What We’re Reading: A ModSquad Book Report

In our free time, we all need something to wind down with, and a great way to do this is by diving into a good book. Today being Book Lovers Day, we thought we’d celebrate the occasion ModSquad-style with some recommendations from the team!

Whether our preference is an imaginary world to which we can escape, or a non-fiction tome to help us understand the world around us, there’s no doubt that a great book can expand our outlook. Books promote our creativity and connect us with characters who, while not physically there, are very real on a personal level.

With that, let’s have a look at some of the books our team have enjoyed, from good recent reads to books that have had a major impact on them.

Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant
This book is both inspired and inspiring. It looks at how to grow and present ideas in a way that promotes meaningful change. Although super-readable, I’ve been taking my time with it, letting everything sink in.
— Jenny Y.

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
Do you like Harry Potter? What about the likes of CSI, NCIS, or similar TV shows? Rivers of London (and the rest of the series) has the magic and wizard-in-training feel of J.K. Rowling’s saga, but with the added bonus of a cop investigation story. It’s full of fun pop-culture references, is slightly more adult, and often a quick and easy read for those of us with a busy life.

Bonus recommendation:
If you like sci-fi with a touch of horror, check out Hyperion by Dan Simmons. It’s a bit old school, but still a great read.
— Leigh G.

The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker
I think that every single person should read this book at least once in their life. It’s a good self-help book without actually being self-help. It teaches you how to be safe and trust your gut.
— Anna C.

The Xanth series by Piers Anthony
Xanth books are for people who like puns and ridiculous humor. These are what I like to call “junk food books.”
— Kay S.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
It’s a fascinating look at a part of our history (medicine and research) that most people may not be aware of. I didn’t know about Henrietta and her immortal cells prior to reading this book, but now I can’t stop recommending it to others. The story just stuck with me, and I’m glad that her family has managed to get the recognition for her contribution (countless medical breakthroughs due to her cells) that she did not get in life.
— Aunya S.

The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander
It’s a story about the Romanovs after they are being held in Siberia, as seen through the eyes of their kitchen boy. The book is fiction, but so very believable, and it keeps you guessing until the very end.
— Olivia L.

You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day
This book is not only filled with the nerdy quirkiness that makes up Felicia Day, but takes the reader through a journey of struggle, success, and learning your limits in order to maintain a healthy work/life balance.
— Katie C.