Gina’s Summer List
A little about Gina.
Gina loves to read; could have some influence on why she has chosen an information-rich career. While Gina is relatively slow when she reads, she soaks up lots of details. It doesn’t take long into a social conversation with her to see she has retained a broad spectrum of knowledge about an immense range of topics.
Gina is more prone to have tired eyes by the time work is done and the kiddos are settled for the evening, so has opened up to audio books in recent years. Sometimes even following along in her paper copy.
Here’s what and where Gina will be reading this summer, as well as recommended favorites for you to consider.
Gina’s Books/Audio Books for the Summer
Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best, by Angela Duckworth
The new book by this bestselling author of Grit, explores that grit alone is sometimes not sufficient. How you situate yourself can be crucial to meeting a challenge.
Empower: What Happens when Students Own their Learning, by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani
Students begin their journey in life as curious problem solvers, yet many begin to play the game of school, eager to be compliant with school instead of making their own path. This book explores what happens when students own their own learning.
The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism, by Timothy Keller
Dubbed by Newsweek as “the C.S. Lewis for the 21st century,” Keller uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and potent reasoning to provide a challenging argument for pursuing the reason for God.
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America, by Erik Larson
Set in Gina’s hometown of Chicago, not far from where she grew up, this book brings together her love of historical fiction, a lifelong interest in architecture that brings both art and function, and the suspense of a crime thriller.
The Source: The Secrets of the Universe, and the Science of the Brain, by Tara Swart, MD, PhD
This Neuroscientist and Senior Lecturer at MIT reveals the surprising science that supports The Law of Attraction as an effective tool for self-discovery.
Cleopatra’s Daughter, a novel by Michelle Moran
A historical novel depicting the fate of the orphaned children of Cleopatra and Marc Antony following Octavian’s victory over Egypt.
Always Recommended Reads
The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything, by Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D.
You probably know him for his TED talk “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” — the most impactful TED talk ever given. In The Element, Robinson helps the reader to explore the point at which natural talent meets personal passion as a means of finding personal fulfillment, highlighting essential strategies for transforming education and communities to make room for utilizing human resources and imagination in expanded ways.
The Hare with the Amber Eyes: A Hidden Inheritance, a critically acclaimed memoir by British ceramicist Edmund de Waal
De Waal’s vivid descriptions reveal only what a true artist could, as he tells of his family’s journey from 19th century Russia and Paris to Vienna and World War II, then Tokyo and London by following the path of a set of heirloom figurines. One of the best books Gina has ever read.
The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis
A series of letters between an experienced demon and his novice nephew charged with securing the damnation of an ordinary young man brings thought-provoking insight on temptation and the nature of good and evil.
Places You Might Find Gina Reading This Summer
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C. — with the Pandas!
- World Cup viewing parties — particularly the U.S., Germany, & Norway teams
- The National Alliance’s National Charter Schools Conference, New Orleans, LA
- various swim meets — also cheering on her kids
- Dinosaur Ridge Trail, Morrison, CO — alongside stegosaurus footprints and fossils
- The waiting line at day camp pick-up
- Camping in Shenandoah National Park, VA
- At a lake near Ottawa, Canada
- Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA — for the roller coasters
What’s on your list?
We’d love to hear how you’re making memories this summer! Whether it’s a good book or a family trip, tell us about it. Send us a note on LinkedIn!
