Did you know that September 6 is National Read A Book Day? To celebrate, some of our staff shared their current reads with us. Check out the below for their recommendations from classics like “War and Peace” to a collection of hilarious short essays and more!
David Kimple, Licensing Manager
“IT” by Stephen King
The new “IT” film comes out soon and I want to read the book first. Plus – my friend Andre Catrini is a total Stephen King junkie so he has inspired me to get on the bandwagon. I also just finished book #1 of “The Dark Tower.”
Carly Erickson, Licensing Administrator
“Jurassic Park” by Michael Crichton
I’ve learned way more about dinosaurs than I thought possible, specifically their unpronounceable names; it’s one of my favorite films and we all know that most of the time, the book is better, so I wanted to give it a whirl. I’m really enjoying it so far! So much more detail.
Courtney Kochuba, Marketing Manager – Social Media & Community
“Grammar Sex & Other Stuff: A Collection of (mostly humorous) Essays” by Robert Germaux
I’m a big fan of essay collections as they’re perfect for short subway rides or reading before bed. This particular collection tickles me pink with its writing, covering everything from being a high school English teacher to living in Pittsburgh to a lifelong love for baseball. And bonus, the author is my uncle!
Lawrence Haynes, Marketing Associate – Musicals
“The Quickening Maze” by Adam Foulds
This is a moving story based on the poet John Clare and his fall into madness. It’s told beautifully, the words rise off the page like poetry and is totally absorbing.
Ryan Pointer, Marketing Director
“The Establishment: And How They Get Away With It” by Owen Jones
The book explores the relationships between the different kinds of people that make up the British Establishment. His view of The Establishment is primarily ideological, where the people who currently run British society have a vested interest in sustaining a fiction about what is or isn’t politically possible. That a small government should do less for its citizens in order to thrive economically in a highly competitive, globalized world. This fictions helps foster a mutually beneficial society for the elite, while leaving the public they claim to serve on the outside. Obviously, loads of parallels here with our current political system in the U.S.
Casey McLain, Director of Operations
“Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann
In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Indian nation in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath their land, they rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions, and sent their children to study in Europe. Then, one by one, the Osage began to be killed off. This novel is based on true events. This novel has lead me on an emotional journey, as it has opened a window to a past that involves my family lineage.
Kevin Peterson, Accounts Receivable
“The Last Witchfinder” by James Morrow
I like James Morrow’s books. He often explores the interactions between science, ethics, and religion.
Coryn Carson, Marketing Associate – Products
“Blind Assassin” by Margaret Atwood
I can’t wait to find out what has led this high society family to fall out of grace and lose all their money…it keeps me turning page after page!
Ryan McLeod, Business Affairs Associate
“War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy
I was inspired to revisit this classic after seeing The Great Comet on Broadway. So far I’m learning a lot about death and Russia!
Charles Graytock, Chief Financial Officer
“The Dark Tower: The Wind Through the Keyhole” by Stephen King
I read the first seven books in The Dark Tower series and it is my favorites series. So obviously, I have to read it!
Noël Coward’s Travels
In celebration of the 125th anniversary of Noël Coward’s birth, here’s a look at the many places visited by the globetrotting playwright, interspersed with brief summaries of the classic stage works he created while traveling.
Kate Chopin in New Orleans: Mother-Daughter Author Duo Collaborate on Historical Book
Playwright Rosary Hartel O’Neill (author of Degas in Paris, The Awakening of Kate Chopin and other plays) and her daughter Rory O’Neill Schmitt discuss their latest collaboration, the nonfiction book Kate Chopin in New Orleans.
Heathers The Musical: 10 Facts for 10 Years
10 years have passed since Heathers The Musical’s explosive off-Broadway premiere! To celebrate anniversary, here are 10 facts about this hilarious, heartfelt and homicidal hit musical.