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Our 2025 Year-End Book List


Dec. 9, 2025

Every year, our team shares their book recommendations, and it’s become a tradition to highlight the stories and ideas that sparked something for us throughout the year.

Whether you’re gifting, unwinding, or simply curious about what others are reading, we hope you discover a new favorite. Happy reading!

All the Colors of the Dark
by Chris Whitaker

“This is a beautifully written and emotionally powerful novel that weaves together mystery, heartbreak, and hope into an unforgettable story. The characters feel real and the writing draws you in, making it a book that’s hard to forget.”

Felicia LeRoy, Research

The Correspondent
by Virginia Evans

“A touching, beautifully written story told through letters between Sybil and the people in her life. Her letters go out to everyone, from her best friend to the iconic writer Joan Didion, giving us a real glimpse into her world. As the correspondence unfolds, we see Sybil’s struggles, secrets, and growth come to light. It’s an emotional and quietly powerful read about connection, identity, and self-discovery. Bonus tip: it’s fantastic on audio — the letter format makes it feel even more personal and engaging!”

Shelly Snook, IT

The Measure
by Nikki Erlick

“If you had the option of knowing your lifespan, would you want to know? The Measure explores how this knowledge affects an individual's life choices, relationships, and society as a whole. It reminds us to live life to the fullest, to cherish the present, and to value human connections. It is one of the most thought-provoking books I have read in a long time.”

Kelley Wilson, Finance

Demon Copperhead
by Barbara Kingsolver

“A modern-day version of Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield", "Demon Copperhead" explores the challenges of being born into and growing up in a harsh environment, and the resilience it takes to overcome the systemic failures and injustices that exist in the world.”

Jen Rohring, Client Services

The Nvidia Way: Jensen Huang and the Making of a Tech Giant
by Tae Kim

“The Nvidia Way is part biography of Jensen Huang, the most significant innovator of the AI era. His varied background, including formative years in rural Kentucky, is captivating. The novel is also partly a business strategy lesson on how a video game chip company’s organizational alignment helped organically cultivate a world-changing AI leader. Read it for the human story, absorb the corporate insights, and learn a lot more about how AI actually works along the way.”

Gerry Gugger, Wealth Management

Wild Dark Shore
by Charlotte McConaghy

“A novel of breathtaking twists, dizzying beauty, and ferocious love, Wild Dark Shore is about the impossible choices we make to protect the people we love, even as the world around us disappears.”

Becca Galliford, Wealth Management

The Anxious Generation
by Jonathan Haidt

“As a mom of two, this book really hit home. Haidt explains how the shift from real-world play to phone-based childhoods has impacted kids’ mental health, and it’s honestly eye-opening. What I loved most was that he didn’t just point out the problems. He offers real, hopeful ideas for how we can help our kids thrive again. In my opinion, every parent should read this one!”

Janice Embury, Marketing

Red Rising (#1)
by Pierce Brown

“Set in a dystopian future, miners on Mars are seen as the bottom of the socioeconomic hierarchy. Red Rising tells the story of Darrow, a young miner who infiltrates the elite ranks of society seeking justice.”

Ryan Stiphany, Wealth Management

Strong Ground
by Brené Brown

“Brené Brown's latest book, Strong Ground, argues that leadership starts with stability, self-awareness, and well-being. My favorite quote: "If we can't predict the way someone is going to act, it's hard to trust them... The role of leaders is insulating their team from that lack of stability, so the team can do good work."


I appreciated how Brown reframes leadership not as bravado or certainty, but as cultivating grounded stability in the midst of chaos- she invites leaders to find their "strong ground" so they can act with purpose, humility, and connection.”

Crysten Parker, Wealth Management

Quantum Supremacy: How the Quantum Computer Revolution Will Change Everything
by Michio Kaku

“Quantum Supremacy expanded my thinking beyond artificial intelligence and classical computing. The author does a great job discussing how complex quantum concepts will have real-world implications across multiple industries. I appreciated how the book described the socioeconomic ripple effects of technological breakthroughs that are just forming.”

Jeff McCormack, Wealth Management

Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company
by Patrick McGee

“A really fun and fascinating read about how the partnership between Apple and Chinese manufacturers came to be for all those Apple products we carry around in our ears, pockets, purses, and backpacks.”

Jeffrey Ingraham, Portfolio Strategies Group

Lady Tan's Circle of Women
by Lisa See

“A historical novel inspired by the true story of a woman physician in 15th-century China, about struggle, joy, and friendship - and how meaningful those relationships and support are in life.”

Susan Pilon, Wealth Management

Building a Non-Anxious Life
by Dr. John Delony

“In a refreshingly honest and practical read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of modern life, Delony breaks down what anxiety really is, clears up common misconceptions, and explores where it comes from. Then he shifts into simple, actionable strategies to help us “solve for peace” in our daily lives. Through relatable stories and clear guidance, he shows how small choices can build emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a sense of calm. It feels like getting advice from a friend who cares for you and genuinely wants you to slow down, reconnect, and take back control of your mental space. With all the noise and uncertainty in today’s world, this book is a must-read if you're craving mental peace and a sense of stability throughout your life.”

