While televisions and smart phones may dominate how Americans consume media in 2018, it’s refreshing to hear that more than three-quarters of American adults have read a book in the past year.
Research shows reading helps improve memory and empathy, and contains health benefits such as helping with depression, reducing stress and limiting the chances of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.
At The San Diego Foundation, our team is filled with avid book readers.
In celebration of Book Lovers Day, we asked team members: What is your favorite book?
Check out their answers below:
“Tough question! So many great books! It’s like asking who’s your favorite musical group. I’ll go with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. I have great memories of my dad reading this to us. It has so many artistic references, and I love the fantasy tale.”
– Leslie Klein, Director, Gift Planning Advisor
“A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. Irving’s writing is lovely, and the book is a perfect mix of comedy, history and story.”
– Danielle Light, Administrator, Stewardship Team
“The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. These books let you imagine through fiction, but have a deeper meaning to them.”
– Maria Houchin, Staff Accountant
“One of my current favorite books is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. I first read this book years ago when I was in high school and re-read it recently. What I love about this book is how it forces you to think deeply about your own life, your personal relationships and the decisions you’ve made along the way. Tuesdays with Morrie is an incredibly easy read and one I highly recommend.”
– Everett Au, Environment & Thomas Murphy Fellow
“A very easy and hard question because I love so many, but there is one that stands out to me more than any other! Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rike. This is my favorite book because it resonates with me more than any other book I’ve read so far. It embodies everything a reader could look for in a poignant book: inspiration, honesty, wisdom and care.”
– Catrina Dulay, Administrator, Graphic Designer
“The Stand by Stephen King. I read this book in the late 70’s, and it is still my favorite. It is a haunting read and well written.”
– Jill Brower, Manager, Human Resources
“I like Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut because his dark sense of humor and wit make for good commentary on what makes us human. In a roundabout way, the flaws of his characters show the importance of compassion. Plus, his illustrations are hilarious.”
– Daniel Stigall, Specialist, Community Scholarships
“It’s hard to say what my favorite book is because different books are my favorite at different times. But, one book that never leaves me is The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter. I smiled and cried more while reading this book than I think any other. It’s a poignant story about the human spirit – a boy and his grandparents, especially his grandpa. There is so much insight and so many life lessons in this book. It’s a short book and anyone who reads it will be better for it.”
– Leslie Harrington, Manager, Philanthropic Advisor
What is your favorite book and why? Share it with us in the comments below!
