Happy Holidays from DCI!
November 22, 2024
Happy Holidays from DCI!
Over the past year, the DCI team has embraced our core value of “Be a Knowledge Sponge” both in and outside of the office. In doing so, we have read a collection of powerful and impactful books that have challenged us to think differently, to learn new skills, to understand different perspectives, to invest more intentionally in ourselves and to grow as creatives.
As this holiday season approaches, our team compiled the list of books that have made a particular impact on us. We wanted to share the list with our place marketing and industry peers. So have a look and consider adding one of these reads to your holiday “wish list” for yourself or for someone special.
We hope these books offer as much inspiration to you as they offered us. Happy reading!
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Recommended By: Andy Levine, Chairman
I recently joined a local book club and this was the first assignment. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store is a historical fiction/mystery novel. In 1972, a skeleton found in an old well unravels the hidden secrets of Chicken Hill, a Pennsylvania neighborhood where Jewish and Black communities coexist amidst racial tensions. Chona Ludlow is the Jewish owner of the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, which shapes the destinies of various characters over the decades. James McBride is an amazing story teller and has won dozens of awards for this and other books (The Good Lord Bird – 2013, Deacon King Kong – 2020, Song Yet Sung – 2008 and Miracle at St. Anna – 2001.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Recommended by: Julie Curtin, President and Partner
I devoured this book. In a coincidence of timing, I read it leading up to Veteran’s Day this year, which in retrospect made it all the more powerful. Historical fiction set during the Vietnam War this is a story of 20-year-old “Frankie” who enlisted in the US Army to serve as a nurse in Vietnam where she was exposed to the horrific injuries, pressure, loss, and circumstances that come with war. It’s a book about the power of friendships, the largely unknown role of women in Vietnam, about the often difficult dynamics of family and love, and about navigating the unexpected reaction of the world upon her return from war. A great read for anyone on your holiday list who appreciates history, resilience, and the power of friendships.
Recommended by: Karyl Leigh Barnes, President and Partner
I dove into 20 autobiography and biography books this year, and while only one was hot off the press, it takes the crown! Rebel Rising is raw, real, and packed with relatable moments tied to career conflicts, friendships that test you, and the search for companionship. Plus, she’s a hoot. A great plane read!
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Recommended by: Susan Brake, Senior Vice President and Partner
At first glance, this story seems to follow a witch hired to tutor three young witches, but at its core, it explores the deeper theme of finding a place to belong. It’s the perfect tale to enjoy while curled up by the fire, wrapped in a cozy knitted blanket, with a warm cup of tea in hand.
Dispatches from Pluto: Lost and Found in the Mississippi Delta by Richard Grant
Recommended by: Daniella Middleton, Senior Vice President and Partner
A few years ago, a DMO partner from Mississippi recommended this remarkable book, noting it as one of the rare works that captures the Mississippi Delta with both empathy and insight from an outsider’s view. In it, author Richard Grant and his girlfriend, both former New Yorkers, relocate to the Delta after purchasing an old plantation house. The story is as vibrant and complex as the region itself—lively, funny, and full of a travel writer’s knack for detailed observation. Beyond being an entertaining read, it offers thoughtful reflections on poverty, community, and race. It’s also a love story, as the once-nomadic Grant learns to put down roots, not just with his girlfriend, but with the captivating place they now call home. By the end, Grant declares Mississippi the best-kept secret in America.
Recommended by: Dariel Curren, Executive Vice President
Although it won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2023, I didn’t find time to read Barbara Kingsolver’s heartbreaking book about the toll of the opioid crisis in America until this year. It’s not an easy read. The unrelenting misery of a broken foster care system, childhood hunger and rural struggles make it downright depressing at times. But there is enough humor and wit laced throughout, as well as Demon’s determination to survive against all odds, to make it a compelling novel to finish. Kingsolver’s mastery of the English language inspires too.
