Book Roundup: 2022

December comes with a lot of lists. Predictions for the new year, summaries of the past year's achievements, Spotify Wrapped, etc. But there's one kind of list that I just can't get enough of: book lists.

I will read anyone and everyone's book rec lists, and they always inspire me to do more reading, more learning, and more reflecting. I particularly love seeing other founder's lists as they give me a glimpse into their companies' ethos and top-of-mind topics. As one of my founder role models, Rachel Romer , put it, "A good book recommendation is both my love language and my absolutely favorite gift." I couldn't agree more.

So after reading several other fantastic lists, and filling my Audible Wish List with ideas for 2023, I compiled my own book summary in hopes that it may inspire others.

Here are my favorites from 2022:

1. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow - Gabrielle Zevin

A beautiful novel about two friends growing up in LA who go on to make video games together. It was fun learning about video game design (and even inspired some design ideas for Crew), and it also got me reflecting on the power and complexity of lifelong friendships.

2. Burn Rate: Launching a Startup and Losing My Mind - Andy Dunn

I love any founder story, but this one blew me away. Andy’s story about building Bonobos while struggling with bipolar disorder was gripping, illuminating, and has moved mountains in destigmatizing mental health. Everyone should read this book.

3. The Ride of a Lifetime - Bob Iger

This is another great memoir on leadership, made even more fun by the dozens of references to movies, characters, and theme parks that we all know and love. Iger chronicles his career before the top job at Disney and many of the big decisions he made while leading the iconic company. It read like a novel.

4. Great Circle - Maggie Shipstead

This was my favorite fiction book of the year. It’s the story of two incredible female protagonists, living about a century apart, and leading two very different yet linked lives. One of them is a daring pilot, the other a famous Hollywood actress. As a Seattlite, I especially loved reading the chapters about historic Seattle, though this book takes place in several locations. It’s an incredible story, written beautifully, and a great piece of modern feminist literature. Highly recommend.

5. Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay - Liz Fosslien &  Mollie West Duffy   

Liz and Mollie published their much anticipated second book this year, and it did not disappoint. Full of loads more of their iconic, work-inspired illustrations (follow lizandmollie on instagram if you don’t yet), this book tackles the big scary feelings we’ve all felt frequently in the past few years with practical tips for navigating through them. 

6. The Windsor Knot - SJ Bennett

Book one in the most incredibly fun detective series hero’ing none other than the late Queen Elizabeth II. Written before her death, this series has the Queen solving murder mysteries in her various palaces. It’s an absolute delight for an anglophile like me, and the mysteries’ endings do not disappoint. I’ve also read the sequel, All the Queen’s Men, and have the third book on my list.

7. The Confidence Code - Katty Kay & Claire Shipman  

This is one of my recurring go-to books. I re-read it once a year. I’ve always been fascinated by the psychology of confidence (I think it’s one of the biggest influences in designing a great career), and Kathy Kay & Claire Shipman’s book is a deep dive into the science and art of building self-assurance. The book is about women, but I'd say it rings true for all genders. 

8. Man’s Search for Meaning - Viktor E Frankl

This book had been on my list for years and I finally picked it up last summer. I expect it will now become something I come back to again and again. Both a deeply intellectual study of survival psychology and an incredibly human story of finding meaning within a nightmare, it’s clear why this book has stood the test of time.

That's the wrap on 2022 reads. Here’s what’s currently up next. Let me know what I should add to the stack!

Next Up:

1. Workquake - Steve Cadigan

I was chatting with Alex Hilleary the other day and he commented on how our vision at Crew is exactly what Steve Cadigan writes about in his book. I’ve spent the last few days listening to his podcast and can’t wait to dive into Workquake. 

Here's the summary: Turnover is higher than it has ever been. The percentage of the workforce that is actively disengaged has never been higher. The shelf lives of certain skills are diminishing rapidly. It’s time we change the conversation. It’s time to talk about how being human has never been more critical and how we have more agency in applying our talents than at any other time in history. We need to have more real and honest conversations about how to build a better model of the future of work, one in which both employers and employees feel safe and energized.

2. Setting the Table - Danny Meyer

I recently connected with the team at Union Square Hospitality Group and their human-centricity was palpable from the moment I met them. Turns out their founder wrote a whole book on their philosophy of putting people first. I haven't read it yet, but I already know it's going to ring true for our values at Crew as well as how we think about careers and companies of the future. Thanks Rishi Taparia for the rec.

3. Creativity Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration - Ed Catmull

This has been recommended by many people over the years. I saw it again on a few other’s book lists and finally hit purchase. It's a book about creativity and leadership, and the story of Pixar. My kinda read!

4. Damnation Spring - Ash Davidson  

My family loved this, and they have the best book recs. From what i gather, it’s the story of a family living in a logging town in Northern California who become entrenched in a conflict related to the town’s logging economy. Top of my fiction list going into 2023.