DCI Holiday Book List 2025

December 01, 2025

Christmas gift box and pile of books with fairy lights on background

This year, the DCI team lived our core value of ‘Be a Knowledge Sponge,’ exploring books that opened our minds, deepened our understanding and sparked personal growth. These stories and ideas have shaped us in meaningful ways, helping us see the world through new lenses and invest in ourselves as creatives and as people. As the holidays draw near, we’re sharing the books that touched us most, hoping they bring you the same inspiration and joy they brought to us. Add one to your wish list or gift it to someone special. Happy reading—and happy holidays!

Nourished: A Memoir of Food, Faith & Enduring Love by Lia Huber

Recommended by Julie Curtin, Partner

In full transparency, there is a reason this book is so special to me. But first the recommendation: For anyone craving a great read that involves food, travel, friendship, faith and self-discovery, I highly recommend Nourished: A Memoir of Food, Faith & Enduring Love by Lia Huber. Lia takes the reader with her on an intimate journey of healing, growth, and spiritual awakening through her life starting in New York and traveling to Guatemala, Greece, Costa Rica and California (sharing recipes along the way!). Throughout the book, Lia reveals how cooking can become an anchor during seasons of uncertainty – a way to slow down, pay attention and rediscover joy. Ultimately the book is about mindful living, community, and a reminder that nourishment is not just what’s on the plate – but in how we live, how we connect, and the decisions we make. This book is personally special to me because Lia was my roommate during my early years living in NYC, and today continues to be that inspirational, nourishing and grounding reminder of slowing down, living authentically, and embracing a richer, more nourished life. An inspiring friend – who wrote an inspiring book! Enjoy!

Monsieur Oiseau by Kara Ulasewicz Travis

Recommended by Karyl Leigh Barnes, Partner

Got a young animal fan at home? Meet the Travis Labs (they’re dogs!) as they greet a gaggle of geese—relatives of Monsieur Oiseau, the block’s unofficial boss—splashing down at their pond. This book rekindles the thrill of the great outdoors while gently slowing life’s pace as you read to your little one. Every purchase helps indie authors keep creating.

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

Recommended by Susan Brake, Partner

Do you love The Princess Bride, but ever wondered what might have happened if Buttercup had left her island to find her Wesley? Then let me introduce you to Tress of the Emerald Sea. This whimsical adventure follows a quiet island girl who sails across a dangerous sea of spores to rescue her one true love. Filled with lovable rogues, clever twists, and daring adventures, the story celebrates courage, friendship, and transformation. By the end, you realize it’s not just a rescue story, it’s a reminder that the greatest adventure in life is finding the courage to become yourself.

Dear Alyne: My Years as a Married Virgin by Alyne Tamir

Recommended by Daniella Middleton, Partner

As someone who has followed @DearAlyne for years, her memoir reads like pulling back the curtain on who she was long before the online persona existed. Raised Mormon but born to both Mormon and Jewish parents, she dives into her upbringing with a level of honesty that at times feels like you’re paging through her private journal. You’ll appreciate this book if you’ve devoured The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (and if not, what are you waiting for?!) or if you’re simply curious about how someone manages to carve out a completely unconventional life path that once felt impossible for her.

The Good Part by Sophie Cousens

Recommended by Lina Lintemuth, Director, Social Media

The Good Part offers an incredible perspective on slowing down and appreciating the present — a reminder to stop wishing our lives away for the next phase of “making it,” because in truth, we never really arrive. We grow, evolve and adapt — and so do our challenges. It’s a story that feels deeply relatable, no matter where you are in life. Whether you’re a young professional finding your footing or someone juggling the complexities of balancing career, family and relationships, you’ll find pieces of yourself in Lucy’s journey. The Good Part is a humbling, inspiring and motivating reminder that nothing is ever promised, and the only thing we can truly control is how we live, how we treat others and how we appreciate the beauty in what we already have.

The Story of a Single Woman by Uno Chiyo

Recommended by Karen Villa, Senior Account Executive

This story is a loose autobiography of Japanese feminist author Chiyo Uno, translated by Rebecca Copeland. It follows a woman in 1940s Japan, a time when women had few liberties, as she navigates multiple relationships to seek freedom and opportunity. The English title, “A Journey of a Single Woman,” is misleading, as the original Japanese title (Wagamama no Musoko) translates to “Selfish Daughter.” Rather than a tale of strength and independence, it’s the story of a flawed, self-serving woman pursuing her own desires in a society that expected her to sacrifice everything for family and tradition. It is ultimately a portrait of a woman living for herself, ahead of her time. Ideal for readers who enjoy complex characters, cultural insights, and supporting “women’s wrongs” as much as women’s rights. Note that the Japanese storytelling style features a different narrative pace and voice, which is a characteristic of the genre, not a flaw.

