Looking for a good book? New arrivals are here! We are checking in with our friends around the office to see what they are currently reading. Learn more about how these fresh picks have inspired and empowered us to create action on ourselves and our communities.
I Really Needed This Today
by Hoda Kotb
Written by Hoda Kotb of the Today Show, she hopes that the quotes in this book comfort, motivate and leave you thinking—I really needed this today.
What is this book about?
This book contains a collection of quotes for each day of the year, curated by Hoda Kotb. Some of the quotes are funny, others are inspiring, others are deeply touching. I love how Hoda eloquently explains “Seemingly simple words tucked between quotation marks become the powerful elixir we need.”
What is your favorite quote and why?
My favorite quote in the book is “When you look at a field of dandelions, you can either see one hundred weeds or one hundred wishes.” To me, this quote illustrates that so much of life is about attitude and perspective. This quote reminds me to choose joy and positivity each day.
What inspired you to get this book?
It is easy to get lost in the stress of day-to-day life. The quotes in this book help to anchor me in positive intention as I begin my day. AND I just adore Hoda…who doesn’t?!
Reviewed by: Katie, Vice President of Merchandising
Where to Begin
by Cleo Wade
This book is a collection of ideas, mantras, and poems Wade turns to when she is feeling lost. Change-making comes in all sizes, this book is about where to begin.
Why should someone get this book?
Where to Begin is the perfect book to read this election season. It reminds us to listen to one another and remember that we are more united than divided. Cleo provides great insights as to what individuals can do to make change happen, one of which is simply listening to one another.
What inspired you to read it?
Cleo Wade is one of my favorite poets/authors. I read her book Heart Talk a few years ago and have reread it several times since then, naturally, I was really excited to read Where to Begin. Cleo has a beautiful way of reminding readers of the beauty in the simple acts of being kind to one another, the planet, and oneself.
What is one thing that stood out to you?
One thing that stood out to me is the simplicity of making change happen. We often think we have to make big impacts, but things as simple as smiling at one another, being kind, and getting to know one another can be the big impact we are looking for.
Reviewed by: Carolyn, Senior Manager of Merchandise, Production, and Planning
You Are a Badass Every Day
by Jen Sincero
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Jen Sincero, reach your goals with this pocket-size inspiration and guidance to keep your transformation on track. You Are a Badass Every Day is the companion to keep you fresh, grateful, mighty, and driven. In one hundred exercises, reflections, and cues that you can use to immediately realign your mind and keep your focus unwavering, this guide will show you how to keep the breakthroughs catalyzed by Sincero’s iconic books.
What did you learn from this book?
This book helped remind me to live in the present moment instead of worrying about the future. As Jen mentions in the book “If you run from your fears, they will follow you. If you run straight at your fears, they will get the hell out of your way.”
Who would you recommend reads this book?
I would recommend this book to my three daughters and to anyone willing to self-reflect on their own personal or professional development. No matter what stage of life you are in, this book provides motivation to face your fears and conquer your goals.
How do you motivate and empower your team at Paper Source?
We encourage our teams to approach each day with a positive attitude. You can’t control stressful situations, but you can control your reaction to them. I focus on leading my team with high personal energy, candid feedback and a dash of humor. We have a badass team here at Paper Source, and I am very blessed to be a part of this amazing lifestyle brand.
Reviewed by: Ron, Cheif Financial Officer
Bad Girls Throughout History
by Ann Shen
The 100 revolutionary women highlighted in this gorgeously illustrated book were bad in the best sense of the word: they challenged the status quo and changed the rules for all who followed. The accomplishments of these incredible women vary as much as the eras and places in which they affected change.
What did you like most about this book?
I love the reclaiming of the word “bad.” All of the remarkable women featured in this book bucked tradition or fought hard against the status quo. Now, some were actually, criminally bad (see Bonnie Parker) – but most just did things that made the patriarchy uncomfortable and helped to bring about an important change in the world around them. We owe so much to these trailblazers, and this book showcases them in quick, easy-to-read profiles and lovely illustrations, written and illustrated by Ann Shen.
What was one person’s story that stood out to you and why?
Angela Davis is a personal hero, and I was so happy to see her profiled in this book (as she is often left out of these types of anthologies.) She has been a civil rights advocate since the 1960s and is still at it today. She works to dismantle the prison industrial complex and advocate to repurpose those funds towards rehabilitation programs and community-building.
Who do you think would enjoy reading this book?
This feels like an essential coffee table book for anyone (all genders and ages) who would call themselves a feminist.
Also, I already bought one to start reading to my 2-year-old niece because I need her to know all about Ada Lovelace before someone accidentally makes her believe that girls can’t do math!
Reviewed by: Jenny, Senior Manager of Customer Experience
Greta and the Giants
by Zoe Tucker and Zoe Persico
Greta lives in a beautiful forest threatened by Giants. When the Giants first come to the forest, they chopped down trees to make homes. Now there is hardly any forest left. Luckily, Greta has an idea.
What is this book about?
This book is about standing up for what you believe in and climate change is affecting everything and everyone worldwide. Especially with kids, adults are looked to for the answers and to make the right decisions- that is not always the case!
What did you learn from this book?
No voice is too small, it only takes one person to start a change. If we all keep going at our current pace like the giants did, without regulations or without anyone standing up for the animals, the forests and wildlife will be permanently affected even more and at a quicker rate.
How has it inspired your family to make a change?
Every little bit helps, no one and nothing is too small to positively impact change!
We have joined Greta in the fight with conscious daily decisions- including everything from turning off the water when brushing your teeth, using reusable lunch packs and totes, walking around the city and using public transportation instead of cabs or ride-share programs. My nephews jump at the opportunity to take the redline to Aunt Courtney’s and love their walk to school in the morning!
Reviewed by: Courtney, Visual Merchandising Manager
Brave, Not Perfect
by Reshma Saujani
Fear less, fail more, and live bolder with this book, Brave, Not Perfect. Written by found and CEO of Girls Who Code Reshma Saujani. Inspired by her popular Ted Talk, Reshma shows us how to break free from the trap of perfection and embrace life more boldly and bravely!
What did you take away from this book?
Don’t be afraid to fail! Don’t feel ashamed or hold back from doing something that you may be bad at- don’t give up. Plus, striving to be perfect is tedious and often uninspiring. It’s the messy and rough-cut edges that make us interesting, and the aftermath scars truly make us unique.
What inspired you to read it?
Growing up, I’ve always strived for perfection and it kept me pigeon-holed to continue doing what I am comfortable and good with because it was safe; I was scared to fail. Due to this constant need of wanting to feel safe, I was only allowing myself to grow to the figurative ceiling I had imposed on myself. This book gave me a new perspective and a boost of bravery to take a step into the unknown. Am I uncomfortable with my decision? Heck yeah- but I took a risk and I do not regret it.
Who do you think would benefit from reading this book and why?
Young women early in their careers would find value and relate to this book. It’s never too late to be brave and courageous. We need to learn to be comfortable with making mistakes and break free of the unrealistic notion of constantly needing to be perfect- physically, emotionally and socially. We should strive to live our best brave life.
Reviewed by: Susan, Associate Merchandise Planner for Craft & DIY
Check out our full collection of books online and in stores!
[…] Kotb for a positive spark. You can read a review of Hoda’s book, as well as our other favorites here. Let your accessories do the talking with this little box of feminist flair and fun stickers. Be […]