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
Recommended by: Cathy Preece, Senior Vice President
What would happen if we cried out to God for help and God – or someone claiming to be God – appeared before us? In this beguiling novel, a group of shipwrecked passengers must face just that scenario when a man they pull from the water says he can only save them if they all believe in him. Albom keeps us guessing until the end: Is this strange man really who he claims to be? What actually happened to cause the explosion? The story is narrated by Benji, one of the passengers, who recounts the events in a notebook that is discovered—a year later—when the empty life raft washes up on the island of Montserrat. The island’s chief inspector, Jarty LeFleur, must solve the mystery of what really happened while he is battling his own demons. A fast-paced, compelling novel that makes you ponder your deepest beliefs, while suggesting that answers to our prayers might be found where we least expect them.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Recommended by: Karen Villa, Account Manager
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a transformative and inspiring tale of self-discovery, filled with themes of magic, wisdom, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. The story follows Santiago, a shepherd boy from Andalusia, on his journey to find a hidden treasure. Along the way, he learns profound lessons about listening to his heart, recognizing life’s opportunities, and understanding the signs that guide him. The novel’s message encourages readers to pursue their dreams, trust in the process, and embrace the wisdom found along life’s path, making it a modern classic that has touched the lives of millions worldwide.
Recommended by: Hanna Gbordzoe, Vice President
Technically written for children, Trevor Noah’s latest book is actually a story about conflict resolution that is applicable to readers of all ages, at home, at work, and in all aspects of life. Through the story you’ll learn that all it takes is a changed perspective to agree with one another and realize that different approaches can each be successful in getting you where you need to be.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Recommended by:Bonnie Bastian, Account Manager
Everyone has a different experience with money as not every financial decision is based on logic. Behaviors shape how you make financial decisions both good and bad. This book shows how the behaviors people learn about money throughout their life impacts their financial decsions. Whether you are comfortable with your money or afraid you could lose it all, this book helps you to understand your behaviors around money in a non-judgemental way and how you can see your finances through a new lens.
Recommended by: Maddie McNamee, Senior Marketing Specialist
The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg and John David Mann
Recommended by: Caleb Woods, Senior Specialist, Talent Attraction
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann truly resonated with me, highlighting the transformative power of compassion and genuine human connection. It follows Joe, a young professional who learns that shifting his focus from getting to giving—prioritizing the needs of others and adding real value to their lives—leads to unexpected opportunities and rewards. This book reminded me that no matter how much technology advances, authentic relationships and heartfelt compassion are irreplaceable. Their impact goes far beyond what we can measure or imagine. It inspired me to always lead with generosity and empathy, trusting that when I give freely, the returns will come in ways I might not expect.
Recommended by: Tania Kedikian, Account Director
You can do it. You are already this far in your career, you have already encountered many hurdles in your life. You can overcome. Find your inspiration in this book written by a career-driven mother who just so happens to have run every ultramarathon in the world, and then some (plus she is a pretty famous Peloton trainer). I grew up without a real understanding of fitness, and I am no marathoner. But, as a mom of two myself, I needed an outlet aside from work to unleash stress and do something for me. Robin inspired me to take it a day at a time and not give up on myself. This book is inspiration for anyone looking to pick up a great pair of shoes and go for a run or two… or maybe a marathon. It’s never too late to try something new or something that you used to love. Go for it!! Maybe this book will be your day one on a beautiful, rewarding journey.
Recommended by: Taylor Bologna, Senior Account Executive
In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes; together they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club. When a local developer is found dead with a mysterious photograph left next to the body, the Thursday Murder Club suddenly find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer, before it’s too late? If you watched “Only Murders in the Building”, you will be hooked on this “cozy” mystery and fall in love with the comedically genius characters!
Recommended by: Upama Roy, Digital Apprentice
The first chapter of Beartown tells us how this story will end – a teenager points a gun at an unknown victim, and a shot rings. Then, we jump straight into everything that led up to that moment. Beartown is about a small rundown town in Sweden that’s struggling to get by. While everyone may not like each other here, they all come together for their local high school’s ice hockey team. The hope is that the team will make it to the semi-finals and the pressure is high for these teenage boys to put their small town on the map. But one night, a drunken act of violence occurs and it splits everyone apart. As someone who is not a sports fan, I devoured this in two days. The sheer range of perspectives you get from the large cast of characters encapsulates everything a book does—they make you see things differently and stretch your empathy. I learned how even my smallest decisions can have a large impact on my community. But I’m also at the complete mercy of everyone around me. While it’s a dark and painful book, it has Backman’s signature feeling of hope in humanity that he instills in all his works. I read this in my early 20s and I know I will revisit it constantly as I get older.
