Best Books of the Summer

7 min read

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I’m a bookworm. There is literally nothing I like doing more than closing the world out and getting lost in a good book. Fiction or non-fiction, it doesn’t matter. I love them all. I have stacks of books I’ve bought but not yet read on my bedside table, and my Amazon wish list is pages and pages long. But whenever I see those “best book” lists that most blogs and magazines publish, I find countless more books I want to read.

So, in that spirit, we surveyed our team to come up with a list of our favorite books of the summer. My hope is that you’ll find something on here to interest you too.

derek-at-the-beachDerek McLaughlin- Member Advocate

Becoming a Supple Leopard, by Dr. Kelly Starrett

This book goes into ridiculous detail about the body, how it works, and how to “move” correctly to avoid injury and stay healthy and strong. Sounds like a weird one, but it’s clutch for CrossFitters and athletes in general! [clearfix]

alan-with-statueAlan Legleiter- Software Developer

A Confederacy of Dunces, by John Kennedy Toole

The story starts off slow, and it is hard to like the main character at first. But the book becomes one long joke and is the funniest book I have ever read. I would say in all likelihood the funniest book to win the Pulitzer Prize. The entire story takes place in New Orleans, and it captures so much of such a unique city. There is a statue in front of the department store where the book begins in New Orleans. (Shown in photo)[clearfix]

girl-and-guy-mouths-openHannah Tatum- Member Advocate

A Steady Running of the Hour, by Justin Go

You know you’ve read a good book when the moment you turn the last page you wish you could still be on the first, and this book does that to you. It’s an adventure/mystery, historical-fiction travel narrative about a mountaineer who leaves his huge inheritance to climb Everest. I loved it because it moves back and forth through the span of 100 years and shows that exploring the world and following your passions is a timeless experience for all humans. It was also a mystery, which made me not want to put the book down until it was finished.[clearfix]

jeff-at-bike-raceJeff Gardner- Chief Executive Officer

Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill

Awful title, amazing book. Summed up by Henry Ford. If you think you can, you’re right. If you think you can’t, you’re right. The power of positive thinking is immense.[clearfix]

dennie-on-a-bikeDennie McGarry- VP Sales

The Inevitable You: Live Life by Design, by William Sumner

This is a great book, and one you want to read in little bites. I am reading it and then applying it daily, and I really appreciate what I’m getting out of it.[clearfix]

nikki-monkey-poseNicole Kennedy- Controller

10% Happier, by Dan Harris

I am LOVING this one.
Why? I suffer from self-inflicted “road runner brain”…always going a million miles a minute thinking about everything I need to get done at work and home. This book helps explain some tactics behind meditation and mindfulness that are easy to connect to without having extensively studied Buddhism. Harris has a great way of writing that helps you relate to him, his life, and his journey. It’s like he took all the questions I had about meditation, did the research for me, and presented it in a way that I can completely relate to…can’t beat that! It won’t solve your problems, but if you employ some of his techniques, you can be 10% happier.[clearfix]

christina-skiingChristina Von Stroh- Director of Product Management

Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business, by John Mackey and Raj Sisodia

In this book, John Mackey (founder and CEO of Whole Foods) counters the myth that to be successful a business must focus primarily on creating profits for shareholders. His premise is that truly conscious companies (those who are focused on their higher purpose, and doing right by all stakeholders, including customers, employees and suppliers, in addition to shareholders) are actually more successful and profitable in the long run. This book resonated strongly with me as I was preparing to join Zen Planner, as this is clearly in alignment with our OHANA values and reinforces why this is such a great company.[clearfix]

cole-with-flagCole Dillon- Member Advocate

The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, by Edmund Morris

This is a fascinating book that highlights Roosevelt’s greatest achievements and his amazing character. Since I love hiking and camping, I’m especially interested in learning about his contribution to our National Parks.[clearfix]

brian-with-helmet-and-wifeBrian Lucyk- Chief Operations Officer

Great by Choice, by Jim Collins

This book is always a favorite because it highlights the foundation of how to make a company a truly great company. Collins proposes a structured approach for operating principles and the “20 Mile March,” while keeping the book interesting and easy to read. Definitely one of my touchstones for how I set my own priorities.[clearfix]

tracey-with-familyTracy Stevens- Sales Superstar

10% Happier, by Dan Harris  (Yes, this one is so awesome it was recommended twice!)

I read a lot, but this book stands out as the best book of the summer. I say that because it wasn’t written by some enlightened guru who has it all figured out. He is just a regular highly skeptical guy with plenty of challenges. When he meditated his life became easier and better. Who doesn’t want that? All the years I read about meditators and dabbled in it a bit haven’t really done much for me because my time and commitment weren’t there. This book changed that for me. It’s coming at a perfect time as work is more demanding and I now have a teenager in my house.[clearfix]

shilo-bridgeShilo Lucyk- Marketing Campaign Manager

Winds of War & War and Remembrance, by Herman Wouk

Right now, my favorite books are those that tell a great story but also allow me to learn something. These two books do just that, and yes, I’m picking two. They are a two-book set that tells a story of an American family during the Second World War. This very long story captures you immediately and takes you from the beginning of the conflict in Europe all the way to the end of the war, after the bombings in Japan. While this might not sound like an engaging read, it really is. I recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a story that will stay with you long after you’ve closed the book.[clearfix]

We’d love to hear about your favorite books too, so please don’t be shy. Tell us about them in the comment section below.


Check out our latest eBook, Fitness Business Management Time Traps to Avoid. This guide will help you identify which tasks are taking up too much of your time, how to avoid these traps in the future and, most importantly, how creating efficiencies can help you better build relationships with your members.

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About the Author: Kelli Sweeting

I'm Coach Kelli, a devoted CrossFit gym owner with 15 years of experience managing my facility, along with owning yoga studios and wellness centers. Beyond the fitness world, I have a passion for cooking, cherish moments with my children and family, and find joy in spending time outside. Having experienced the highs and lows, I'm dedicated to leveraging my expertise to help you grow and succeed on your fitness journey.