Tag Archives: Issue 20130228

Recommended reading: The Uglies and Gung Ho!

UgliesThis week’s first book recommendation comes from Burlington CSR Connie Howen:

One of my favorite is a young adult book called The Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld. It is the first of a series of three and is all about a postapocalyptic world where once a child turns a certain age, they are sent to a separate city to be prepped to be “beautiful,” so that there are no ugly people in their city. It kind of reminds me of The Hunger Games, as it is all about one person rebelling against the norm.

And Southwest PB James Gottemoller suggests this title:

My favorite book is Gung Ho! by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. It’s about a woman being challenged to turn a business around. One of her employees, of American Indian descent, is instrumental in helping her. He shares three principles with her to help her succeed:

  • “Spirit of the Squirrel”: Squirrels are “Work! Work! Work!”
  • “Way of the Beaver”: Beavers are structure and organization.
  • “Gift of the Goose”: Celebrate everything to empower your staff.

It is an interesting read, showing how the woman and her employees overcame obstacles and moved their section from dead last in the 28-unit conglomerate to number one.

The links in the text will take you to reviews of these titles at Amazon. And heads-up: Today is the last day to share your favorite book for a chance to win a $25 gas card!