Pomerantz Career Center

Reading Room Archives

“Always Looking Up – The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist” by Michael J. Fox

I am a firm believer that as an individual you set the tone for your day by your attitude you bring to the table each morning. In his book, Michael speaks candidly about his battle with Parkinson's disease and his foundation. He also provides the reader with his outlook on optimism and how it has shaped his life. I found the book refreshing and it helped me to take time to be thankful for all I have.
Recommended by: Crystal Pedersen, Associate Director, Des Moines Center and Experiential Education

“Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution—And How It Can Renew America” by Thomas Friedman

Friedman proposes that an ambitious national strategy—which he calls "Geo-Greenism"—is not only what we need to save the planet from overheating; it is what we need to make America healthier, richer, more innovative, more productive, and more secure. His arguments inspire the reader to see the vast opportunities that lie within the greater challenges of becoming a more environmentally efficient, creative and concerned society.
Recommended by Erin Bloomquist,The University of Iowa Chicago Center

“Population: 485: Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time” by Michael Perry

With a backdrop of a small Wisconsin town this book showcases the experiences of the author as a volunteer firefighter. How he comes to know his neighbors, family, and friends in a unique way—through emergency (and often devastating) calls.
Recommended by Cindy Meis, Associate Director of Alumni Networks and Services

“Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of "outliers"--the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different? His answer is that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: that is, their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing. Along the way he explains the secrets of software billionaires, what it takes to be a great soccer player, why Asians are good at math, and what made the Beatles the greatest rock band. Brilliant and entertaining, "Outliers" is a landmark work that will simultaneously delight and illuminate.
Recommended by: Sherry Rhinehart, Student Services and Events Coordinator

“Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson

It is a wonderful, true account of how one person really can make a difference and change the lives of so many people. This book is impactful for men, women, old and young alike—no one can read this book and not be touched deeply by what this many has done with his life and for the girls in Pakistan.
Recommended by Amy A'Hearn, Assistant Director, Consider Iowa Program

“The Defining Moment” by Jonathan Alter

This book offers insight into the first 100 days of FDR’s administration. It’s much more than a book about a politician. It’s a book about a very interesting style of leadership. I was fascinated to learn how, at a critical time in our country’s history, the country’s leader “finessed” so many situations both domestically and abroad. He seemed willing to throw lots of carefully-considered (and random) ideas on the wall and to see which ones would stick. If something didn’t work, another idea would come forth. It was both frightening and enlightening!.
Recommended by: Jane Schildroth, Senior Director, Corporate & Community Relations

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

This is a classic American novel about a painful time period in our country’s history. Lee tracks the life of Scout, Jem, and Atticus Finch and their mysterious neighbor Bo Radley during a heated rape trial involving an innocent Black man and a poor white family in the deep South. The book explores family, community, and “Walking a mile in another man’s shoes.”
Recommended by: Stacy Welp, Assistant Director, Career Leadership Academy

“Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey” by Jane Goodall

Goodall, a primatologist who has studied Chimpanzees for decades, presents her hopeful vision for the future of humanity and the health of our planet by sharing vignettes from her life experiences. An interesting read filled with lots of thought provoking commentary and feel good stories.
Recommended by: Stacy Welp, Assistant Director, Career Leadership Academy

“It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life” by Lance Armstrong

This autobiography is the powerful story of Armstrong’s life before, during and after his heroic battle with cancer. Armstrong discusses how his growing up experiences and relationship with his mother shaped his ability to deal with cancer and ultimately survive it. A quick inspiring read that makes you feel like you can do anything!
Recommended by: Stacy Welp, Assistant Director, Career Leadership Academy

“The Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization” by Peter F. Drucker

Asking the right questions is key to great leadership and this book gets to the point about what are the key things today’s leaders should be thinking about. The book is organized well and is a very quick and easy read. It’s focused on organizational leadership, but the concepts transfer nicely to leadership in various contexts.
Recommended by Kelley Ashby, Director, Career Leadership Academy