Inspiring reads for book lovers
Looking for inspiration? The staff at Marillac St. Vincent have some great novels and nonfiction recommendations to add to your bookshelf.
In celebration of World Book Day, Marillac St. Vincent staff submitted book titles that have inspired them in the mission of MSV or informed the work they do in some way. The list includes titles on social, racial, and economic justice, faith, and classic fiction. With the current pandemic upending life at this time, we could all use some extra inspiration.
In addition to the list below, MSV staff were asked to recommend a children’s lit title as well. Their list of recommendations can be found here.
Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World
by Anand Giridharadas
Recommended by Carlos Trejo, Director of Annual Giving - "This book examines inequity in current power structures and critiques the elite who fight for equality and justice while obscuring their role in creating the problems they seek to solve. The author makes an argument for strengthening public institutions as a way of democratizing decision making in favor of a more equitable society."
Earth Abides
by George R Stewart
Recommended by Rita Carter, Teacher - "This book is perfect for the moments in life where you just want to give up. Everyone needs hope for a new future and George Stewart effectively provides that with his emphasis on new beginnings and optimistic realism.
The Great Believers
by Rebecca Makkai
Recommended by Hilary Waldron, Senior Services Program Manager - "This book follows multiple characters throughout the AIDS crisis in Chicago. The characters are so well written and it is so immersed in Chicago geography that it almost feels like non-fiction. The book helps contextualize the enormity of the AIDS crisis and represents a variety of different experiences of how the crisis affected people. It also highlights how everyday people were willing to step up and provide compassion and care for friends, family, neighbors and even strangers.""
WHY ME?
by Lykecia Williams
Recommended by Tramaine Martin, Outreach Manager - "This book allows you to tap into life's struggles and pull out growth lessons. It inspired me to not ask "WHY ME?", but instead, why not me. Why not ME grow, Why not ME learn more, Why not ME get stronger."
Lincoln
by David Herbert Donald
Recommended by Daniel Summin, Director of Development - "Lincoln became president of a severely politically divided country not unlike today. He overcame many obstacles and lead the country by holding us, as a people, the founding premise of our country, that all men are created equal. An inspiring reminder that we have an obligation to try to continue to live up to those inspiring words."
Principled Ministry
by Loughlan Sofield and Carroll Juliano
Recommended by Sister Salvatrice, Mental Health Consultant - "This is a creative, practical, and easy-to-read resource for fostering a positive, faith-based work environment."
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
by Yoval Noah Harari
Recommended by Stephen Barker, Director of Marketing & Communications- "Because of technology and an oversaturation of information coming at us from every direction, the pace of life can feel really disorienting. This book slowed things down for me and helped evaluate what I value by asking and also answering some very big questions about our world and our individual place within it."
Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
by Reza Aslan
Recommended by Francine Soliunas, Director of Mission Integration - "This is the first book that I have read about Jesus that, in my opinion, portrays him as the revolutionary that I always imagined he was."
Crushed
by T.D. Jakes
Recommended by Darcel Stewart, Accounts Payable - "Bishop T.D. Jakes gives his testimony of how God brought him through painful situations in his life. He describes how God uses the painful moments to change us. He desribes the process that grapes goes through to be fermented into wine and compares that to how God uses difficult situations to bring the best out of us.""
Tuesdays With Morrie
by Mitch Albom
Recommended by Olivia Daprile, Marketing & Communications Coordinator - "This book uses the inevitable death of a beloved Brandeis Sociology professor as an opportunity to examine how to live a fulfilling life. The concepts covered range from regret to love to self-pity, but the book manages to avoid superfluous figurative language. It is a relatively easy read packed with great stories, good reminders, and keen insight."