Tomorrow is National Book Lovers Day! BTA is sharing some of our favorite novels and the reasons why we love them. Each of us has a story that has stayed with us long after the last page. Join us as we revisit our most unforgettable reads — you just might find your next favorite.
A Few of Our Favorite Reads
Courtney Bearer: My favorite book is Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell. It’s one of those stories that completely pulls you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. As a psychological thriller, it combines suspense with plot twists and intricate layers that make it impossible to put down.
Whether I’m traveling or just winding down at home, I always reach for a book that can fully capture my attention, and this one did just that. It is the perfect escape, especially when you need a mental reset. Even though it’s a darker story, it offered a thoughtful reminder that hope and healing can emerge from even the most difficult experiences, and that there’s strength to be found in how we choose to move forward.
Taylor Isaly: My favorite book is The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. This book is inspirational to me because it motivates people to take control of their emotions, actions, and ways of life. I found this book through TikTok and I have enjoyed the lessons it has taught me. I have been able to apply them to my day-to-day life and put my goals into perspective.
Sydney Webb: The Glass Castle is my favorite book, not only because of Jeannette Walls’ phenomenal writing, but also because it provides a powerful and unflinching window into the realities of alcoholism and poverty. These aren’t just personal hardships—they are systemic issues that continue to affect families across Appalachia.
The book resonates deeply with me, as it brings even greater meaning to my work at BlaineTurner Advertising, where we focus on making health information clear, relatable, and accessible for everyone—especially those who may feel overlooked or overwhelmed by traditional healthcare communication.
Ben Dyer: One book I return to again and again is The Tao Te Ching, translated by Ursula K. Le Guin. There’s something timeless and grounding in its simplicity—like a deep breath on a noisy day. Le Guin’s translation feels especially human and poetic; it strips away the overly academic tone that can come with other versions and makes the text feel like it’s speaking directly to you. It’s not a book you read once—it’s one you keep near, flip open randomly, and somehow always find exactly what you need.
What I love most is how it helps me slow down and see the bigger picture. Whether I’m navigating a tough decision or just need to get out of my own head, the Tao reminds me that things don’t always need to be forced, fixed, or figured out immediately. Its wisdom is soft but strong—and in both work and life, that balance has been a steady guide for me.
Sarah Rogers: One of my favorite books is The Grand Design: A Novel of Dorothy Draper by Joy Callaway. As someone from West Virginia — and someone who got engaged at the iconic Greenbrier — the setting and subject matter strike a nostalgic chord. The novel brings to life the vibrant legacy of Dorothy Draper, the trailblazing interior designer who didn’t just decorate rooms — she redefined an entire industry.
I’m inspired by Draper’s fearless creativity, her bold use of color and pattern, and her refusal to follow convention. She was a brand before women were expected to be entrepreneurs, and she did it with class. As a marketing professional with a passion for art and design, I admire how Draper’s work invites us to think outside the box, embrace individuality, and make a statement — principles I strive to incorporate into my own work every day.
Stephen Rogers: The Grand Slam: Bobby Jones, America, and the Story of Golf by Mark Frost is one of my favorites. It tells the story of Bobby Jones, the legendary amateur golfer who, in 1930, achieved the unprecedented feat of winning all four major championships in a single season. But beyond all records and accomplishments, the book paints a vivid portrait of a man who played not for fame or fortune, but out of pure love for the game. Set against the backdrop of a struggling America, Jones emerged as a quiet, steady symbol of excellence and hope for the world that followed him.
What makes this story so compelling isn’t just the golf; it’s the values that Jones embodied. His humility, discipline, and unwavering integrity resonate deeply, especially in a world that tends to reward noise over substance. Jones showed the public that true greatness is rooted in character, like how we handle pressure, lead without ego, and stay grounded in our purpose. His legacy offers more than inspiration for athletes; it’s a blueprint for how to approach our work, relationships, and challenges and do so with grace, conviction, and a clear sense of what really matters.
Happy National Book Lovers Day from all of us here at BTA! We hope our recommendations sparked your curiosity — and even added some of our favorites to your reading list.