Rochester Reporter

City leaders have taken a moment this summer to share their reading recommendations. Patty Uttaro, Director of the Rochester Public Library and Monroe County Library System, gathered over a dozen City department heads to contribute their book suggestions. The following list provides insights into their choices:

Mayor Malik D. Evans recommends "The Little Book of Aliens" by Adam Frank, which explores the science behind the search for extraterrestrial life.

Patty Uttaro suggests "I Cheerfully Refuse" by Leif Enger, a tale about a bereaved musician on Lake Superior searching for his deceased wife, and "News of the World" by Paulette Jiles, a historical fiction novel set post-Civil War.

Dr. Shirley Green, Department of Recreation and Human Services Commissioner, endorses "The Light We Carry" by Michelle Obama, offering practical wisdom for staying hopeful in uncertain times.

Police Chief David Smith recommends "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin, detailing Abraham Lincoln's presidency and his cabinet composed of former political adversaries.

Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano suggests "Wisdom of the Bullfrog" by Admiral William H. McRaven, which contains leadership lessons from McRaven's career as a Navy SEAL.

Daniella Veras, Executive Assistant, offers two recommendations: "Atomic Habits" by James Clear for personal growth through habit change and "Sh*t You Need to Know That Nobody Bothered to Tell You: A Perpetual Guide to Life for Everyone" by Clark Merrill for practical life advice.

Patrick Beath, Corporation Counsel, recommends two novels: "Freedom" by Jonathan Franzen about societal changes affecting a couple and "The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois" by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers exploring an American family's history from colonial times to the modern era.

Finance Director Kim D. Jones suggests "Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own" by Eddie Glaude Jr., examining Baldwin’s experiences in light of recent social movements.

Dr. Rose M. Nichols from the Department of Human Resource Management recommends two books: "Disruptive Thinking" by T.D. Jakes on challenging the status quo and "The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride about uncovering long-held secrets in Pottstown, PA.

Barbara Pierce, Director of Communications, suggests two books: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt about an unlikely friendship with an octopus and “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott on effective communication frameworks.

Suzanne Warren from the Office of Management and Budget offers two recommendations: “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer discussing lessons from nature and “The Quiet Tenant” by Clémence Michallon about a serial killer narrated through close relationships.

Josanne Reeves shares her picks as Chief Legislative Coordinator: “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides on psychological thriller themes and “Being Henry” by Henry Winkler recounting his journey through stardom.

John Brach recommends “Thinking Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman on human cognition systems and “The Authenticity Project” by Clare Pooley about strangers forming unexpected friendships through a notebook.

Nancy Johns-Price rounds out the list with her selections as Youth2Work Coordinator: “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know” by Adam Grant emphasizing rethinking opinions and “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do” by Amy Morin offering strategies for mental resilience.

For more information or to find these books at local libraries, visit https://libraryweb.org/.