Book Business' The Best We Read 2012

Dave Leskusky, Group President

Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson (Simon and Schuster, 2011)

In a business world where lack of time and resources are the norm not the exception, this book gave me renewed hope that a company can focus on a few core ideas and succeed. Jobs’ obsession with detail and his drive to make every part of a product perfect (even parts consumers wouldn’t see) is something every business manager should aspire to. Jobs had many admirable talents and strengths but this book also highlighted his demons and character flaws which I appreciated because it allows the reader to emulate his best qualities while steering clear of some very obvious faults.

Kate Leshko, Director of Conferences and Events

Geek Love, by Katherine Dunn (Knopf, 1989)

Geek Love is about a family of genetically altered carnies in a traveling circus… who start a cult. It's sick and twisted and awesomely bizarre. Months after reading it, scenes still find their way into my daydreams (and sometimes my nightmares).

Pat Farrell, Production Manager

Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James and the Shondells, by Tommy James (Scribner, 2011)

I am a music freak and only really read biographies. This book is the ultimate look into the "real music business" from the eyes of a major recording artist. Tommy James had about 12 number one hits, and I mean big hits. Even though I know and like his songs, I wouldn't say I was a fan per say (more of a classic rock fan), but after I read the book, he happened to be doing a concert in my area, so I went to see his show. Wonderful show and got to meet him afterward to sign the book and also chat a bit about the book (he wouldn't speak about the "mob" parts of the book – I guess for good reason).