August Book Club

Curious what The Blackstone Team has been reading this month? Check out our summer read recommendations!

Nelson Taylor:

I love books.  I own way more than I will ever read.  One thing I love about summer reading is picking one (or two) from the bookshelves of whatever houses we rent wherever our summer travels have taken us.  Right now, we’re at a house in Jamestown for the week, and I am reading What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, a memoir by the novelist Haruki Murakami, which is a reflection on the similar temperament needed to run and write religiously.  I also grabbed a fun read called 50 Things to Know When You Turn 50, a compilation of essays by the likes of Erica Jong, Suze Orman, Harold Bloom and Garrison Keillor. So, I am soaking up some good advice, like quite complaining about getting old, because no one wants to hear it.  So from now on when you ask me how I am and I say “Freaking amazing!” you know what I really mean.

Robert Rutley:

I honestly don’t read fiction. For me, if I’m going to read I want to learn something, not escape. I recently finished these two books. The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein. This is a disturbing account of the pervasive racism, discrimination, and government sanctioned segregation in real estate. Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara: An accounting of how Eleven Madison Park leveraged unique ways to elevate their experiences. 

Amy Barrett:

Beneath A Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan – One of my favorite books. Based on a true story about an Italian teenager during WWII.

Ben Kean:

Down City written by Leah Carroll. For any true-crime junkies, this is one that will hit close to home if you are a native Rhode Islander. 

Julien Jonfelix:

My book recommendation is Jordan Peterson-12 rules for life. In our modern world, everyday consists of revolving chaos for most, especially myself. However, being able to understand, control and manage within the chaos are skills that allow for long term sustainability. This book helped me hone in internally and understand concepts and discern personal roadblocks as they arise.  

Robin Lake:

Beach Read by Emily Henry. I loved it because it is part romance, part coming-of-age, part grieving therapy… but ALL GOOD!  (I’m a sucker for a happy ending.)

Kelsey Gonsalves:

My go-to summer read this season has been 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest. I’ve been loving this book! Each chapter takes on a different topic and has really helped to change the way I think about certain situations. The best part of the book is that you can start at any chapter! I will constantly go back and reread different sections and learn something new each time.