Well Read: Summer Reading 2020
Somehow the summer of 2020 has been both 3 weeks and 300 years long. But as we navigated our COVID world (well, less navigating, more sitting at home), one thing stayed the same: Swash Summer Reading. Check out the books that helped us pass the time and find some recommendations to add to your TBR list below:
Josh Berthume, President/CEO, read:
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemison
1984 by George Orwell
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
How to Lose the Information War: Russia, Fake News, and the Future of Conflict by Nina Jankowicz
Active Measures: The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare by Thomas Rid
Josh on How to Lose the Information War:
“This book examines disinformation campaigns and creeping authoritarianism in several Eastern European countries within the last decade. It is fantastic.”
Stephanie Delk, Director of Media & Planning, read:
A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee
Intimations by Zadie Smith
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink
Stephanie on A Sweet Mess:
“A modern romance novel with Asian American leads. I was recommended this book by people I follow on Twitter. The book is a quick and lovely read; the lead character Aubrey is complex without being tedious. Perfect summer read. It was announced that Daniel Dae Kim has optioned this book to be turn into a film with him starring and I'm looking forward to seeing this story come to life.”
Diana Fonner, Director of Agency Operations, read:
Acceptance by Jeff Vandermeer
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Andi Harman, Art Director, read:
Wow, No Thank You. by Samantha Irby
Andi on Wow, No Thank You.:
“This book was the only book I read this summer (cue the shame bell). But I genuinely enjoyed it more than any other book I've picked up in recent memory — especially because I didn't expect it to have so much Chicago slice-of-life in it! Samantha Irby writes in a way that felt supremely comforting during this summer of isolation. It felt like having a funny pal locked up in my apartment with me. She's definitely for fans of the things I am a fan of: Broad City, Shrill, etc. Those things, but coming from a Black LGBTQ+ voice. Parts are cringe, parts are sweet, but the whole thing is hilarious. Give her a TV show!”
Nico Tracewell, Junior Media Planner, read:
Star Wars Vol. 13: Rogues and Rebels by Greg Pak
The Orville Season 1.5: New Beginnings by David A. Goodman
Firefly: The Sting by Delilah Dawson
Ratchet & Clank by T.J. Fixman
Firefly: The Unification War Part 3 by Greg Pak
Broken Earth: The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
Amazing Spider-Man: Worldwide Volume 7 by Dan Slott and Christos Gage
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren by Charles Soule
The Magician King by Lev Grossman
The Magician's Land by Lev Grossman
Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising by Timothy Zahn
Amazing Spider-Man: Worldwide Vol. 8 by Dan Slott
Nico on Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising:
“This book is fantastic. It's one of the few Star Wars stories that has little to no mention of the Jedi, Sith, Empire, Republic, or anything else that's so prominent in the majority of Star Wars content. It follows the early career of one of the best (and my personal favorite) Star Wars villains, and gives a deep look into his tactics and logic. Timothy Zahn has been and continues to be one of my favorite writers, and I can't wait to see where he takes this series next.”
Faith Morrison, Copywriter, read:
The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off! by Gloria Steinem
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
Prayer of Heart and Body by Thomas Ryan
Faith on The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off!:
“This is a super quick read (a lot of it is collections of quotes), but incredibly good. Gloria Steinem's essays on social justice feel incredibly relevant right now. It sparked a ton of conversations in our household. She says so many of the things I'm thinking, but better than I ever could!”
