The Hopefuls: I loved this book so much. Two married couples’ lives intertwine due to a political campaign. Beth and Matt move to DC for Matt’s job and they meet a charismatic White House staffer named Jimmy, and his wife, Ashleigh. They become inseparable…and even more so when they all move into Jimmy and Ashleigh’s house to run Jimmy’s political campaign. The relationships are all threatened by jealousy, competition, and rumors. I worked in the government throughout my time at GW, so I love reading anything about politics and DC. They even referenced places and events I remember. The author, Jennifer Close, teaches creative writing at GW now, and I wish I could go back in time and take her class. (And go back to college for a bit!)
Recommended Reading: Rich and Pretty
My Not So Perfect Life: A Novel (c/o): If you are looking for a fun, light-hearted, funny read pick up My Not So Perfect Life. It’s about a young woman who starts an entry-level job, then gets let go, and ends up working back at her family’s farm. But on her carefully curated Instagram feed it looks like everything is perfect…when it’s so not. There is a twist that is like a reverse Devil Wear’s Prada. I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s good and so relevant to our “like-obsessed” culture.
Recommended Reading: The Devil Wears Prada
Build Your Dream Network: Forging Powerful Relationships in a Hyper-Connected World (c/o): I have known the author, Kelly Hoey, since 2012 when I worked at Levo and she shared the office space. She is a true connector and she explains how networking has helped her career, how to network in the digital age, and shares actionable advice from people she knows. I found myself highlighting a lot of parts of the book!
Recommended Reading: I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This: Success Secrets Every Gutsy Girl Should Know
The Regulars (c/o): I absolutely loved The Regulars! It’s about three twenty-something friends who get a drug called Pretty that transforms them into stunningly gorgeous people. They learn first-hand how “pretty” people are treated differently in society. The book is funny and satirical, but it also has sincere feminist undertones.
Recommended Reading: Bossypants
Power Your Happy: Work Hard, Play Nice & Build Your Dream Life: I read this one a while ago, but didn’t write a review. If you read one business book this year, it should be Power Your Happy. Lisa Sugar, founder of Popsugar, shares anecdotes and practical advice about building a life you love. She talks about starting a successful business, leading with compassion, feeling confident at work and at home, and more. I featured Lisa Sugar in a Career Profile, and her mission, mantra (work hard and be nice), and values are so similar to my own.
Recommended Reading: You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
5 Responses to 5 Good Books: Volume 11