Since our Owl's Brew book club is looking a little different these days, we polled our team on their quarantine reading list (and it's a little bit of everything!).
If you're in need of a new book, here is some inspiration for you...from life advice to pop culture, here's what we are reading now.
1. Green Pharmacy by Barbara Griggs
A sweeping history of herbal medicine beginning with our earliest ancestors, and the evolution of botanical medicine in the Western world. Green Medicine provides a grand overview of the importance of plants as a healing, nourishing force. Griggs also addresses the economic and cultural conditions that led to herbal medicine being largely removed from "regular" Western medical practice and training.
2. Open Book by Jessica Simpson
If you are a child of the 90s, this will not disappoint. It's filled with a behind the scenes look at the 90s pop world with juicy gossip, failures and romance. You will laugh and cry, and probably find yourself googling old music videos. It's also very well written.
3. Catch & Kill by Ronan Farrow
Ronan Farrow recounts his journey in the investigation of Harvey Weinstein. It's an incredible look at corruption and power, and the unraveling of a deeply imbedded conspiracy. It's hard to put down, and it's eye opening. There is also an excellent Podcast narrated by Ronan Farrow, if you need to know more.
4. Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World by Timothy Ferriss
The author asks the same 11 questions to a variety of different (and all successful) people from different backgrounds. In each chapter, the individuals share their learnings, failures, life advice and more. Read it all the way through, and skip around the chapters.
5. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep & Dreams by Matthew Walker, PHD
After reading this, you will never think of sleep the same again. Sleep is powerful, and according to Matthew Walker, everyone needs at least 8 hours. You'll be shocked by the benefits of a little shut eye, the findings of various sleep studies and the link between sleep and disease. Long story short, you'll certainly think twice before pulling an all nighter (ever again).
6. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
The incredible story of Nike, from the beginnings in a basement to a global company, it's a beautifully written (and real) story of building a business. Phil Knight is relatable (and love-able), and you find yourself really rooting for their success. Highly recommend!
7. The Big Oyster by Mark Kurlansky
The oyster was once New York City's most celebrated export. Through the lens of the cultural, economic and culinary importance of oysters in NYC,The Big Oyster paints a portrait of the rich history of our city. Starting from the earliest evidence of Lenape oyster beds (indicators that Native Americans enjoyed oysters as a delicacy). Mark Kurlansky takes the reader on a journey from the Founding Fathers (they loved oysters!) to the end of the oyster beds, with plenty of fascinating twists and turns along the way.
8. Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling
In Factfulness, statistician Hans Rosling lays out the ten essential instincts we need to overcome in order to see the world as it truly is. A timely and sorely needed book about the need only to have opinions when you have strong supporting facts.