What Is Our Team Reading?

Books related to health and wellness

Editor Morgan Mandriota loves learning about mental health and recently read “No Bad Parts” by Dr. Richard Schwartz.

“[It] was recommended to me by my best friend, who’s a therapist,” she said. “It’s all about the internal family systems therapy model that I’m interested in exploring.”

Director Angela Purcaro is rereading “Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents,” a book by clinical psychologist Lindsay Gibson.

She says she’s reading the book again, “to feel better equipped to handle uncomfortable social situations while not compromising on my peace and boundaries.”

Editor Louisa Wah is reading multiple books, including:

• “Atlas of the Heart” by Brene Brown: This nonfiction book compiles 87 human emotions and experiences from a sociopsychologic perspective.
• “Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans” by Dr. Jenny T. Wang: This book aims to empower Asian Americans to take charge of their mental health.
• “All About Love” by bell hooks: This book is a deep dive into what love really is, as well as what it isn’t.

Editor Jill Campbell recently finished Marian Schembari’s memoir “A Little Less Broken.” In the book, Schembari writes about her experience receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult.

“[It’s] probably one of the best books I’ll read this year,” she said.

Just for fun

Editor Ginger Wojcik recently read “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver. The book is inspired by the Charles Dickens book “David Copperfield” and is told from the perspective of Demon, a boy born into poverty in the Appalachian mountains.

“Although it was hard to read at times, the writing was amazing, and it helped remind me of all the privilege I enjoy on a daily basis,” she said.

Paid media associate Arushi Garg is reading “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” by Lisa See. This historical fiction book is based on a real physician from the Ming dynasty.

Copy editor Naomi Farr recently read Jaquelyn Benson’s historical fantasy “Empire of Shadows.” This Victorian archaeological adventure is for fans of Indiana Jones, The Mummy, and Romancing the Stone.

“I found the combination of fast-paced race to lost ruins and slow-burn romance to be the perfect page-turner,” she said.

Inspired by the TV show of the same name, editor Sarah Matysiak is reading “Severance” by Ling Ma. She said that work/life balance — and discovering what truly motivates you — are central themes in this book.

“While both are very distinct, they make you think about work and life in similar ways,” she said.

Editor Heather Hobbs is currently reading:

• “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore: This is a literary mystery about the disappearance of a young teen girl during a summer camp (owned by her family) in 1975, years after her brother disappeared in the same woods.
• “Learning Toward Light: Poems for Gardens & the Hands That Tend Them,” edited by Tess Taylor: This book compiles poems about gardening and growth.

Editorial director Chrissie Moore is reading Susan Morrison’s biography of Lorne Michaels, “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live.”

“I’m a die-hard SNL fan, but it’s also fascinating to see how he had the vision to spot the right people and find a way for them to work together to create something both groundbreaking and enduring,” she said.

The takeaway

Whether you want to explore a health and wellness book or just want something fun to read on a long flight or car ride, keep some of these recommendations in mind when you’re looking for your next read.

Consider reading before bed to improve your sleep!