Ryan Hohensee, Advisory Services

Project Hail Mary
by Andy Weir

“Project Hail Mary is a brilliant blend of science, suspense, and heart. The story follows Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who awakens on a spacecraft with no memory – only to discover he’s humanity’s last hope for survival. As he unravels the mission and encounters an unexpected ally, the novel evolves from a tale of isolation into one of friendship, ingenuity, and sacrifice. Andy Weir delivers a fast-paced yet deeply human story that celebrates curiosity, resilience, and the power of connection – even across galaxies.”

Emily Rauscher, IT

1929
by Andrew Ross Sorkin

“Sorkin is a great journalist. He makes the reader feel as if he is in the room as events unfold, as he did in Too Big to Fail, a story about the global financial crisis. His style focuses on people and makes them 3-dimensional. No simple heroes or villains. He accessed primary sources that have never seen the light of day, such as Fed minutes from 1929, which add tremendous texture to the narrative.


While powerfully evoking a bygone era, the book is also a timeless depiction of human behavior and very timely.”

Marc Mayer, Chief Executive Officer

Good Morning, Monster
by Catherine Gildiner

“Good Morning Monster is a story about hope and recovery. A therapist recounts the experiences of five patients, who survived childhoods and life experiences that should be reserved for horror films. By delving into trauma and rewiring their neuro pathways, each patient successfully finds the solace and peace needed to navigate adulthood.”

Jessica Kushner, Compliance

How To Menopause
by Tamsen Fadal

“The reason I picked How To Menopause by Tamsen Fadal is to help women in the workplace with the brain fog we go through and the feeling that we're not okay to be working, making decisions, or contributing. I want to help others go through this transition with dignity because I care.”

Merribeth Campbell, Admin

The Let Them Theory
by Mel Robbins

“I like the practical advice of leaning into the things you can control. Also, I appreciate the reflective journey it takes you on to understand how much you might be giving your power away to others without even asking for it. This reflection point helps you release that hold and walk onto the path of greatness you are destined for. There are so many more good takeaways from this book that you can use both personally and professionally.”

Stacey Green, Human Resources

Somewhere Beyond the Sea
by T.J. Klune

“I was deeply moved by Somewhere Beyond the Sea for its heartfelt blend of magic, humor, and humanity. This story, and The House on the Cerulean Sea (also authored by Klune), beautifully explore the meaning of family, acceptance, and belonging, while offering moments of laughter and joy that stayed with me long after I finished reading. I love how these books feel like a warm hug in book form – heartwarming, uplifting, and full of hope, reminding me of the power of love and kindness."

Taylor Baker, IT

Before the Coffee Gets Cold
by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

“Through the magic of a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop and some light time travel, this quick read taps into the desires we think we need only to show us that the possibilities are endless.”

Madeline Kenny, Portfolio Implementation & Execution

The Will of the Many
by James Islington

“How often do you think about the Roman Empire? After reading The Will of the Many, it will probably be every day! Join Vis Telimus, an adopted orphan with a chip on his shoulder, as he navigates the magical Catenan Academy. This novel helps ask and answer the question of what the consequences are when those at the bottom of the social ladder are exploited for the gains of those at the top. Politics, rebels, magic, and friendship all intertwine in this brilliant tale that kicks off what is set to be The Hierarchy Trilogy. The best part? Book two, The Strength of the Few, was just released in early November 2025!”

Alex Sterba, Wealth Management

Pig Beach BBQ Cookbook: Smoked, Grilled, Roasted, and Sauced
by Matt Abdoo and Shane McBride

“If all this reading is making you hungry, take a look at my favorite barbecue cookbook. Come for the recipes, including classics like Pork Shoulder and Brisket, as well as unexpected gems, including their Smokin' Turkey Breast and World Champion Mustard Sauce. Stay for the sidebars on the history, science, and technique behind great 'cue.”

Chris Petrosino, Wealth Management

Tyll
by Daniel Kehlmann

“Tyll is a work of historical fiction about the 30 Years' War in Germany as told through the eyes of Tyll Ulenspiegel, an acrobatic trickster who appears in various eras of German folklore. Tyll – as written by Kehlmann – flees religious persecution in his small town and travels the land as a low-rent travelling acrobat hustling for coins, trying to outrun (sometimes unsuccessfully) a series of wars fought over control of broader Germany before settling in as an aged court jester for the King of Bohemia. The book is hilarious and harrowing at turns, and I couldn't put it down.”

John Beitter, Research

Slouching Towards Bethlehem
by Joan Didion

“This essay collection is a classic for a reason. In a series of journalistic vignettes, Didion examines the Californian dream of the 1960s in a prescient attempt to find meaning within the chaos of "modern" life. It's a strangely comforting affirmation that we have always been living through "unprecedented times." Didion's bafflingly concise prose and cutting philosophical revelations render every essay in this book an absolute delight.”

Sophia Krackov, Research

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More than They Expect
by Will Guidara

“I enjoyed Guidara's story about transforming a fine-dining restaurant (Eleven Madison Park) from a two-star brasserie into the #1 restaurant in the world! His examples of creating memorable, personalized experiences for his guests remind us of the impact we can have when we get creative and go beyond what is expected.”

Nicole Kingsley Brunner, Wealth Management



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