June 24, 2015

16 influential Philadelphians share their summer reading lists

Because reading's never cooler than when it's in the summer heat

By Brandon Baker
PhillyVoice Contributor

File Art /for PhillyVoice

See the ultimate summer reading list from Free Library of Philadelphia President Siobhan Reardon and 15 other influential CEOs, directors, business and community leaders from Philadelphia.

'Tis the season to be reading.

Summer ushers in the few months when our reading habits can break free of the bedroom, and spread out on the beach for the world to observe -- our taste is never more naked and exposed than when our book's cover salutes the sun on the beach towel.

But it's also a time to expand the palate.

In hopes that Philadelphians might glean inspiration from their own taste, some of Philadelphia's most influential people have shared which books they'll be glued to while on the beach this summer. Below, catch the summer reading list of Free Library of Philadelphia President Siobhan Reardon -- complete with her commentary -- and 15 other influential CEOs, directors, shop owners, community leaders, artists and more from Philadelphia.

Happy reading!

Spotlight: Siobhan Reardon, president of the Free Library of Philadelphia

Free Library of Philadelphia President Siobhan Reardon reads to schoolchildren as part of Dr. Seuss Day. Handout Art / Free Library of Philadelphia

"Home," by Toni Morrison

Reardon: Ms. Morrison is a Free Library Author Event favorite – and this particular work is effectively referred to as a “short, urgent novel.” So, it is on the list because it is both short and urgent -- and I happen to be a Toni Morrison fan.

"Luka and the Fire of Life: A Novel," by Salman Rushdie

Reardon: I heard Mr. Rushdie talk about this book and how he wrote it for his young son. It’s the vivid fantasy aspect of this story that has me intrigued.

"BiblioTech: Why Libraries Matter More Than Ever in the Age of Google," by John Palfrey

Reardon: Pretty obvious why I want to read this, but John does focus on what digital media and the Internet make possible -- not on what they undo.

"A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity," by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

Reardon: This book was recommended to me by a board member, particularly focusing on the chapter on the 30-million-word gap. With our READ! By 4th focus going into the future, the book discusses the ways that real help is provided through creative approaches that yield exceptional results efficiently. Instead of the classic approach to philanthropy of riding into town to solve a problem, the focus of "A Path Appears" is more about people and groups who find the opportunities to help people, and communities help themselves.

"A Tale for the Time Being," by Ruth Ozeki

Reardon: I haven't read it yet, but this book came as recommended reading from the One Book, One Philadelphia selection committee. I look forward to reading it when I go on vacation.

"Queen of America: A Novel," by Luis Alberto Urrea

Reardon: I love Urrea’s writing style. This book also comes highly recommended from the One Book, One Philadelphia committee.

"The Good Lord Bird," by James McBride

Reardon: This is another book that has come highly recommended from a number of people. The book is about a child named Onion (who was essentially adopted by John Brown) and his account of John Brown's rabid attempt to free all the slaves and his adventures disguised as a girl. Everybody I know who has read this book has loved it.