golden, by Allen Levi
Like The Correspondent, this story celebrates the power of human connection through handwritten letters. It's a gentle reminder that even small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact.
Theo of Golden is a story about giving and receiving, seeing and being seen, and the unexpected ways lives intersect. Through its characters, it highlights generosity, compassion, and the quiet miracles that unfold when people choose kindness. The story evoked a wide range of emotions in me – from tenderness and joy to sadness and reflection – and I appreciated each one. If you're looking for a book that leaves you feeling hopeful about humanity, this may be the perfect summer read.
Dawn’s Picks
Where the Sea Lavender Grows, by Kitty Johnson
This sounds like the perfect book to take to the beach read on a rainy afternoon. I've heard the writing draws you in immediately with a heartfelt story that leaves an emotional impression long after you've turned the final page. I hear it’s for you if you love beautifully written fiction.
The story follows Elise, an artist struggling to rebuild her life after the devastating loss of her son and the breakdown of her marriage. As she restores an old home in Norfolk, she discovers a photograph that leads her into the heartbreaking wartime story of the house's original owner, Lilias, and a young soldier named Harry who disappeared without a trace. Spanning different generations, the novel explores the unexpected ways distinct lives can interconnect.
Tai Chi In 10 Weeks: A Beginner's Guide, by Dr. Aihan Kuhn
I recently started practicing Tai Chi and came across this beginner-friendly guide by Dr. Aihan Kuhn. As someone new to Tai Chi, I appreciated how clearly the program is laid out and how approachable it feels.
The book walks readers through a 10-week, 24-step program that builds skills gradually from week to week. Rather than feeling overwhelming, the lessons are easy to follow and designed for people of all experience levels. If you're looking for a low-impact activity to improve balance, reduce stress, and support overall well-being, this book is a great place to start. I'm looking forward to continuing the journey myself.
Nolan’s Picks
Winning the Loser’s Game, by Charles D. Ellis
This book caught my attention for its practical, reassuring message, especially in uncertain markets. In an era of nonstop headlines, hot stock tips, and constant pressure to outperform, it's a valuable reminder that long-term success often comes from consistency and thoughtful planning.
In Winning the Loser’s Game, Charles Ellis argues that successful investing is usually less about finding the next big winner and more about avoiding costly mistakes, staying diversified, and remaining disciplined through market cycles. His approach is calm, straightforward, and timeless. I know that reading this book will reinforce the need for patience and sound decision-making – even amid the loud, ever-present drumbeat to chase market-beating returns.
Breaking Money Silence, by Kathleen Burns Kingsbury
I'm interested in learning more about how people think and talk about money because financial decisions are often driven as much by emotions as by numbers. For many, money is one of the most emotionally charged topics.
In Breaking Money Silence, Kathleen Burns Kingsbury explores how our experiences, fears, and assumptions shape how we talk about money. Through relatable stories and practical insights, she encourages more open conversations among spouses, parents, children, and across generations. The book highlights the link between healthy communication and financial well-being and offers tools to help families navigate difficult discussions with greater confidence. In short, this book makes it clear that improving our relationship with money often begins with improving the conversations we have about it.
Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America's Nicest Judge, by Frank Caprio
I'm switching gears here: I'm looking for something uplifting that still offers meaningful lessons. I'm told this book resonates with anyone who works closely with people and reminds us why leading with kindness matters.
You may know Judge Frank Caprio from Caught in Providence or from the many clips that have circulated online. In this memoir, he shares stories from his years on the bench that highlight empathy, dignity, and humanity in everyday situations. His experiences show that kindness and accountability can coexist and that leadership is not only about enforcing the rules but also about seeing the person behind the problem. At times humorous and heartfelt, the memoir can restore your faith in people and leave you wanting to be a better listener, neighbor, and friend.
Jaimie’s Picks
Great Big Beautiful Life, by Emily Henry
An Emily Henry novel is always on my list when I'm looking for a great summer read. She has a gift for blending humor, heart, and complex relationships, keeping me turning the pages.
I'm excited to dive into Great Big Beautiful Life, a contemporary novel about two writers competing to tell the story of a mysterious woman with a glamorous, complicated past. As they uncover long-hidden secrets, themes of ambition, love, identity, and human connection emerge. If Henry's previous books are any indication, I expect this story to be both entertaining and thoughtful — a perfect companion for a relaxing summer afternoon.
Unreasonable Hospitality, by Will Guidara
I'm always looking for ways to better serve the people around me, whether as a team member, a volunteer, or simply someone who wants to make a positive difference. That's what drew me to Unreasonable Hospitality.
Written by Will Guidara, former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, the book explores how intentional acts of service can create extraordinary experiences and lasting connections. Through stories from his hospitality career, Guidara shares practical lessons on leadership, culture, generosity, and how to make people feel valued. I'm looking forward to learning new ways to strengthen relationships and create meaningful experiences for the people I work with and serve.
Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt
This book has been on my reading list for quite some time, and I've heard so many wonderful things about it. I'm looking forward to a story that is both moving and ultimately hopeful.
The novel centers on an unlikely friendship between a widow who works at an aquarium and Marcellus, an extraordinarily intelligent octopus. Through their connection, the story explores grief, loneliness, healing, and the unexpected ways people help one another rediscover purpose. Readers describe this book as heartfelt, uplifting, and unforgettable. I have a feeling it will be one of those rare stories that stays with me long after I've turned the last page.
Cody’s Picks
Blues, by John Hersey
I was drawn to this book because it is thoughtful and grounded, capturing the patience and resilience that often come from time spent outdoors. While it follows a jazz musician navigating personal struggles, many of its themes reminded me of the quiet reflection and persistence that come with a long day of fishing.
Hersey weaves together ideas about music, identity, and personal growth in a way that feels both insightful and relatable. I especially appreciated the triple meanings of the one-word title – referencing music, a fish species, and a state of mind. It's the kind of book that encourages you to slow down, think more deeply, and appreciate the lessons learned from life's challenges.
Running the Coast, by Donovan Hohn
This book combines several of my favorite things: adventure, endurance, the outdoors, and fishing. Donovan Hohn's journey along the New England coastline is part travel narrative, part personal challenge, and part exploration of our connection to the ocean.
What appeals to me most is how he captures the beauty and character of the coast as he chases striped bass from the Chesapeake Bay to Maine and back. Along the way, he reflects on the people, places, and experiences that shape life on the water. If you enjoy fishing, coastal landscapes, or stories of self-discovery through outdoor adventure, this could be a great summer read.
Trout Bum, by John Gierach
For anyone who loves fly-fishing, Trout Bum is a classic. John Gierach combines humor, wisdom, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors in a collection of essays that feels as much about life as it does about fishing.
Through stories of rivers, friendships, solitude, and time spent on the water, Gierach explains why fishing often becomes more than a hobby: it becomes a way of thinking. His observations are insightful, entertaining, and instantly familiar to anyone who has ever found peace beside a river. Whether you're an avid angler or simply enjoy thoughtful writing about the outdoors, this book offers much to appreciate.
In closing
We didn't set out to create a theme this year, but one seemed to emerge anyway.
Alongside a few investing and business titles, many of these books also explore resilience, kindness, personal growth, and the relationships that matter most.
At a time when headlines often compete for our attention, we found ourselves drawn to stories and ideas that inform, inspire, challenge, and occasionally offer a welcome escape.
Is there a book on your reading list you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you.
Meanwhile, here's to a great summer – and plenty of good reading – from the WH Cornerstone team.