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

Recommended by Katie Crocilla, Senior Manager, SEM & Media

An exquisitely moving story about grief, love, and family—but especially love. Sally Rooney’s novel explores grief, love, and family through the lives of two brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek. Peter, a successful Dublin lawyer, is unraveling after their father’s death, caught between his first love Sylvia and the carefree Naomi. Ivan, a socially awkward 22-year-old chess player, meets Margaret, an older woman with a troubled past, and they quickly form a deep connection. For two grieving brothers and the people they love, this is a new interlude—a period of desire, despair, and possibility; a chance to find out how much one life might hold inside itself without breaking.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

Recommended by Maddie McNamee, Senior Marketing Specialist

Charlotte McConaghy’s Wild Dark Shore is one of those books that sticks with you long after the final page. Set on the hauntingly beautiful and remote Shearwater Island, the story follows Rowan, a woman shipwrecked and barely alive, who washes ashore in search of her missing husband. She’s taken in by the Salt family, Dominic and his three children, Raff, Fen and Orly, each of whom is grappling with their own grief and secrets. As Rowan recovers, she becomes entangled in the family’s fragile world and the mystery surrounding the island’s failing seed vault, a last hope for global biodiversity. The writing in this novel is so vivid and immersive and the island itself becomes a character, wild, eroding and full of ghosts, both literal and emotional. I found myself deeply attached to each character and as the stakes get higher, secrets are revealed and tentative connections are formed, you’ll find yourself second-guessing everything you thought you knew. Wild Dark Shore is a masterpiece of mood and mystery, and you may find yourself considering a life of isolation among the seals after you finish.

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Recommended by Christina Crump, Website Services

Dungeon Crawler Carl is the kind of series (7 books so far, book 8 in progress) that pulls you in fast and keeps you there. The story itself is wild; Earth is destroyed, and the survivors are forced into a massive dungeon that works like a violent alien game show. It sounds like pure chaos, but the writing has so much humor, heart, and intelligence that it never feels empty or shallow. Matt Dinniman builds a world that is hilarious, dark, emotional, and strangely hopeful all at the same time. The audiobook version is definitely the best way to experience it. Jeff Hayes does more than narrate, he becomes every character. His timing, voices, tone, and delivery make the story feel alive, which really turns this book into a whole event to experience. Princess Donut (the talking cat companion) is already a great character, but she becomes absolutely ICONIC in audio. The banter, the emotional moments, the absurdity, all land so well because of Hayes’ narration. The series is action-packed and genuinely funny, but it also has real heart. Carl is not a perfect hero; he’s just trying to stay human while the world falls apart, and that makes the story surprisingly easy to connect with. The deeper you get, the more you care about what happens next. I would recommend this to anyone who loves fast pacing, clever world-building, character growth, and storytellers who are not afraid to be weird in the best way. If you enjoy audiobooks that feel like a full performance instead of a simple read-through, start here. It is smart, chaotic, emotional, and unforgettable. And you won’t even BELIEVE the characters you’ll meet along the way!

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Recommended by Hanna Gbordzoe, Vice President, Social Media

The Housemaid has been out for a few years, but if you’re like me, you may have judged a book by its cover and deprioritized it on your reading list. Don’t let the generic title or cover fool you though—oh my, I could not put this thriller down once I finally picked it up. Nothing is as it seems in this story, and the twists had my jaw on the floor. A quick read for over the holidays and in time for the movie to hit theaters!

All Her Fault by Andrea Mara

Recommended by Upama Roy, Coordinator, Social Media

Marissa Irvine goes to pick up her son, Milo, from a playdate, only to find out the address she was given belongs to a stranger and Milo is nowhere to be found. As the mystery unravels, we also dive into the secrets and tangled relationships of the small Dublin neighborhood this story is set in, and trust me, the twists will keep you guessing until the very end! The ending genuinely shocked me, I could have never guessed the twist. This is a perfect mystery to cozy up to this winter and there is also TV Show adaptation that just come out based on the book so make sure to watch that right after!

The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft

Recommended by Payton Walker, Senior Research Associate

“The king wishes to be baked into a cake.” It is a cozy, warm read that I found on vacation in a bookstore. It is reminiscent of Terry Pratchett, full of whimsy and attitude, with a bit of Indiana Jones. It is sharply written and forcefully charming. This book follows Isolde and Warren Wilby, a former detective and supportive husband who carries the bag full of mysterious charms left by Isolde’s late treasure-hunting father. Isolde is the driven investigator who unravels the mystery, while Warren bakes cookies and charms their way through with genial conversation. This book is a good time and does not ask much of you. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

