Outside of work, we’re a bunch of Brightwork bookworms. We love a good read – sometimes for fun and sometimes to learn. Here’s a look at our team’s top reads for this year.

Book: How to Win Friends & Influence People
By: Dale Carnegie
Why it’s on our must-read list: This timeless book takes you through fundamental techniques for handling people. It includes six ways to make people like you and 12 ways to win people over to your way of thinking. Need we say more?

Book: Start With Why
By: Simon Sinek
Why it’s on our must-read list: Sinek takes a fascinating look at how to influence human behavior. He makes a strong argument for how inspiration (over manipulation) is the most powerful and sustainable tool to do so, and explains how people are most driven by having a sense of purpose.

Book: No Country for Old Men
By: Cormac McCarthy
Why it’s on our must-read list: Written in a way where the reader is fully engaged by having to understand the dialogue of different characters. It provides a unique storyline based on an old western town making it a fun Midwest escape (especially during the winter!).

Book: Tell No One
By: Harlan Coben
Why it’s on our must-read list: One of the few fiction books that can legitimately be read over and over again – the plot will keep your interest from page one, and there are a few unpredictable twists and turns that keep you hooked throughout. 

Book: Atomic Habits
By: James Clear
Why it’s on our must-read list: This book helps simplify your habits to set you up for success in ridding of the bad ones and developing better ones to add value to our most valuable resource – time!

Book: The Total Money Makeover
By: Dave Ramsey
Why it’s on our must-read list: It not only provides a thorough understanding of how to take control of your finances, but also uses real world examples along with religious application.

Book: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
By: Stephen Covey
Why it’s on our must-read list: Covey introduces the concept of paradigm shift, helps the reader understand why different perspectives exist and takes the reader through the maturity continuum. If you’re not familiar with these terms, it should be on your list too!

Book: It’s Okay to Laugh (Crying is Cool Too)
By: Nora McInerny Purmort
Why it’s on our must-read list: This book made the list after getting hooked on her podcast. While Nora’s story of becoming a widow is tragic, she’s lends dark humor appeal that’s motivating, shedding light on all situations.