At SHIFT Work + Play, we believe in supporting our members in their busy lives as parents, professionals, and so much more. That’s why our lending library is carefully curated to offer a balance of books for “work” (including career development and parenting) and books for “play” (because everyone needs a little escape).
Here’s a quick look at some of the books you’ll find on our shelves. We hope they resonate with you, whether you’re ready to work, play, or both.
Books for Work
- Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Essential for leadership at home and work
Brené Brown’s guide to courageous leadership is a must-read for anyone in a leadership position, whether you’re managing a team or raising a family. The book focuses on vulnerability, empathy, and trust—qualities that resonate in both career and parenting contexts, reminding us that leading with heart is the key to real connection. - Atomic Habits by James Clear
Perfect for the habit-builder
This bestseller dives into the science of habits, offering practical strategies for making small, incremental changes that lead to big results. Whether you’re trying to streamline your daily productivity or find more balance between parenting and work, Atomic Habits helps you create systems that stick. - The Likeability Trap by Alicia Menendez
A must-read for ambitious women
Women in the workplace often face the double bind of being expected to be likable while also being assertive. Menendez’s book explores this “likeability trap” and how it impacts women’s careers. It’s an empowering read for any woman balancing her professional ambitions with societal expectations. - Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy
Parenting with compassion and confidence
Dr. Becky Kennedy’s Good Inside offers a fresh approach to parenting, focusing on building emotional intelligence and resilience in both parents and children. For the working parent juggling it all, this book provides a practical framework for raising emotionally healthy kids while managing the stresses of modern parenting. - The Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson
Guidance for fostering independence in children
This book focuses on empowering children to take control of their own lives, with actionable advice on reducing stress and anxiety for both parents and kids. If you’re navigating the challenges of parenting while trying to maintain a successful career, The Self-Driven Child offers tools to help you and your child thrive.
Books for Play
- Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
A thrilling, laugh-out-loud mystery
Part murder mystery, part dark comedy, this book follows single mom and struggling writer Finlay Donovan as she accidentally gets involved in a murder-for-hire plot. If you’re in the mood for something fast-paced and wildly entertaining, this is the perfect pick for play. - While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory
Romance, humor, and modern love
Jasmine Guillory delivers a fun, lighthearted romance perfect for anyone in need of a break from the hustle. This book combines love, career, and a dash of Hollywood, offering the ideal escape for parents and professionals who want a bit of fun in their reading life. - A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Magical realism and heartwarming charm
This delightful novel combines magic, mystery, and a quirky community of witches who band together for love and support. For those looking for a feel-good, enchanting escape, this is the book to curl up with when you need to unwind from work or parenting duties. - A Woman of Pleasure by Kiyoko Murata
Historical fiction set in Japan’s red-light district
In 1903, fifteen-year-old Ichi Aoi is sold to an exclusive brothel, where she learns the intertwined power of survival, sex, and solidarity. Based on real events, this novel will capture readers with its compelling and vivid portrayal of women’s resilience and strength while experiencing brutal conditions and challenging tradition and authority in Meiji-era Japan. - The Anomaly by Hervé Le Tellier
Mind-bending speculative fiction
This award-winning French novel explores parallel realities and existential questions in a fast-paced, genre-bending narrative. It’s perfect for the reader who loves intellectual thrillers with a side of philosophy—a thought-provoking escape that’s as fun as it is intriguing.
Read On
Whether you’re at SHIFT Work + Play to focus on your career or take a breather with a good book, our lending library is designed to support both aspects of your life. With more titles coming soon, we hope you find inspiration, guidance, and a little bit of fun within these pages!