Hawkins Summer Reading List
One of the best parts of summer is being able to read a great book while enjoying the outdoors or while en route to your desired destination. Here at Hawkins International, our passion for travel is the common denominator that unites us, but what we choose to read in our free time represents our individuality. Check out our diverse list of novels we suggest picking up this summer:
Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed
(Recommended by Amanda Clark)
Cheryl Strayed, the author of the well-known title Wild, compiled a collection of inspirational, clever, and courageous quotes that represent her non-traditional journey through life. Strayed’s publication is a reminder to live life boldly.
Q: What inspired you to pick up this book?
A: My roommate who goes backpacking and camping just about every weekend had it on her bedside table, since she obtains the heart of adventure that I so deeply want I thought I should be reading the same things as her. Once I picked up the book and read the first page I couldn’t put it down.
Q: Cheryl Strayed is a woman with an adventurous spirit who exemplifies wanderlust, do you feel you can relate to her?
A: Absolutely, so much of me wants to hike and backpack around the world in the way that she has. This book captures her talent for creative writing and her passion for travel in a few short sentences on every page. Cheryl exemplifies the type of writer I hope to be one day, she’s raw, authentic, and transparent in all her words.
Q: What is your favorite ‘Brave Enough’ quote?
A: “Go, because you want to. Because wanting to leave is enough.”
How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul by Adrian Shaugnessy
(Recommended by Tiffany Licata)
A self-taught graphic designer, editor, and writer, Shaugnessy writes about his experience in the industry while providing useful advice to young professionals. This book acts as a viable resource for graphic designers because he references the creative process, necessary skills, and global trends within digital culture.
Q: Can you describe this book in three words?
A: Relatable, practical, and wise!
Q: Where do you find yourself reading most frequently?
A: I often take longer commutes, especially to and from work, so reading on the train is a must.
Q: What is one major takeaway readers can expect to get from this book?
A: While this book is meant for designers, anyone who reads it will find themselves searching for integrity in whatever work they do!
Notorious R.B.G. by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik
(Recommended by Candice O’Connor)
This biography highlights the life of the eldest Supreme Court justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in a witty yet informative manner. The nickname Notorious R.B.G. originated on the Internet as a testament to Ginsburg’s fight for equality among all Americans, which the authors have crafted into an easy-to-read novel that could interest anyone.
Q: How did you find yourself choosing to read ‘Notorious R.B.G.’?
A: As a double major in both Communication and Political Science, I have had several opportunities to study Justice Ginsburg and learn about her contribution to society as a whole, but especially in the evolution of the court system. I have always admired Justice Ginsburg so when I heard there was a biography about her with a clever pun based on the legendary late rapper, Notorious B.I.G., I couldn’t help but purchase it.
Q: How do you feel Ruth Bader Ginsburg has affected the current generation of women?
A: Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become one of the most prominent feminists the world has ever seen, which affects today’s generation of women based on her decision to fight for equality across many different industries through the law. Ginsburg attended law school during a time when she was an anomaly for doing so, made her way to SCOTUS, and then proved she wouldn’t shy away from dissent. All of these aspects of Justice Ginsburg’s life are overwhelmingly empowering.
Q: Would you recommend this book for a traveler on the go?
A: I recently traveled by train from New York to Boston and read Notorious R.B.G. the entire way. There is captivating artwork sprinkled throughout the book making it anything but boring.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
(Recommended by Nika Hedrick)
A story of complex love and adultery, Anna Karenina highlights the difficulties of going against society and dealing with the inner battle of morality.
Q: This classic story takes place in Russia. What interests you about life abroad?
A: I think the most interesting thing is the culture of 19th century Russia; Tolstoy gives the reader a first-hand account of what life was like through his character’s everyday lives and their interactions with each other.
Q: What message do you think Tolstoy wanted to portray to readers?
A: Tolstoy was shining light to the social changes that were happening within Russia at the time; he also put a big emphasis throughout the novel on family values and the value of hard work.
Q: What setting do you find best for reading this book?
A: I get most of my reading done on the subway but my favorite would probably be the rooftop of my building.