What Everand Employees are Reading

Wu’s memoir is a must-read for fans of the actress or the celebrity memoir genre. In this emotional and eye-opening work, Wu describes her childhood, acting career, and relationships thoroughly and with a wit those not familiar with her would appreciate. She comes off as self-possessed and serious in her ambitions, providing much more than meets the eye. — Brittany C. (Lifecycle)

Who would have thought a historical novel about Johannes Kepler's mother set in 17th-century Württemberg would be so funny? But it is! Galchen’s voice is so strong it’s like we’re actually there. The palpable tension kept me engaged and rooting for Katharina, who’s been accused of being a witch. — Megan F. (Content Acquisition)

Marcellus, a wily giant Pacific octopus, spends the end of his life befriending and helping Tova, the elderly night cleaner at the aquarium who lost her son and husband. The story is original and highly heartwarming (as is only appropriate for a story about an octopus, a creature that has three hearts). — Ashley M. (Editorial)

Ever dream of becoming a DJ who gets the party started — and keeps it going all night long? Morse’s book provides an easy to follow and engaging introduction on what it takes to be a successful DJ, from beat mixing to entrepreneurial skills. Follow this tried and true advice, and you’ll fill up the dancefloor in no time. — Ashley M. (Editorial)

I’m a fan of WWII historical fiction, and Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a sensational example. It follows the twin narratives of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German orphan recruited to the military. Doerr’s prose feels almost like poetry, painting a haunting yet beautiful picture of war-torn France. Short chapters kept me engaged, and the characters’ growth filled me with hope despite the heartbreaking subject matter. — Lanie P. (Editorial)

This is one of those award-winning books by an author I thoroughly enjoy (Ann Patchett) that took me way too long to finally read (it came out in 2001). In this case, late was definitely better than never. It’s a compelling story based on the Japanese embassy hostage crisis in Peru in the ’90s, an event I knew nothing about. It’s also a love story following two couples from different cultures who speak different languages, yet still manage to fall in love. — Sarah S. (Editorial)

This engrossing novel covers intense and far-reaching issues like immigration, deportation, civil unrest, mother-daughter relationships, and addiction. This debut work from Garcia spans 19th-century Cuba to present-day Miami and covers the lives of five generations of women. It leaves you drained at times but also in awe of the strength and determination of women and immigrants to strive for a better life, sometimes against all odds. — Sarah S. (Editorial)

This coming-of-age novel follows Yocchan, a daughter grieving for her father who died in a sudden and dishonerable way (a suicide pact with a woman presumed to be his mistress). Yocchan and her mother move to Shimokitazawa, a quirky Tokyo neighborhood, looking for a fresh start after abandoning their posh home in an upper-class neighborhood. Author Yoshimoto seems to follow two themes: one of grief and moving on, and another of neighborhoods changing and seemingly losing their character. In the end, it’s about the balance of holding onto memories while saving space to create new ones. — Sarah S. (Editorial)

A masterclass in polemical storytelling. Better known for the “His Dark Materials” trilogy, Pullman deliberately stirs the pot by crafting a fable with a multilayered subtext about his relationship with the Christian Church and God. Whether you’re a believer or not, this book will make you reflect on faith and religion. — Andrea B. (Editorial)

I’ve never been a religious person, but as I age, I align more and more with Buddhism. While it’s not as present in Western society, Everand has allowed me to explore it more deeply. Hanh, a Buddhist monk, was one of the leading activists to introduce Buddhism to the West. — Debbie K. (Business Development)

It’s been eye opening and interesting to hear the background of these entrepreneurs and the various stories behind the creation of Paypal and the giant companies they would build after. — Ian G. (Lifecycle)