Summer is in full bloom and these sweet sunny days have us wanting nothing more than to lay out on the grass with a cold drink in one hand and a good book in the other. Who says you can’t combine your leisure with learning? Whether you prefer fact or fiction, our staff has come up with their best picks for books you need to read this summer. Our non-fiction picks will help motivate any creative or entrepreneur looking to level up their game and we’ve included some awesome fiction reads to help you take a break, escape, and inspire your creative imagination. Soak up the sun while soaking in some knowledge with Hover’s very own book recommendations list for 2022.
Awesome Non-Fiction Books for Creatives and Entrepreneurs
First up we have our non-fiction picks for our perpetual students of life. Whether you’re looking to inspire some personal growth or expand your approach to your latest project, these books will leave you with plenty to think about.
Building a Story Brand – Donald Miller
Chosen by: Corinne Schmid – VP of Marketing, Tucows Domains Services
“A great resource to stay on top of key concepts about building a brand”
New York Times bestselling author Donald Miller teaches readers how to dramatically improve how they connect with customers and grow their businesses. This book teaches readers the seven universal story points all humans respond to; the real reason customers make purchases; how to simplify a brand message so people understand it; and how to create the most effective messaging for websites, brochures, and social media. Whether you’re the marketing director of a multibillion dollar company, the owner of a small business, a politician running for office, or the lead singer of a rock band, Building a StoryBrand will forever transform the way you talk about who you are, what you do, and the unique value you bring to your customers.
The War of Art – Steven Pressfield
Chosen by: Haley Midgette – Managing Editor, Tucows Domains Services
“If you have a big creative idea — be they artistic or entrepreneurial — but struggle with procrastination, this book is for you. Practical, and poetic, it will make you feel seen, called out, inspired, and ready to overcome the Resistance (yes, capital R) that’s holding you back from doing the work you want to do.”
48 laws of power – Robert Greene
Chosen by: Anton Mamine – Acquisition Manager, Hover
“A powerful book full of tools that would help you navigate through the hurdles of life.”
User Story Mapping – Jeff Patton
Chosen by: James Koole – Sr. Product Manager, Hover & Realnames
“It’s the go-to book for any product manager and team trying to figure out how to make their product better and more useful for their users. I consult it regularly and we use the story mapping process on a daily basis.”
The Happiness Advantage – Shawn Achor
Chosen by: Stephanie Forest – Creative Director
“A classic for me that I have given to teammates and friends. It talks about the field of positive psychology and how you can make everything in your life better by utilizing it. It’s not about putting on rose-coloured glasses, but more about how to look at life’s challenges and see them from a perspective of growth and opportunities. His TedTalk titled, “The happy secret to better work’ is a must watch.”
9 Great Summer Fiction Reads
Next we have our fiction picks for those who love to get lost in a good story. Check out our recommendations below to find your next favourite on your summer reading list.
The Glass Hotel – Emily St. John Mandel
Chosen by: Jessica Brown – Graphic Designer
“A great and easy read from a Canadian author.”
Billy Summers – Stephen King
Chosen by: Jessica Brown – Graphic Designer
“Outside of Stephen King’s usual way of story telling, I could not put it down.”
The Sanatorium – Sarah Pearse
Chosen by: Jessica Brown – Graphic Designer
“I read this in 2 days. Thriller mystery and all the chills with a strong female lead!”
Born to Run – Christopher McDougall
Chosen by: James Koole – Sr. Product Manager
“As someone who runs most every day, I appreciate how this book goes in-depth on why some humans seem to be drawn to it at a primal level. It’s an entertaining read that mixes stories of sometimes crazy runners and races with lessons on anthropology and human physiology. I’ve listed to the audiobook a half dozen times and it always inspires me.”
Into Thin Air – Krakauer
Chosen by: Rob Fleming – Head of CXO, Tucows Domains Services
“This book captures the true story of a Mt. Everest expedition that goes terribly wrong in the mid 90’s. It’s filled with adventure, tragedy and perseverance. I was hooked.”
The Three-Body Problem (trilogy) – Liu Cixin
Chosen by: Tom Sims – Digital Marketing Manager, Wholesale Domains
“Science fiction about a plausible future earth from a non-western author’s view point.”
Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir
Chosen by: Tom Sims – Digital Marketing Manager, Wholesale Domains
“Another science fiction novel from the writer of The Martian. A sci-fi adventure set on a space ship on a mission to save earth from space-based microorganisms, with some unexpected assistance along the journey.”
Momo – Michael Ende
Chosen by: Lauren Bride – Copy & Content Lead
“This is one of the best books written, period. It reads as a parable and is delightful, artful. universal, and timeless. I re-read it whenever I need reminding how to be in the world. I recommend it to everyone, from school age kids to the most grown of grown-ups. The titular hero character is a little girl who is wise beyond her years. And bonus: it has a talking turtle.”
Court of Fives (series) – Kate Elliott
Chosen by: Stephanie Forest – Creative Director
“A little bit like the Hunger Games in the structure of it all but with great tension coming from a world with a class system. The series follows two characters, one from the lower class and one from the ruler class, and their fight to be free. Who gets to move to the top is decided through a championship that demands a lot of physical strength, agility and strategy. But once at the top are they truly free or just another attraction for the powerful ones?”
