What’s Inspiring, Entertaining, and Expanding Our Minds
Learning isn’t confined to classrooms, workshops, or leadership frameworks – it shows up in the stories we read, the ideas we explore, and even in the books we toss into our beach bags.
This summer, we asked our team to share what they’re reading, not just to discover fresh recommendations, but to offer a peek behind the curtain into what’s inspiring, entertaining, or expanding our minds right now.
The AI-Driven Leader by Geoff Woods
Recommended by Michelle Santaferraro
My husband has been so inspired by this book, and when he’s inspired by a person, it’s something I pay attention to. Also, my husband just had Geoff Woods on his podcast this week, so the talk in our household right now is all about how uniquely he speaks about AI.
The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman & Michael E. Long
Recommended by Kathirasan K
I learned that dopamine drives our endless pursuit of novelty, fueling both human progress and self-destructive urges. By understanding its role in desire and anticipation, I gained powerful insights into our choices and behaviors.
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann
Recommended by Steven Crawford
A powerful parable that flips the traditional notion of success on its head, showing that true achievement comes not from striving to get ahead, but from giving generously. Through the story of Joe, a go-getter desperate to land a key deal, the book introduces five “Laws of Stratospheric Success” that emphasize value, service, influence, authenticity, and receptivity.
This book truly made a huge impact on me. What’s more special is that a former client sent it to me years ago with an inscription that read, “Steven, I hope you enjoy this book. It made me think about you all the way through. I feel like you could have written it.”
When by Daniel Pink
Recommended by Eli Perkins
This book digs into the science of our daily rhythms and reveals how timing affects everything from energy and focus to creativity and performance. We actually make better decisions and produce higher-quality work when we align important tasks with our brain’s natural rhythm. One of my favorite takeaways: the “nappuccino”—drink a coffee, take a 20-minute nap, and wake up just as the caffeine kicks in! The final line sums it up beautifully: “I used to believe that timing was everything. Now I believe that everything is timing.”
Food for Life by Tim Spector
Recommended by Julio Arquimbau
I’ve become fascinated by how food affects people differently – the same diet can work differently for different people. I’m taking a new lens to my health and wellness this year and this book piqued my curiosity – it’s a guide to the new science of eating well. I want to understand food better and how it interacts with me, and this book is helping me do that. Next stop: one of Tim Spector’s recipe books. If I feel better, this then helps all other aspects of my life.
Diligence by Dzigar Kongtrul
Recommended by Joel Sutliff
Recommended to me by Laurie Oswald, this book is helping me reframe where to find joy in every day and bring soul to everything I do.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Recommended by Robin Doss
It’s the third novel of his I’ve read, and I love his simple yet poignant prose and how his stories explore the depths of what it means to love and be human in modern society. In this one, he explores it from the perspective of an “Artificial Friend” learning about what human love is. It’s an amazing commentary on the effect of AI on our society and how far it will push us to compete, succeed, and what aspects of real connection we’ll sacrifice to get there.
Rain of Gold by Victor Villaseñor
Recommended by Kelty Vaquerano
I chose to re-read Rain of Gold for its powerful portrayal of resilience, love, and family legacy. Victor Villaseñor brings to life his family’s journey from Mexico to the U.S. during the Mexican Revolution, highlighting the extraordinary strength and determination of his grandmothers, whose courage ensured their survival. I’m moved by their unshakable faith in the face of war, poverty, and discrimination. It’s a beautiful, humbling reminder of the sacrifices behind so many immigrant stories.
Beyond Ourselves by Catherine Marshall
Recommended by ML Banchoff
This book is an incredible invitation into a deepened relationship with Jesus, based on the challenges Catherine Marshall has had in her own faith life. Great for those who are just curious about Christianity, those who feel seasoned, and others who feel their path is stifled and want to break into a deeper connection with God. I’m really energized by her generous exploration of the changing role of faith in the modern world.
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Recommended by Jennifer Willmoth
Backman’s books always expand my thinking and perspective in meaningful ways that I ponder long after I’ve finished reading. He masterfully weaves characters, heart, hardship, and playfulness into stories that I can’t put down – yet I find myself wishing would never end.
The Book of Shadow Work by Keila Shaheen
Recommended by Kessa Carroll
I appreciate this book for its honest, easy, and creative approach to emotional healing and self-discovery. I was looking for a book to help me reflect on the suppressed parts of myself without shame or judgment. Not only does this book deepen intelligence and resilience, but it offers tools that align beautifully with leadership development and personal growth.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Recommended by Katie Sanderson
It’s funny, heartbreaking, and full of quirky charm. Beyond the humor and heart, it’s a story about healing, human connection, and the quiet strength it takes to change. The kind of book that sticks with you.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Recommended by Cathey Stamps
Loved this book about the early days of women being allowed into the space program, interwoven with things right here on Earth that are equally awe-inspiring and mysterious. I’m a huge fan of this author and recommend reading any of her novels.
Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind by Nate Bargatze
Recommended by Sarah Furrier
I love Nate’s dry humor and self-deprecation. This book feels like his stand-up, but fills more than an hour. I’m absolutely loving the comedic relief. We all need it.
Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
Recommended by Stephenie Rockwell
This book is like a modern-day witch curse meets small-town horror, with a juicy twist. I picked it up after seeing Stephen King recommend it, and I get why – it’s eerie, smart, and deeply unsettling in all the best ways. It’s not just spooky fun (though it is that); it also made me think about community dynamics, fear, and what happens when we try to control what we don’t understand. Perfect if you want a creepy read that lingers.
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Recommended by Joel Sutliff
Re-reading this classic after years of watching the movie – it’s reminding me that it’s important to take care with technology and evolution and that we have the power to wield or yield it for the greater good.
On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen
Recommended by Kessa Carroll
Such a thought-provoking read! I am always interested in how cultural expectations shape women’s identities, particularly in professional and social spaces. This book does just that : it explores the quiet, often invisible forces that influence how we show up in the world, through interesting cultural analysis and personal narrative. I find this to be a valuable book to read for anyone but ESPECIALLY for those whose work centers around creating equity, leadership, and whole-person development.
Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables by Joshua McFadden
Recommended by Laurie Oswald
This book is bringing produce to life right before my eyes! So creative and refreshing in every sense of the word.
Why Fish Don’t Exist by Lulu Miller
Recommended by Stacy Cross
I picked this one up on a whim, drawn to its promise of strange stories and unexpected insights – and it completely delivered. It’s part memoir, part scientific detective story, and totally fascinating. I’ve been thinking about how much we all crave order and how often life reminds us that things aren’t as simple as they seem.
“The longer we examine our world, the stranger it proves to be.”
This book feels like an invitation to stay curious, embrace complexity, and loosen my grip on certainty – a mindset that feels especially relevant right now, in both life and leadership.
What’s on your summer reading list?
We hope this sparks your curiosity, inspires your next great read, or gives you a glimpse into what’s been resonating with us lately.
Let us know if you’ve read any of these… or if you have a recommendation we should add to our shelves!
Author – Stacy Cross InteraWorks Director of Content + Branding
About InteraWorks
InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs based on four defined conditions that must exist for individuals, teams including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent, and energy to produce results that matter most.
We’ve defined four conditions that must exist for an individual, team, or organization to be effective within the arena of performance and development; Accountability, Focus, Alignment, and Integrity. We’ll continue to explore these and more in our blog and look forward to your engagement and interaction with us. Stay tuned as we engage the edges.