by Ashley Harthun, Manager
We live in a world full of screens demanding our attention. From endless work emails to texts from friends to the ever-tempting social media doomscroll (or is that just me?), our eyes are constantly bombarded with blue light from morning until night. It’s no wonder so many of us are searching for ways to unplug.
One of the simplest and most satisfying ways to disconnect? Reading.
Despite predictions that print was dying, books have made a remarkable comeback, thanks in part to an unlikely hero: TikTok. The “BookTok” community has sparked such enthusiasm for reading that Barnes & Noble is opening over 60 new stores in 2025. Whether you’re into romance, thrillers, fantasy, or memoirs, there’s a corner of BookTok with a recommendation waiting for you.
But even beyond algorithms and hashtags, there’s still nothing like wandering into a bookstore, catching that familiar scent of ink and paper, scanning endless rows of colorful covers, and selecting your next escape. And yes—go ahead and judge that book by its cover. Despite the old saying, it’s often a surprisingly reliable indicator of what’s inside.
Now, we know what you might be thinking: “Accountants recommending books? Isn’t your idea of a good read a 400-page FASB update or a thrilling 10-K filing?” (We’ll admit… there’s the occasional riveting footnote.) But we promise the team here at KBC isn’t all spreadsheets and calculators—we love a good story just as much as anyone.
So we asked around the office and gathered some of our team’s favorite recent reads. Whether you’re looking to unwind after work, squeeze in a few pages during your commute, or need something great for that long weekend getaway, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our top picks below and let us know what’s on your reading list!
Tyler Clark (Associate – San Francisco):
“I usually recommend ’11/22/63′ by Stephen King. It has a little bit of everything—sci-fi, horror, romance, historical fiction. I also really loved the ending! I feel like Stephen King’s endings can sometimes be a letdown, but this one is genuinely satisfying.”
Kelly Cohen (Senior Associate – Arizona):
“I really enjoyed Philippa Gregory’s Tudor series because it brought history to life in such a vivid, dramatic way. The way she writes about the women of the Tudor court—queens, rivals, and courtiers—pulled me right into their world. It’s full of intrigue, power struggles, and personal stories that kept me turning pages late into the night. If you like history mixed with drama and compelling characters, it’s a fantastic series to get lost in.”
Maya Erel (Manager – San Jose):
“I love reading; I will read anything. There are some books I read that don’t leave any impact, and there are books like ‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind. It was an emotionally charged read with: women’s courage and sacrifice during wartime; complex human relationships; difficult moral choices individuals face in wartime, where lines between right and wrong blur. Well written.”
Ashley Harthun (Manager – San Jose):
“A recent favorite read of mine was ‘The Raven Scholar’ by Antonia Hodgson. Hodgson crafts an immersive world with fascinating political and theological structures, seamlessly weaving in just the right touch of magic. The story follows a rule-loving, structure-obsessed protagonist (accountants will relate!) who unexpectedly finds herself caught in a high-stakes competition to become the next ruler—all while trying to solve the murder of a fellow contestant. It’s a fast-paced, engaging read with a great mix of humor, intrigue, and lovable characters. I highly recommend it!”
Daniel Jaquez (Operations Senior Associate – Austin):
“‘The Midnight Library’ by Matt Haig is a favorite of mine because it takes you on a journey through all the ‘what ifs’ in life and how they could have made things different. It really opened my eyes to how it’s not so much about what’s going on around me, but more about how I choose to embrace what happens.”
Nader Makar (Senior Associate – Los Angeles):
“One of my favorite books is ‘And Then There Were None’ by Agatha Christie. Unlike her typical detective novels (which I love, by the way), this story has no central character to guide you through the mystery. It keeps you guessing until the very last page. The suspense builds with every chapter, and the ending is absolutely unforgettable.”
Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm with an ever-growing TBR list or someone who can’t remember the last time you picked up a book for pleasure, we hope you’ll consider diving into one of our team’s favorites. You might discover a new genre you love, rediscover the joy of getting lost in a story, or simply find a few quiet moments away from the chaos of daily life.
We’d also love to hear from you—what’s the best book you’ve read lately? Drop us a comment or send us a message with your recommendations. Who knows? Your pick might just end up on our next list.
Happy reading from all of us at KBC!