We Might Just Make it After All by Elyce Arons

Recommended by Elizabeth Borsting, Senior Media Relations Specialist

We Just Might Make It After All borrows its title from the beloved Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song—a fitting homage to the optimism and independence that inspired lifelong friends Katy Brosnahan and Elyce Arons (née Cox). The two first met as freshman dormmates at the University of Kansas in the early 1980s, bonding over a shared admiration for Mary Tyler Moore’s can-do spirit. Little did they know, amid Jayhawk football games and KU fraternity parties, that they would one day build one of the most iconic fashion brands of a generation.For every young professional woman in the 1990s—including myself—a Kate Spade handbag was carried like a badge of honor. It was Gen X’s answer to Chanel’s little black dress: stylish, attainable and unapologetically joyful. Their journey led the dynamic duo from Lawrence, Kansas, to Tempe, Arizona, and eventually to New York City, where they juggled low-paying jobs and cramped apartments before launching Kate Spade New York—a brand that transformed not only their lives but the way women expressed success. After selling the company nearly two decades later, they returned to their fashionista roots with Frances Valentine, launched in 2016.

This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

Recommended by Cilia Kohn, Director, Digital

Hailed as a #1 New York Times bestseller and named one of the “Best Books of the Decade” by multiple outlets, This Is Where It Ends is both a powerful work of fiction and a mirror to our times. It is a gripping, minute-by-minute account of a school shooting that unfolds over the course of just fifty-four devastating minutes at a rural Alabama high school. Told through the eyes of four students—all connected in some way to the shooter—the novel captures the chaos, fear, and heartbreak of a community under siege. While classified as YA fiction, Nijkamp’s story resonates far beyond its intended audience. It’s a raw and emotional exploration of courage, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of friendship in the face of unimaginable terror. For anyone who has been, raised, or known a teenager, this unforgettable story will leave a lasting mark.

Crossing to Safety by Wallace Earle Stegner

Recommended by Robyn Domber, Senior Vice President, Research

While not a new book, Crossing to Safety has, since its publication in 1987, established itself as one of the greatest and most cherished American novels of the twentieth century and one of the only books I look forward to re-reading every few years. As with all of Wallace Stegner’s books, it is absolutely beautifully written and explores a deep and lifelong friendship between two couples. As well as showing us the value of deep friendship, Crossing to Safety explores how four friends cope with the challenges and setbacks that confront them during their lives. Tracing the lives, loves, and aspirations of two couples who move between Vermont and Wisconsin, it is a work of quiet majesty, deep compassion, and powerful insight into the alchemy of friendship and marriage.

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Recommended by Isabella Schincariol, Specialist, Social Media

Normal People is a story of mutual fascination, friendship, and love — tracing two people from their first conversation through the years that follow, always trying to pull apart yet inevitably drawn back together. It’s a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a fantastic Hulu series. Though it’s a quick read, it stayed with me for days. I loved watching the characters evolve as the book explores the complexity of being human — how we change, how we grow, and how what we think we want isn’t always what’s meant for us. It’s written with a realism that’s rare, and that’s what made it so powerful.

The Last Stand by Antwan Eady

Recommended by Carly Steele Johnson, Senior Director, SEM & Media

The Last Stand has quickly become one of our favorite bedtime reads. We discovered it at the library, and while my 3-year-old was drawn to the trucks and produce, I found myself appreciating the deeper layers of the story. On the surface, it’s a simple tale about a small stand that has supported a community for generations. But underneath, it’s a reminder of how places evolve, how traditions are carried forward and how the heart of a community is often found in the small, steadfast things that remain. The story is gentle and beautifully illustrated, offering something meaningful at every age. Little ones will love following the daily rhythm of the stand, while parents will find themselves reflecting on family, community and the places we call home. It’s a book that sparked conversations for us and one we both reach for, for completely different reasons, which is exactly why it has become such a special read.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Recommended by Tania Kedikian, Senior Account Director

I was never one to read a sci-fi novel, but Project Hail Mary won me over. My husband convinced me to try it (the audiobook is also fantastic), and it turned out to be less about space and more about self-discovery and one of the most unexpected friendships I’ve ever read (maybe a bit reminiscent of E.T. though this is definitely its own narrative). It follows a lone middle school teacher who wakes up millions of miles from Earth on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there. And it turns out he needs to save the world… but why, and how? It has the right mix of things that I like – the right dose of humor, mystery and a story of resilience. In a way, it’s also a great reminder for us in place marketing: the best ideas often come from collaboration across worlds, and from finding common ground where none seems to exist. Bonus: Ryan Gosling is set to star in the upcoming movie adaptation!

The Third Door: The Mindset of Success by Alex Banayan

Recommended by Claudia Costello, Senior Account Executive

The Third Door tells the story of author Alex Banayan’s seven-year quest to uncover the definitive mindset of exponential growth and success — but it’s nothing like any business or self-help book you’ll ever read. A true page turner, this book tells a wild, almost unbelievable coming-of-age story that feels more like an adventure movie than a career guide. The Third Door is about finding an unconventional way to success and building on your past failures to help get you there. It took me one three-hour train ride from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Malmo, Sweden, to get through this book the first time; and it’s one of the few books I just keep coming back to.

