A+B Booklist
A great story can give you a perspective that helps transform how you see things. With that in mind we asked our team to share their favorite books and put together a list to share. The eclectic mix of tastes and interests across A+B ensures there’s a page turner for everyone.
“Let My People Go Surfing” by Yvon Chouinard
The story of a unique business, and a detailed blueprint for hope.
— Submitted by Eric
"House" by Tracy Kidder
A compelling (non fiction) chronicle of the construction of a new house in Western, MA from the perspective of the owners, the architect, and the builders. Basically a story about what we do and the people we work with.
— Submitted by Peter
— Submitted by Andy
— Submitted by Amy
“Unaccustomed Earth” by Jhumpa Lahiri
There are so many books that I love!! This one stands out. All of Jhumpa Lahiri’s books are amazing, but this one is my favorite! It is a collection of short stories. Each story is rich, beautifully written, and easy to complete in one sitting!
— Submitted by Emily
“The Story of Philosophy” by Will Durant.
It's not exactly a storybook, but I find it incredibly enlightening.
I believe everyone eventually encounters insights about life that fascinate, enlighten, humble, or even hurt them.
Often, we feel alone in these reflections, reluctant to share them—either because they make us uncomfortable or reveal too much of our inner selves.
This book is full of those kinds of thoughts and encourages readers to explore them.
— Submitted by Nolan
“Ishmael: A Novel”, by Daniel Quinn
A quick and engaging novel that lays out the ways of the world and humans’ place in it through conversations with a caged pet gorilla. Ishmael the gorilla tells the narrator the story of the givers and the takers, guess which one the humans are!
— Submitted by Adian
“Astrophysics For People In a Hurry”, by Neil DeGrasse Tyson
The author presents lofty cosmological concepts in a way that's easy for the layperson to understand and digest.
— Submitted by Adian
— Submitted by Keith
— Submitted by Nick
“The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett
I love anything written by Ann Patchett, but this book is one of my favorites. I love the connections she makes between our past and our present and her exploration of the idea that where we grew up and with whom impacts so many of our future choices.
— Submitted by Diane
— Submitted by Eric
"Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung" by Lester Bangs
A collection of short pieces originally published in Rolling Stone, Creem and other music focused magazines. From the introduction: "To read Lester Bangs, one must consider the possibility that one of our greatest contemporary American writers produced nothing but record reviews." An absolute must for fans of the punk scene, and especially, Lou Reed.
— Submitted by Peter
— Submitted by Nick
“Penpal” by Dathan Auerbeck.
In the autumnal/halloween spirit, I feel compelled to recommend one of my favorite scary books.
It's a bone-chilling tale lacking in the typical supernatural or phantasmagorical elements common to a lot of short horror/suspense. It's probably due for a reread, come to think of it.
— Submitted by Nic
— Submitted by Amy
— Submitted by Emily
— Submitted by Laura
“Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson.
So intelligent, well researched, pertinent, and powerfully well written....can't stop thinking about this book and it's’ premise.
— Submitted by Angus
“A People's History of the United States”, by Howard Zinn
Because Zinn is the man! after reading this it makes you realize that you've been living / have been taught a revisionist history for the most part. Howie does his best to untangle that and lead your horse to the watering hole.
— Submitted by Adian
"Reclaimed Wood: A Field Guide", by Alan Solomon and Klaas Armster
This is my favorite most recent construction-related book. It gives an interesting history of the early American forests and lumber manufacturing process. It's also interesting because it was written by Klaus Armster who has a large reclaimed lumber company in Springfield and Windsor Locks, CT. I've been to the yard in CT and it literally has acres of reclaimed lumber which was quite impressive. I picked up some pre-civil war oak joists and made a coffee table out of them.
— Submitted by Brice
“Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver
This is just such a great read. A story of a young boy's struggles from youth to adulthood in poverty stricken Appalachia. There are villains and there are heroes as well as so many many flawed but hopeful humans in this novel. I wanted to look away from the wreckage but could not put this book down.
— Submitted by Diane
“Like Me. Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer” by Chely Wright
This is one of my favorite books. It’s captivating, relatable, heartbreaking and inspiring
— Submitted by Marina