Between juggling our work and our personal lives, we often struggle to find quiet moments for ourselves to get immersed in a good book. BWS Book Club aims to break through the complacency and hold each other accountable for our reading goals, while providing an open forum to engage with colleagues on some thought-provoking literature. Hear what old and new BWS team members have to say below about their experiences being part of BWS Book Club.
Anurag Andra, Director
The House on Mango Street was the first book I read as part of BWS Book Club, and I loved it. It had been a long time since I’d read a novel for the pure enjoyment of it, and this brought me out of that hiatus, which I’m very thankful for. Not only was it so rewarding to be able to read a story that was equal parts deep and vibrant, with the main character experiencing the highest childlike joys and some of the most painful sorrows of growing up, but being able to do so in a way that brought BWS friends and colleagues together to engage with the material only helped enrich the experience because of the thoughtfulness and wide array of perspectives each of us brought to the discussion. Excited to keep these going, read more, and have great conversations with this group!
Tina Bernardi, Director
One of the best aspects of the BWS book club is we actually talk about the books! As someone who works primarily in a remote role, the book club has provided a great opportunity to connect with colleagues that I don’t regularly interact with during a typical work day. Our conversations are deep and engaging, and everyone is given ample opportunity to weigh in. Hearing other peoples’ insight into their reading of the books adds new perspectives that I may have not come to through my own reading experience. The book club has also pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone. I typically read mystery or true crime books, and this club has provided more exposure to books that I normally wouldn’t have considered.
Riley Burke, Associate
Though I haven’t been here long, book club has been a source of joy in the few weeks I’ve been able to experience it. The opportunity to hear colleagues perspectives on material outside of work was genuinely lovely. Revisiting a book I’ve loved for years like The House on Mango Street also didn’t hurt. The ability to talk, speculate, and even disagree about a book alongside others feels like a privilege. The meeting I attended was easily a bright spot in my week. I’m eager to read on.
Lydie Neill, Director
Book club is such a fun part of the BWS experience! Each day, we get to hear debates and smart observations from our coworkers about the latest news for our clients, but taking the hot takes outside of work has been so much fun. People process books in different ways as reading can be a subjective experience. As Steffi also mentions, this group pushes each other to branch out into different genres and embraces opposing viewpoints and perspectives. While it’s low stakes and always a fun, enlightening experience, it also sharpens our skills in our day-to-day work as well.
Stephanie Swartz, Vice President
I have loved being part of the Breakwater Strategy book club over the past few months. It has given me a wonderful excuse to read more books like The House on Mango Street, Yellowface, and The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. My favorite aspect of book club has been the opportunity to get to know my colleagues better through our discussions on the storylines, author style, and deeper symbolism in these books.
Adi Volosov, Senior Associate
I love BWS Book Club! I am a huge reader by nature, and I’ll take any excuse to discuss books and stories. Doing so with my coworkers, many of whom I don’t work with on a regular basis, or don’t live in DC, is a huge treat every month. I especially appreciate that we choose books most of us haven’t read, or have relevant themes to the broader cultural discourse around us. I’ve read several books I may not have picked up as readily on my own–and I’m the better for it!