As the temperatures start climbing and summer vacations begin, we start reaching for new and engaging reads to enjoy. Read on to learn what titles RCB staff are currently enjoying.
The reason I chose this book: The title. I’m about halfway through (pretty dense content!). The authors’ argue through historical case studies, that the role of institutions largely determines a nation’s economic success. If you like economics and history, this is a great book for you!
Rob Leet
Credit AnalystWhy Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by Daron Acemoglu & James Robinson
The reason I chose this book: I heard it was much like the book “The Goal” by Dr. Eliyah M. Goldratt, which has been called one of the most influential management books of all time and is one of my favorites. I also wanted to better understand more about what an IT team typically tackles and how they interact with other departments within an organization, especially as it relates to projects and process improvement. If you have ever been in a situation where you felt there was not enough time or enough resources, too many competing priorities and agendas, etc. then you will definitely benefit from reading this book.
Bryce Lund
Operations Project Manager/ AVPThe Phoenix Project by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford
The reason I chose this book: It’s a really original and beautiful sci-fi novella about a woman from the Himba people of North Western Africa who is accepted into the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy.
Jessica MisquezLoan Operations SpecialistBinti by Nnedi Okorafor
The reason I chose this book: I’m re-reading this book and have read it several times since being introduced to it in college. It was the first book that I felt was written just for me. It focuses specifically on the complex relationship between Asian immigrant mothers and their Asian-American daughters and their strong bond, despite generational and cultural conflicts. It depicts the fierceness of women, young and old, their bravery, and the perseverance that binds them all.
Tess GeeMarketing Project Manager/AVPJoy Luck Club by Amy Tan
The reason I chose this book: This book was chosen as Alastair Reynolds is one of my favorite sci-fi authors. It takes place 500 years in the future when humankind is spread throughout the stars. It tackles a number of issues, including what it means to be “human” in environments that are very different from what we experience today on Earth. The story is very complicated and full of twists and turns, which makes it a very challenging and exciting read!
Jeremy SpencerInternal Audit Manager/VPRevelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
The reason I chose this book: I love reading crime novels that have unpredictable plots. The author Lars Kepler is unique. Kepler is actually a husband and wife team authoring books under one moniker. I don’t have a more in-depth reason for picking it up other than I love to read. It is my passion and has been since I picked my first book off the shelf of my dad’s den.
Shirleen HassianCompliance Risk Manager/SVPThe Sandman by Lars Kepler