The Christmas Tree by Julie Salamon

Recommended by Cindy Hudson, Research Associate

I read this book every year as Christmas draws closer not only because it is a heartwarming story, but because it is also a quick and easy read. It even has short chapters just in case you need to put it down and come back to it as the season gets busier. It is a beautiful story about patience, understanding, resilience and unlikely friendships. In short, the story follows the Head Gardener of Rockefeller Center on his quest to find the next Christmas Tree. He’s got the process down to a science and never fails to deliver. Until he finds the perfect tree with an “owner” who refuses to give it up. Keep the tissues handy… you’ll need them.

Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman

Recommended by Sarah Raynor, Vice President, Creative Services

This is a fun, witty, and insightful read for expecting parents and a welcome break from the dry “how-to” manuals written for first-time moms and dads. Written by an American journalist living in Paris, the book has a bright, conversational tone that makes you feel like you’re having coffee with a friend who’s happy to share all the best (and realistic) parenting advice she’s picked up along the way. Tips like “la pause” and creating a predictable daily rhythm (instead of a rigid schedule) stuck with me throughout my first year of motherhood. Most importantly, the book encouraged me to question some of the default assumptions about raising babies, reminded me there’s no single “right” way to do things and helped me see that I get to build the version of parenthood that works best for our family.

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

Recommended by Patience Fairbrother, Senior Vice President, Talent Attraction

For fans of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, Here One Moment has all of the classic components of a Liane Moriarty book—a complex but charming ensemble cast and at least one jaw-dropping reveal—with an existential twist. The book opens with a woman who predicts the age and manner of death for several passengers on a flight from Hobart to Sydney. As her predictions begin to come true months later, the passengers grapple with fate, free will and whether they can change their predetermined outcomes. The novel explores how knowledge of one’s own mortality impacts one’s life, love and relationships. I’ve been on a kick with her books this year and this might be my favorite!

Self-Care: A Journal for Being Kind to Yourself by Peter Pauper Press

Recommended by Gabi Sandler, Account Manager

I stumbled upon this journal at a cafe on a weekend up north and it’s been my best impulse buy of the year! In our industry, especially over the last few years, it can be so easy to forget to take time for ourselves. More importantly, bad habits, like doom scrolling, can so often be mistaken for taking care of ourselves, when really it’s doing more harm than good. This book has been such a gentle reminder that taking care of myself means showing up for my family, my friends and my team. Whether it’s a line or two a day or a full entry, taking the time to stop and reflect about my intentions and plans for me is one of the best parts of the day.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Recommended by Rachel Deloffre, Vice President, Creative Services

A gripping blend of murder mystery, historical fiction and small-town intrigue, The Frozen River follows real-life 18th-century midwife Martha Ballard, whose meticulous diary entries chronicle the triumphs, tensions and hidden truths of her community. Because Martha is a midwife and healer, she has a view into the lives of the people in her town like no other — whether she’s attending a birth or examining a dead body found in the river. From the first few pages onward, I was hooked! This book encompassed some of my favorite elements of a good book all into one: a whodunnit murder, a fascinating look at a time when life was so different, family secrets, motherhood, love and so much more.

Crying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner

Recommended by Arunima Dey, Senior Manager, SEM & Media

Crying in H Mart feels like sitting beside someone in the thick of grief, letting their memories rise and settle around you. Michelle Zauner shows how losing her mother forces her to hold tightly to the parts of herself shaped by Korean food, language, and love. Her stories of cooking, caretaking, and remembering are tender and raw—like watching someone rebuild their identity in real time. It’s a powerful reminder that food, family, and culture stay with us long after the people we love are gone. In my own culture, we mark every event, emotion, and moment—good or bad—with food. My grandmother taught me to love cooking, and certain recipes still pull me back to her warmth. I miss her more when I make them, yet somehow feel closer, too. I felt the writer expressing that same ache: the way food can both sharpen the grief and soften it.

Harvey Potter’s Balloon Farm by Jerdine Nolen; Illustrator: Mark Buehner

Recommended by Caleb Woods, Senior Specialist, Talent Attraction

Everyone needs a good book to read the little ones over the holidays, and you might as well enjoy it as well! Harvey Potter’s Balloon Farm is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story about a quirky farmer, Harvey Potter, that doesn’t grow your typical corn, okra, or tomatoes. He grows balloons! This whimsical story really sparks the imagination and reminds you that you don’t always have to choose the traditional path in life. Dare to be bold, different and do what you love. You never know who you might inspire!

Written by

Julie Curtin

President, Economic Development Practice