Recommended by: Katie Crocilla, Manager, SEM & Media
The Only One Left by Riley Sager is a tense, well-crafted thriller that follows Kit McDeere as she cares for Lenora Hope, the last survivor of a notorious family massacre who may have been involved in the crime herself. Sager does a great job building suspense with unexpected twists and a dark, atmospheric setting that keeps you guessing right to the end. If you’re into thrillers with a mix of mystery and eerie vibes, this one’s worth a read.
The Yellow Bus by Loren Long
Recommended by: Carly Steele Johnson, Senior Director, SEM & Media
With beautiful illustrations and a powerful story, both parents and children will enjoy learning about the life of a Yellow Bus, from her early days driving children to school to her later years once she no longer drives people place to place. Discovered by my son at the library (purely because a big yellow bus was on the cover), it’s become one of our favorite books to read before bedtime. While my little guy enjoys seeing the bus go to familiar places like school, the library and a farm, I enjoy the deeper meaning- the reminder that while we can’t stop the passage of time, we can choose to seek purpose and joy in all chapters of our life.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Recommended by: Evangeline Jessop, Destination Marketer
This book tells the story of Addie, a young woman in 1714 who makes a deal with a dark entity for immortality and freedom. In exchange for her soul, she gains the ability to live forever, but she is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. The narrative spans centuries, chronicling Addie’s journey through history as she seeks both freedom and the desire to be remembered. The message of the book is to live your life and leave your mark in the world, emphasizing that even the smallest acts of kindness and forgiveness can leave a lasting impact. It also highlights the significance of living authentically and making meaningful choices, regardless of the challenges faced.
Recommended by: Katarzyna Jezak, Senior Account Executive
My favorite read of 2024 by far, this classic will take you on an epic journey that addresses themes of individuality, happiness, achievement, innovation, reason, love, and what it means to be human. At over 1,000 pages, I was reading this book from June to October, so buckle up! I enjoyed every minute and I’m inspired to keep studying Ayn Rand’s philosophy and apply it to my own life.
Recommended by: Elizabeth Borsting, Account Manager
Empty Mansions chronicles the life of Huguette Clark, described as “the last jewel of the Gilded Age,” and spans several decades and locales. Ms. Clark was the daughter of the wealthy copper industrialist William A. Clark, a controversial senator, builder of railroads and the namesake of Clark County, Nevada. Huguette grew up at 962 Fifth Avenue, the largest house in New York City, and had a home in Santa Barbara, California, that she visited a handful of times yet employed a full staff for decades. The book weaves together a life of affluence and privilege with multiple estates, first-class travel, and a priceless art collection, yet, despite a fortune of more than $300 million, Ms. Clark spent the last 20 years of her life in a New York City hospital. Was it by choice or did hospital staff enable her stay in order to be lavished with gifts and donations? A fascinating read proving, once again, that money doesn’t always buy happiness.
Recommended by: Kyle Amann, Manager, SEM & Media
Change the Culture, Change the Game focuses on how important workplace culture is for driving results and maintaining productive teams. By looking at case studies that range from manufacturing to the military, this book looks at examples of how failing business turned things around completely by empowering employees and cultivating a new culture, to how to build trust that allows team members to operate at a higher level. Especially with a combination of hybrid, remote, and return to office teams, it’s a good read about working effectively together.
Recommended by: Brittany Borsanyi, Senior Director
I picked up this book because I’m training for marathons and wanted to learn about “thriving on pressure like an Olympic athlete.” This is a great book of articles about the mental attributes of top performers in athletics and the workplace, and the common denominators of what drives people to become their best and to get better. A few of the topics include cognitive fitness, resiliency training, and response to setbacks, which are very applicable to careers and sports.
Recommended by: Payton Walker, Research Associate
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
Recommended by: Nkechi Mitchell, Project Manager, Digital
The Ministry of Time is a captivating book that weaves together the allure of time travel, spies and romance. This story takes readers on a thrilling journey through history, where secret agents navigate pivotal moments in time to protect the world as we know it. With richly drawn characters and unexpected twists, it’s a story that captures the imagination while tugging at the heartstrings.
Perfect for the holiday season, this book invites you to cozy up with a warm beverage and immerse yourself in its pages. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, adventure or love stories, The Ministry of Time offers something for everyone, making it a perfect addition to your winter reading list.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg Mckeown
Recommended by: Rachel Deloffre, Vice President, Creative Services
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
Recommended by: Lina Lintemuth, Director, Content Marketing
