We read a lot. You read a lot. Like the Danish prince, our days are bursting with “words, words, words.”
But sadly, and also like you, our days are not wrapped in the musical words of literature, but littered, instead, with spikey industry jargon, tortured alphabets and minefields of legalese. Word swamps that few dare enter.
Time for a tonic.
Here, at the apex of summer, we offer an eclectic collection of books recommended by our colleagues that, we guarantee, will neither improve your knowledge of healthcare nor discuss DRGs or 340(b).
Instead, these selections will remind you why you love language so much and how a string of well written words – just a trail of ink dots on paper, really – can transport you to different worlds. Summer is a great time to travel.
Atmosphere
Taylor Jenkins Reid, 2025
“Spectacular. The best book I’ve read in years. So well-written and suspense on every page.”
Theater Kid
Jeffrey Seller, 2025
“Fascinating insights into the theater business and his producing Rent and Hamilton.”
All That Life Can Afford
Emily Everett, 2025
“A fun but really thoughtful read. Brought me back to my early 20s and navigating how to be true to where you came from while becoming who you aspire to be.”
Dream Count
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, 2025
“I loved Americanah, so I had to pick up the latest from Adichie. It’s a sharp and heartfelt novel centered on four women’s interlocking stories as they immigrate to America.”
The Bright Sword
Lev Grossman, 2024
“Once & Future King was one of the books that got me hooked on reading for fun. This one scratches the King Arthur itch in a way no other book has since OFK. Beautiful writing, immersive storytelling, touching character development, heartrate-elevating battle scenes and magic you’ll be able to feel.”
James
Percival Everett, 2024
“A colleague recommended it [Editor’s note: several of us read James on this colleague ‘s recommendation]. I love the idea of rethinking and reimagining these ‘classic’ stories that are so rich but perpetuate so much otherness – I love the idea of giving a voice to people who have been overlooked.”
Tress of the Emerald Sea
Brandon Sanderson, 2023
“A standalone adventure with likeable and relatable characters, excellent writing, and a world of a story you can and will get lost in. You’ll smile and laugh as you zip through the pages.”
Demon Copperhead
Barbara Kingsolver, 2022
“Written as a retelling of David Copperfield, the book offers readers a deeply human account of the systemic issues faced by communities across rural Appalachia. Diving deep into the American foster care system, the opioid crisis and structural poverty, Kingsolver’s novel powerfully and vividly depicts survival, community, and resilience.”
The Sentence
Louise Erdrich, 2021
“Rich characters with a creative and surprising twist, set in Minneapolis in the early and frightening days of the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd in 2020.”
Cloud Cuckoo Land
Anthony Doerr, 2021
“Beautiful tale of how a single story – a dream, really – connects children born eons apart. Akin to Cloud Atlas, but also a love letter to libraries and, of course, to stories.”
Change Enthusiasm
Cassandra Worthy, 2021
“An inspiring yet infrastructural approach to developing an emotionally intelligent relationship with change… and a fast read!
World of Wonders
Aimee Nezhukumatathil, 2020
“This nonfiction collection of stories and essays is truly wondrous and enchanting. A bit of memoir, a bit of nature. Each page is steeped in gratitude, beauty, and joy as we revel and reflect on the world’s gifts. It fills the soul and spirit with warmth and heart.”
Educated
Tara Westover, 2018
“It’s a memoir but reads like a novel. It’s fascinating and feels timely given what’s happening today with higher education.”
Pachinko
Min Jin Lee, 2017
“A National Book Award Finalist! This is an epic story of multiple generations of a single Korean family that begins in a small fishing village in the early 1900s and spans to roughly present day United States. It was a huge perspective shift for me. The writing is impressive on a narrative scale that’s hard to describe.”
A Little Life
Hanya Yanagihara, 2015
“Dark, sad, tragic but beautifully written by the editor in chief of T: The NYTimes Style Magazine.”
The Way of Kings
Brandon Sanderson, 2010
“If you enjoy epic fantasy, anything Brandon Sanderson writes is worth reading. What I particularly like about the Way of Kings are the believable but incredible world building and the flawed but heroic characters.”
The Breaks of the Game
David Halberstam, 1981
“It’s a case study in failure. It shows not only how quickly the fall from the top can be, but also all the different complicating factors and people/ personalities that cause a championship team to implode.”
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams, 1979
“I maintain it is the ultimate business book. Don’t panic and always carry a towel.”
The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger, 1951
“I will never tire of that book. Holden fills me with equal parts joy and sadness. The characters and world are so vivid. PSA: If you haven’t read it since high school, please read it again as an adult!! It hits so different.”
Kristin Lavransdatter
Sigrid Undset, 1920
“I’ve read this book at least four times throughout my life and each time it has meant something different. The novel is set in 14th Century Norway and follows the life of Kristen from childhood to old age. I don’t think there’s a better book that explores the complexities of human relationships.”
