Level5 Fall Reading List
(Part 2)

October 24, 2023

As the summer wraps up and the weather begins to change, we asked the Level5 team to share some picks from their bookshelves for our Fall Reading List. Explore Part 2 of our list to what Level5 has been reading and discover your next book!

Bashaar Hassan

Analyst

Thoughtful Leadership by Fiona Buckland

A great, concise read on how to bring your full self to your leadership roles. For me personally, the discussions on leading yourself and dealing with your inner critic were particularly novel and interesting. Her use of well-defined archetypes to explain some not so simple concepts was insightful and truly enjoyable. If you’re looking for a weekend read that’ll make you think deeply long after you’ve put the book down, would definitely recommend checking this out!

Jordan Tepper

Consultant

Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe

Empire of Pain chronicles the opioid crisis and centres around the role of the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, the producers and marketers of OxyContin. Winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for History & Biography, this is a fantastically detailed account of some of the major players, wrongdoings, and greed – a must read for anyone interested in learning more about the opioid crisis.

Andrei Flueraru

Director

The Plague by Albert Camus

The Plague by Albert Camus is a captivating novel with a profound and timeless message. It features a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in the face of a deadly epidemic, and though it was written in 1947, it serves as a haunting reflection of the emotions and experiences many of us faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Camus masterfully depicted the descent into chaos and the ensuing resilience of the townspeople of Oran. The novel’s proved to be a compelling reflection on the human capacity for compassion and solidarity during times of crisis, while highlighting the importance of facing existential challenges with courage and empathy. “The Plague” is not just a gripping tale; it’s a timeless reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the fragility of our existence.

Addie Robertson

Consultant

Invisible Women by Caroline Criado

Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez dives into the implications the ‘gender data gap’ that, when ignored, can skew decisions and ultimately negatively impact women. Throughout the book, Perez shares real-life examples in areas like healthcare, transportation, work, and city planning to show how the data gap perpetuates gender inequality and leads to adverse outcomes. It’s a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in data, gender equality, or understanding how the world we live in is designed.

Kelsey Deutschmann

Operations Business Analyst

Billion Dollar Loser by Reeves Wiedeman

Non-fiction books don’t always grab my attention, but this one had my interest from the start. “Billion Dollar Loser” by Reeves Wiedeman is a biography of WeWork and its co-founder, Adam Neumann. This engaging read that lifts the cover on what was once thought to be a visionary organization, exposing Neumann’s eccentric leadership style and the company’s financial mismanagement. The book offered plenty of interesting insights on the risks of unchecked ambition, corporate governance, and the challenges in the tech startup world. A great story for aspiring entrepreneurs, business professionals, and casual weekend readers alike!