It's summertime, and the reading is easy…Kick off the first day of summer with a good book.The National Institute for Literacy is kicking off the first day of summer and celebrating the season with reading. We invited some familiar names in and outside of the literacy community to give us a peak inside their book bags as they head to the beach, the backyard or steal a few random hours between work. In this first round up, winning Colts Coach, Tony Dungy; Florida Foundation President, Liza McFadden; and Washington, DC Mayor, Andrian M. Fenty, share their top picks for summer reading. Check back to see what others are reading this summer. 
Tony DungyHe became the first African American head coach to win the Super Bowl when his Indiannapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. Dungy's autobiography, Quiet Strength, will be released in July.
One of the books that always makes it to the top of my reading list is my Bible. It's not just a summer read but, but it's with me winter, spring, summer, and fall. When you are an NFL coach, there isn't much down time to read during training camp, but I am determined to wrap my hands and mind around two compelling books --The Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete by William C. Rhoden and The Samson Syndrome: What You Can Learn from the Baddest Boy in the Bible by Mark Atteberry--with provocative themes: how not to lose sight of the big picture, understanding race in America and lessons for growing in Christian faith and manhood. 
Liza McFaddenShe is a member of the National Institute for Literacy's presidentially appointed Advisory Board and is president of the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a public-private 501 (c) (3) nonprofit that engages the state's citizens in activities that strengthen families and increase literacy.
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time As the president of a nonprofit, I am humbled, and also renewed, when I read stories of inspiration about people who get things done, despite the most arduous circumstances, and because they are led by their heart. I'm particularly interested in Three Cups of Tea because Mortenson is focused on building schools for girls in Pakistan and in Afghanistan. His story is the first step in this aid, and I think it will be interesting to watch what occurs next, and how. As a member of the National Institute for Literacy's Board of Advisors, I think the implications of this book point to the importance of literacy in a disrupted land. It should make a good read. Pour Your Heart into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a TimeBy Howard Schultz The Starbucks brand is everywhere. As a former public relations professional, I am interested in the company's savvy appeal; as an Institute Board member, I'm interested in how Starbucks got involved in supporting literacy, and what the long-term commitment might be. And like everyone else, I'm just curious to know more about Starbucks' inner-workings. Tall latte anyone? Jesus of Nazarethby Pope Benedict XVI I'm not sure that I've ever read a book by a current Pope, and this book is getting really interesting reviews. As I understand it, Jesus of Nazareth is the Pope's personal reflections. Reading to me is the best way to encourage reflection so; I look forward to delving into this book. 
Mayor Adrian M. FentyIn November 2006, he became Washington, DC's youngest mayor, carrying every precinct in the city in both the primary and general elections.
A Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House John F. Kennedy was an outstanding American leader. It's fascinating to read about the politics and personalities that not only influenced his administration but also shaped major events in modern history. During the time of his presidency, Kennedy was the youngest president in office…as the youngest mayor of the District, I can certainly relate to his leadership prospective. The book includes hundreds of photographs and documents from various sources like the John F. Kennedy Library, the Library of Congress, the Associated Press and Life magazine. The images are both moving and captivating. It's interesting to see how most of the issues and problems of yesteryear are still with us today. Arthur M. Schlesinger's intimate account of the president places the reader in the center of Kennedy's experience and thought process. Each evening, I look forward to picking up where I left off the night before. |
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