The Giver by Lois Lowry
"I first read this powerful story when I was in middle school, and I’ve continued to re-read it every few years. It has spoken to me in different ways, and each time I read it, I take away something new. It always reminds me of the importance of embracing the human experience and how our memories and emotions, both good and bad, shape the way we look at the world.”
– Karissa Gretebeck, Manager, Corporate Volunteerism
The Brothers K by David James Duncan
“I love this book because it is about siblings who will do anything for each other and because it is one of the first books that caused me to burst out laughing in a public place. I got a few strange glances from passersby, but I COULD NOT help it!”
– Megan Thomassen, Pledge Processing Associate
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
“It is a beautiful, magical book about family and friendship and choices versus destiny and includes one of the most memorable characters in all of literature. I read it at least once a year.”
– Nicole Angresano, VP, Community Impact
I'll Love You Forever by Robert Munsch & Sheila McGraw
“It represents all of the stages of life and how no matter what a child says or does or how old they get, a parent’s love is never ending. I read this book to my grandma the day that she died as a reminder to all of us how love is eternal.”
– Dawn Helmrich, Director, Data and Outcomes
Oh the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss
“Because there is no end to the possibilities!”
– Michelle Gutknecht, Human Resources Generalist
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
“A fascinating individual with a vision and a unique style of work.”
– John Schiraj, Director, Community Partnerships
Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
“It's a simple and wise book. It taught me four things I strive to reach: be impeccable with your words, don't take anything personally, always do your best, and don't make assumptions.”
– Kathy Miller, Senior Account Manager, Public Sector
The Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
“Every time I read it (and yes, as an adult I still read it), I remember a time when I had no worries, of staying up way past my bedtime and my Dad coming home after 2nd shift ‘catching’ me with my light still on. The story shares the struggles of a Pioneer family, struggles of illness, and joy in finding your way. I always felt part of the story, not just a reader.”
– Jessica Wagner-Schultz, Account Manager, Strategic Markets
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (A Trilogy in Five Parts) by Douglas Adams
“This book blends humor and science fiction like no other. There were times when reading I had to put the book down to laugh about what I had just read. It is no wonder the book made the list of the One Hundred Greatest Books of the 20th Century.”
– Naushad Moola, Controller
Watchmen by Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons
“A significant share of the nerd community (myself included) considers Moore’s depiction of a post-superhero world to be a high point for comics as a narrative form—creating a universe with familiar archetypes that are unlike other iterations, playing to these archetypes' previously unexplored and often adult psychology, and most importantly, telling a really compelling story about superheroes finding their ways in a world that has left old heroes behind. Gibbons’ art breathes life into the men and women who once put their lives on the line to protect normal citizens but now find themselves under attack. Don’t just take my word for it: TIME Magazine counts Watchmen among the best 100 English-language novels published since 1923.”
– Jon Waldbauer, eBusiness Administrator, Web
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
“I re-read this book whenever I experience a death in my family or circle of friends. The magical realism allows for the most fantastic escapism and reading about the seven generations reminds me that lives that have passed us by tend to reemerge in patterns of behavior in the lives that come after. There is so much that I love about this book.”
– Krystina Kohler, Financial Stability Portfolio Manager
Books on the American Civil War
“I’ve read approximately 100 books on the subject – autobiographies of key figures (politicians and generals), books about particular battles or campaigns, and books that lend insight into the broader life and times of those who experienced that American tragedy. Even when books duplicate or overlap on subject matter, I always learn additional details.”
– Bruce Schmidt, Senior Account Manager
So'm I by Ted Kay
“The art is soft and warm. The story is sweet with themes of Mother’s love, determination, trying, acceptance, community, and finding what success looks like for you.”
– Matthew Staab, Community Impact Intern
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
“My mom used to read it to me as a kiddo and she would always get teared up when she read that love is what makes us “real”. It’s such a sweet reminder that what is real and magic is the love we share with others.” – Vickie Hay, Kindergarten Readiness Program Coordinator & Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program Assistant
A Primate's Memoir: A Neuroscientist's Unconventional Life Among the Baboons by Robert M. Sapolsky
“It’s got everything a book needs: misadventures, personal growth, and baboons.” – Sarah Marbes, Administrative Assistant, Strategic Markets
Share your love of reading by hosting a book drive or signing up as a volunteer reader. Simply visit UnitedWayGMWC.org/Volunteer to get started.
What is your favorite book? Share in the comments below!