ADVISA’s recommended booklist for 2023
Every year, the A-Team shares the books they read which made the most impact on them, either personally or professionally, including fiction and nonfiction. And every year, we’re surprised to see that even as a leader and culture effectiveness firm, we’re not always reading books on leadership. We’re reading a wide variety of literature—some old and some new. The ADVISA booklist for 2023 is a reflection of our growing team and diverse interests and backgrounds. We hope you find a few new books to add to your list for the year.
Booklist for 2023
All Creatures Great and Small
Written by James Herriot, this nonfiction piece of literature is the autobiographical telling of the author’s early years as a veterinarian in rural northern England just before WWII. It’s funny, poignant, heart-warming and uplifting with vivid descriptions of England’s Yorkshire county.
Reinventing You
With a rapidly changing world, infinite career options, and a common desire to do fulfilling work, it’s important for people to take control of their work lives. In this book, author Dorie Clark helps people define their “brand” and be intentional and proactive about making new things happen.
The Midnight Library
Between life and death, there is a library. Within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything differently, if you had the chance to undo your regrets? This novel, by Matt Haig, is about all the choices that go into a life well lived.
Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality
Author Dr. Henry Cloud does a good job of outlining how both character and competency are necessary elements for successful leadership. He describes leadership wake and his take and definition of character have helped leaders to grasp where character lag and growth fits into leadership development. Finally, he outlines six essential qualities for leaders.
Atlas of the Heart
Connection is emotional oxygen. Atlas of the Heart helps us build fluency with the language of emotions so that we can connect to ourselves and each other, breathing new life into our individual and shared experiences. Author Brené Brown writes in a way that is both accessible and profound.
Warriors Don’t Cry
This book is an autobiographical account of the racial integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Author, Melba Patillo Beals’s truth is all of our truth. This book doesn’t allow the reader to explore the scourge of racism from a distance. Melba takes the reader by the hand and walks us back into our history—step by painful, uplifting step—unlocking emotions and understanding we didn’t know we were missing.
Give Yourself Margin: A Guide to Rediscovering and Reconnecting with Your Creative Self
Author Stacie Bloomfield provides readers with an impactful, short read on allowing yourself grace and the space to try new things. It’s a great way to kick off a new year full of promise!
The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups
If you’re interested in learning about what makes teams and business cultures successful, this book is for you. It includes engaging stories of highly successful teams like Google, US Navy Seals, and Pixar, and digs into what makes them successful. Author Daniel Coyle offers great insights on how to build and sustain a great team.
As We Speak
In this book, authors Peter Meyers and Shann Nix offer simple and effective ways of organizing thoughts and information as we prepare to speak to groups or create messages and proposals. It’s helpful for both verbal delivery and written communication, and applicable to everything from presenting solutions to crisis communication.
Anne of Green Gables
Many of us read this book by L. M. Montgomery as kids or as part of a reading assignment in our tweens. Re-reading as an adult brought so much more richness to the story. The way Anne Shirley guides others to richer, fuller lives through her vulnerability, willingness to feel, and ability to find hope and peace in even the most difficult situations is an incredible example for us all. Through the lens of leadership, it will help consider your emotional intelligence and limiting mindsets.
The Sentence
Written by Louise Erdich, this book has everything—hauntings, comedy, passion, and forgiveness. Set in Minneapolis, Minnesota during the tumultuous summer of 2020, the author shares the unique perspective of a formerly incarcerated indigenous woman. It’s an emotional and profound read.
We hope this recommended book list adds a few more ideas to your 2023 reading plans.
READ MORE
Did you miss our recommended books for 2022? Check them out here.
And, be sure to get to know the A-Team. Many of our team members recommend books, podcasts, newsletters, and other resources on their bio pages. Meet the A-Team.