January Staff Book Report: Andrea Weinzimer
Each month we ask our staff to share their latest reading recommendations and give us a peek into their reading habits by answering your favorite bookish questions. In January, we hear from Andrea Weinzimer, SVP, Human Resources. Read ahead for Andrea’s trusted recommendations, her favorite book cover and more.
Girls and Their Monsters by Audrey Clare Farley
I read HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD and found it fascinating, the book mentioned this family and it was interesting to see the parallels and the references that were in both books. It also brought up a lot of thought provoking questions on nature versus nurture and how the parents exploited their families.
Madness by Antonia Hylton
I had heard my neighbors in Legacy Lit talking about this title and knew it was an important book for them so I felt I should read it. It was truly fascinating and more so because we had the privilege of hearing directly from the author who did a tremendous amount of research. Similar to GIRLS AND THEIR MONSTERS, there is a lot of weight put on “experts” who did not do right by their charges. I am still struck by how patients were brought to the facility although, in some cases, there was nothing wrong with them, and actually had to build the institution that housed them and were treated in an undignified manner for most of their stay. It also showed the power of a few employees who did care and how those gestures are so important.
Thicker than Water by Kerry Washington
Simply, I like Kerry Washington and am always fascinated by people’s journeys. Also, like me, she is from the Bronx except she’s famous!
Seek by Scott Shigeoka
I read this book after hearing the author speak. His energy is infectious, and his message is strong. What stuck with me in particular was how simple and important it is to just be curious about others.
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog by Admiral William H. McRaven
I found the book to be a great reminder of leadership and life lessons. Being a good leader and/or manager doesn’t have to be rocket science. It mean being present and thoughtful, taking responsibility and giving credit. Of course there was more than that but those felt like the big ones to me.
Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant by Curtis Chin
I loved the title! I also love to read memoirs and see how people get from where they were to where they are. Curtis painted a great picture of his life with his more traditional family and the incremental steps to being where he is today.
Scattershot by Bernie Taupin
I was so curious to read about Bernie’s relationship with Elton John and again, love to see people’s journeys.
What is the weirdest thing you have used as a bookmark?
I kind of use anything that is handy. Sometimes my phone, which never works out because invariably I need to use it. Mostly I remember where I left off although a great postcard is really my favorite to use.
If you owned a bookstore, what would you call it?
READ THIS!
What is your favorite book cover from the past year and why?
Head Over Heels by Melissa Newman
Oh gosh, this is hard, there are so many stunning covers and I adore our creative teams. I think it would be HEAD OVER HEELS.
