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“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

“Leadership is Common Sense”  By Herman Cain

Book described as: "A great book about the potential for leadership in all of us. Drawn from his own experiences, Cain provides and interesting read that willl resonate with the experience of many."
Recommended by:  Dr. David Baumgartner

The Best I Can Do”  By Marvin Pomerantz

“Filled with stories and experiences it highlights the integrity, success, and importance of family in the life of Mr. Pomerantz.  Mr. Pomerantz is fantastic role-model and a wonderful representative of The University of Iowa!”
Recommended by:  The entire staff

"Managing a Nonprofit Organization in the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Wolf.
 
"This book is a great resource for anyone interested in working for and/or starting their own non-profit organization - it covers areas such as sustainability, human resources, establishing volunteer programs, fundraising etc."
Recommended by Sherry Rhinehart

“War on the Middle Class” By Lou Dobbs

Book described as: "An insightful look at the divergence of interests between those that run the country, not just the elected officials but business leaders and special interest groups as well, and the rest of us who live in it."
Recommended by Dr. David Baumgartner

“What Color is Your Parachute?” By Richard Nelson Bolles

“I was given this book by my mom when my first “real job” experience was proving to be disastrous. I read it at a time when I was very open to think of any other options than my current career, because I knew deep down what I wanted to do but was too afraid to really shake things up professionally. This book has many hands-on activities, inventories, and self-assessments throughout that were so helpful and the book overall gave me the courage to think that I could, in fact, change things and go after what I really wanted in a career.”
Recommended by Amy Fagerberg

"The Glass Castle: A Memoir" by Jeanette Walls

"This book provides a deeper understanding of homelessness, family ties and how our past affects our future. It makes you think about your own attitude toward life and your family. It's a tale of survival and taking control of your own future."
Recommended by Sherry Rhinehart

“The Art of Deception”  By Kevin Mitnick

"This book focuses on information security and how to protect your organization from information theft. Through a serious of plausible stories Mitnick reveals just how much of a threat social engineering is to our world today. Whether it is your first day on the job, or you have been there for more than 10 years, this is an excellent, eye-opening, read.
Recommended by:  Joe Danzer

“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

“The World is Flat” By Thomas L. Friedman

"It is interesting and relevant.  Friedman’s referral to “flat” means “connected”.  Today’s world advances in technology have minimized trade and political barriers allowing for business to occur at unbelievable pace, basically instantaneously.  Globalization affects everyone from telemarketing, accounting, computer programming, research, and service professionals.  An informative read for anyone—the academic, the political minded, the economically driven or the techie."
Recommended by Cindy Meis

In Pursuit of Excellence: How To Win in Sport and Life Through Mental Training by Terry Orlick

“I read the first edition of this book in 1993, and have referred back to the sections on commitment, motivation, and focus many times in the last 14 years.”
Recommended by Gerald Wickham

“Long Walk to Freedom” By: Nelson Mandela

"Nelson Mandela survived against extremely steep odds.  Throughout his life, he stood up for his beliefs and still opened his mind to ideas that, even though not aligned with his own wishes, helped move his country forward.  He was able to see beyond himself and his own struggles and create solutions for the greater good.  It is inspirational reading about a real leader and his life’s contributions. The world traveler would enjoy the book, as would anyone interested in reading about true leadership."
Recommended by Jane Schildroth

“Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”  By Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

“Every now and then, we all encounter “small stuff” that feels like it may consume us.  I find this book a helpful reminder to keep things in perspective and to do your best at rolling with it.”
Recommended by Kelley Ashby

"The Project Management Tool Kit".   By Tom Kendrick.

"This book is an excellent resource and provides a great overview of project management concepts and strategies."
Recommended by Sherry Rhinehart

The New Humanists: Science at the Edge By John Brockman

“This book is a collection of essays from experts in science, computer engineering and astronomy.  The future of technology is discussed, and the scope of future innovation is really exciting!”
Recommended by Gerald Wickham

”Cultural Warrior” By Bill O’Reilly

Book described as: "Culture Warrior is an exceptionally insightful, food for thought, book about the current culture wars facing America. Whether you like everything Mr. O'Reilly has to say or not, you will find the book to be an interestingly good read."
Recommended by Dr. David Baumgartner