Ever wonder what people who write for a living read for fun? Wonder no more, my friends. Here’s a list of six page-turners from the writing professionals at Off Madison Ave.
Note the variety of books we’ve read and hope to read very soon.“Ready Player One” is a novel about Wade Watts who finds refuge from the overpopulated, over-polluted real world of 2044 in the world of OASIS — an immersive, lifelike digital universe. Not only does OASIS allow people to escape the bleak real world with entertainment through games and movies, it also gives kids a place to go to school and adults somewhere to go to work. This book is an addictive page-turner. It oozes 80s references and nostalgia, and will keep the reader guessing with lovable and funny characters.
-Kat Menze, Digital Art Director
If you are looking to be inspired, personally and/or professionally read “Living with a SEAL,” by Jesse Itzler. Not only will this book have you laughing out loud, it will have you hungrier than ever before to conquer your toughest fears. When Itzler decides he needs a new physical challenge in his life, he comes across one of the strongest individuals he’s ever met, SEAL. SEAL and Itzler live together in Itzler’s NYC apartment for 30 days during the dead of winter. SEAL proceeds to train Itzler to persevere and overcome through the most demanding of physical challenges. Ultimately, both men learn valuable life lessons from each other, and so will you by reading this book.
-Amy La Sala, Associate Director of PR
“She was a wicked thing sometimes. All full of want. As if the shape of the world depended on her mood. As if she were important.”
Patrick Rothfuss has a magic beard. It’s the only explanation for his exquisite prose and storytelling. But this isn’t a write up of his Kingkiller Chronicles novels. This is about a little novella that also lives in that world, “The Slow Regard of Silent Things.” It’s a book without a single line of dialogue that will make you feel all the things. I laughed. I cried (which I haven’t done since Snape killed Dumbledore). I was emotionally invested in inanimate objects. It’s a singular book, beautifully written, that will change the way you think about what a book should be.
-Sara Arnold, Copywriter
Jay Baer’s latest book, “Hug Your Haters: How to Embrace Complaints and Keep Your Customers,” focuses on handling “haters” on social media and using complaints to strengthen your business. Baer stresses the importance that when you handle complaints or negative experiences the right way, your efforts will lead to measurable positive results. According to Baer, “Hug Your Haters is the first-ever customer service book for modern times – it’s based on the realities of customer expectations TODAY, not one, five, or 20 years ago.” He also supports his statements with solid facts, he explains, “The book is based on an extensive, proprietary study into the Science of Complaint: how, where, and why we complain, plus case studies from businesses of all types and sizes from around the world, and more than 50 interviews.”… Sounds like a winner!
I’m a huge fan of Jay Baer as a digital business expert and loved his infamous book, Youtility, so, naturally, I’m looking forward to reading Hug Your Haters.
-Christina Guenther, Social Media Specialist
It’s (almost) pool season here in Phoenix, which means the next book on my list is one that I can read while I’m lounging in the sun. “American Housewife” by Helen Ellis is a collection of short stories about a group of women and even a reality TV show called “Dumpster Diving with the Stars.” One my girlfriends recommended it to me as “laugh out loud funny,” so I’m pretty excited to check it out.
-Kayla Weimer, PR Account Executive
A self-made female billionaire working as a COO in the male-dominated world of Silicon Valley wrote a book, “Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead,” and I just can’t wait to read it. While it’s on its way from Amazon this week, I’m eager to read Sheryl Sandberg’s thoughts on how to change the conversation from what women think they can’t do to what women can do. From the root causes of women’s shortfalls in leadership roles to solutions for women to reach their full potential in the workplace, this book strives to dig deep into relatable issues.
-Cara Pritulsky, PR Account Coordinator
The best results come from working together.
Ready for more? Let’s talk.