Pomerantz Career Center

Reading Room Archives

“How to Win Friends and Influence People”by Dale Carnegie

This book has been nicknamed “the grandfather of all people-skills books” for good reason as it outlines simple strategies that have stood the test of time since it was first published in 1937.  Carnegie includes narratives from people in every walk of life that are both entertaining and inspiring for the reader.
Recommended by Erin Bloomquist

“Into the Wild” by John Krakauer

John Krakauer tells the story of Chris McCandless, a young man who gave away his possessions and walked into the deep woods of Alaska, to never return. This book is based on interviews, diaries and accounts of witnesses. This book traces Chris’s adventures and final days.
Recommended by Sherry Rhinehart and Cindy Meis

“Ethics for the New Millennium” by Dalai Lama

This book discusses the idea that despite the evils around us, most humans desire the spread of basic human goodness in the world.  It does not focus on a particular religion or other system of beliefs.  Instead it takes a universal perspective to provide a process for people of all faiths to learn from.  The ultimate goal is to lay down the groundwork for having a fulfilling and happy life.
Recommended by Alicia Russell

“Leading at the Edge” by Dennis N.T. Perkins
Perkins’ book examines 10 leadership principles from a famous Antarctic expedition. Business case examples are analyzed and there are very useful worksheets that will help you develop your own leadership skills.
Recommended by Gerald Wickham

“The Bone Lady: Life as a Forensic Anthropologist” by Mary H. Manhein

Mary H. Manhein, otherwise known as "the bone lady," has been a forensic pathologist for the past two decades. She has used her expertise in forensic pathology to help law enforcement agents - locally, nationally, and internationally - solve their most perplexing mysteries. She tells some amazing stories and provides a real life look into what it is like working in the field.
Recommended by Sherry Rhinehart

“Kite Runner”  by Khaled Hosseini

From Amazon.com: In his debut novel, The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini accomplishes what very few contemporary novelists are able to do. He manages to provide an educational and eye-opening account of a country's political turmoil--in this case, Afghanistan--while also developing characters whose heartbreaking struggles and emotional triumphs resonate with readers long after the last page has been turned over.
Recommended by Sherry Rhinehart

“Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky  
Classic novel exploring the capabilities of human emotion and the perils of life as a less fortunate citizen.
Recommended by Alicia Russell

“Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell
Blink is fascinating look at the strong influence of subconscious instincts in our everyday lives.  It illustrates the forces at play that we have gained from our collective experience, and shows how decisions making can literally be made in a blink.
The book also has a chapter referencing a study that took place at the University of Iowa, Go Hawks!
Recommended by Emily Ruby