🔒From Don Quixote to D. Wayne Lukas: Maine summer read picks

From literary classics to celebrity tell-alls, Mainers’ summer reading lists run the gamut. We checked in with 10 movers and shakers to find out what they’re reading now — or are planning to dive into this summer. Martin Grohman, recycling entrepreneur and former mayor of Biddeford: “I'm reading ‘Don Quixote' for the first time — somehow I missed it earlier in life —  Edith Grossman's 2003 translation. It’s been both funnier and more modern than I expected, which is incredible because it was written in 1605. Some dark parallels to my own career arc … and if I may put in a plug for the incredible narrator George Guidall, I'm also listening to the audiobook, which is excellent.” Jennifer Hutchins, executive director of Maine Association of Nonprofits: “Next up on my nightstand is ‘Prodigal Summer,’ by Barbara Kingsolver. She's one of my favorites and I was recently reminded that I hadn't finished it yet. Reading about a biologist spending her summer in an isolated cabin in the woods sounds ideal to me right now.” Nate Henry, business banker at Kennebec Savings Bank: “My wife and I are doing a book exchange. She recently finished ‘11/22/1963,’ by Stephen King, a historical sci‑fi thriller, while I just completed ‘The Offing,’ by Benjamin Myers, a literary novel exploring post–World War II England, nature and poetry.” Katie Shorey director of engagement, Live + Work in Maine: "This summer I plan to read 'Yesteryear,' by Caro Claire Burke, as well as 'Abundance,' by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. I'm also going to read 'Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage,' by Belle Burden. Currently I am reading 'The Five-Star Weekend,' by Elin Hilderbrand. After her husband dies suddenly, the main character invites four friends from various stages of her life for a weekend in Nantucket. It quickly goes off the rails! This is good practice for my summer (fiction) reading." Kristen Miale, managing director, Caswell Advisory Group: “I have two books going, one fiction and one non-fiction: ‘Circling the Sun,’ by Paula McLain, a historical fiction novel about Beryl Markham, who was the first person to fly solo, non-stop across the Atlantic from Britain to North America. She lived a bit of a scandalous and incredible life in Kenya in the 1920s. [The other is] ‘The Art of Possibility,’ by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. They are husband and wife. Benjamin is the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and Rosamund is a philosopher, artist, therapist and writer.” Gretchen Johnson, executive director, Center for Grieving Children: “I’m a fiction fan, and I like mixing up contemporary novels with classics, especially Young Adult classics. I’m currently reading ‘The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August,’ by Claire North, and ‘Tuck Everlasting,’ by Natalie Babbitt. Next up are ‘Theo of Golden’ and ‘The Secret Garden.’ "

Dinah Minot, executive director, Creative Portland: “I’m currently reading ‘The Glorians,' by Terry Tempest Williams and am about to read ‘Seascraper,’ by Benjamin Wood. I also have ‘When Women Were Birds,' also by Terry Tempest Williams, on my bedside table ... " 'The Glorians' is an inspirational, nurturing read. I find myself looking up and all around me, especially this time of year as nature does its thing. Terry Tempest Williams is a stunning writer.” Jason Judd, executive director, Educate Maine, is reading "High Road Leadership: Creating an Environment Where Your Team Wins Every Time," by John Maxwell. “I particularly enjoyed the discussion about the importance of finding common ground especially in a time of uncertainty." Kathleen Pierce, director of membership and communications at HospitalityMaine: "Right now I am reading Kevin Hancock's ‘Not For Sale: Finding Center in the Land of Crazy Horse.’ It's a memoir by Hancock Lumber's executive chairman. But it's really about a Casco man's quest to break out of the everyday grind. A loosely veiled mid-life crisis, business leadership read, studded with American history. Plus if you have a disability, you'll relate to this. A very sincere read with vintage photos from this forlorn western territory. Up next: ‘Famesick,’ by Lena Dunham. Why? She's brilliant and I love a good celeb tell-all."

Keith Luke, Augusta’s economic development director and horse-racing enthusiast: “This summer I'll be reading ‘Sermon on the Mount,’ by Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas [with Christina Bossinakis]. Lukas built one of the most successful organizations in sports by developing talent, empowering people and demanding high standards. Although the setting is Thoroughbred racing, the lessons on leadership, culture and organizational success apply wherever the stakes are high and performance matters.”

Book 'em, Danno

What books are on your summer reading list? Drop me a note at rcordes@mainebiz.biz to keep the conversation going.