Mindshare Monthly: Our Top 5 Book Recommendations

Last month we rolled out our first ‘Mindshare Monthly’ prompt as we invited all our members to share book recommendations with us. We launched this initiative to create space for members to share insights and engage in lively discussions.

Now, let us tell you… Lively discussions most certainly were had. Cue the debates between LOTR & Harry Potter fans; “Frodo ran (across Middle Earth!) so Harry could walk.”. And whether or not the Twilight fans (both the secret and the unabashed) among us were #TeamEdward or #TeamJacob. 

We had a lengthy list with incredible recommendations shared. From classic novels to contemporary masterpieces, each book recommendation we received offered a glimpse into the diverse tastes and interests of our community. Whether it was a beloved childhood favorite, a recent discovery that left a lasting impact, or a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered, every recommendation added a new layer to the rich tapestry of our collective reading experience. 

Without further due, we’re excited to share some of our favourite recommendations with you! 

1. The Hard Thing About Hard Things

by Ben Horowitz

Genre: Non-fiction, Business & Entrepreneurship

Synopsis: In The Hard Thing About Hard Things, Ben Horowitz, cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz and one of Silicon Valley’s most respected and experienced entrepreneurs, draws on his own story of founding, running, selling, buying, managing, and investing in technology companies to offer essential advice and practical wisdom for navigating the toughest problems business schools don’t cover. His blog has garnered a devoted following of millions of readers who have come to rely on him to help them run their businesses. A lifelong rap fan, Horowitz amplifies business lessons with lyrics from his favorite songs and tells it straight about everything from firing friends to poaching competitors, from cultivating and sustaining a CEO mentality to knowing the right time to cash in.

2. The Kite Runner

by Khaled Hosseini

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: In 1970s Afghanistan, twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what would happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realizes that one day he must return to an Afghanistan under Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.

3. Meditations

by Marcus Aurelius

Genre: Non-fiction, Philosophy.

Synopsis: Written in Greek by the only Roman emperor who was also a philosopher, without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius offer a remarkable series of challenging spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the emperor struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. While the Meditations were composed to provide personal consolation and encouragement, Marcus Aurelius also created one of the greatest of all works of philosophy: a timeless collection that has been consulted and admired by statesmen, thinkers and readers throughout the centuries.

4. Immortal Dark

by Tigest Girma

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis: Orphaned heiress Kidan Adane grew up far from the elusive society of vampires she was born into, where human bloodlines gain power through vampire companionship. She is obsessively protective, mildly nihilistic, and willing to do anything to save her loved ones. When her sister, June, disappears, Kidan is convinced a vampire stole her—the same vampire bound to her family bloodline, the cruel yet captivating Susenyos Sagad. To find June, Kidan must infiltrate the elite Uxlay University—where students study to inherit their family fortune and select vampire companions. Kidan must study an arcane philosophy, work with four enigmatic students, and survive living with Susenyos—even as he does everything to drive her away. It doesn’t matter that Susenyos’s wickedness speaks to Kidan’s own violent nature and tempts her to surrender to a life of darkness. She must find her sister and kill Susenyos at all costs.

5. Untamed

by Glennon Doyle

Genre: Non-fiction, Memoir

Synopsis: Soulful and uproarious, forceful and tender, Untamed is both an intimate memoir and a galvanizing wake-up call. It is the story of how one woman learned that a responsible mother is not one who slowly dies for her children, but one who shows them how to fully live. It is the story of navigating divorce, forming a new blended family, and discovering that the brokenness or wholeness of a family depends not on its structure but on each member’s ability to bring her full self to the table. And it is the story of how each of us can begin to trust ourselves enough to set boundaries, make peace with our bodies, honor our anger and heartbreak, and unleash our truest, wildest instincts so that we become women who can finally look at ourselves and say: There She Is.

Whether you’re seeking an inspiring nonfiction story, a deep read to get your mind turning, or a fantasy realm to get lost in, we’re confident that you’ll find something to love among these recommendations. Keep an eye on the community boards at each Workhaus location where lists of favorite suggestions and absolute must-reads, curated by our Community Leads, will be popping up shortly!

Finally, we’d like to thank each and every member who took the time to share their favourite books with us. Your enthusiasm, passion, and great taste in reading material have truly made this initiative a resounding success, and we can’t wait to continue exploring new ideas with you all.

Until next time, happy reading!