To celebrate Read a Book Day on September 9, we asked NASFAA staff to recommend a book they recently enjoyed or an all-time favorite. Check out our recommendations below. 

Alias Emma by Ava Glass
Recommended by: Leksey Maltzman

“After reading 'Alias Emma' earlier this summer, I quickly ordered the next two books in the British spy thriller trilogy. I thought it was a fun and quick read with action and suspense that felt like watching a movie.”

The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King
Recommended by: Charlotte Etier

“I have always loved Fred Rogers and this book was an excellent look into the intentionality behind his work and methods. I loved learning more about how he created the magic he made for children and how it has informed so much of children's television and parenting styles even today.”

Absolution by Alice McDermott
Recommended by: Maria Murphy

“As an 'expat' living in Tokyo for five years, I am drawn to any book that deals with that feeling of displacement, of finding your way in a new culture. Absolution is set in pre-war Vietnam in the early 60's and leaves interpretation up to the reader as to the intentions of the main characters.”

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
Recommended by: Laura Aberant

“Reading this book felt like being wrapped in a big hug. I don't want to give anything away but it's a bit about getting out of your comfort zone, a little magic, and a found family. Can't recommend it highly enough!”

Verity by Colleen Hoover
Recommended by: Dana Kelly

“This book was full of suspense and intrigue. It kept me guessing through the entire read.  If you are a fan of the thriller genre, this one won't disappoint!”

The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby by Ellery Lloyd
Recommended by: Mandy Sponholtz

“The story of runaway heiress who painted a single art masterpiece that historians thought was lost to fire is rediscovered over fifty years later. The art really becomes the central character a story of revenge, preservation, and murder. In addition to these major events, it also demonstrates how even the smallest acts (both known and unknown) can change the trajectory of others' lives.”

Still Life (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache Series) by Louise Penny
Recommended by: Mendy Schmerer

“Once I discovered the Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny, I raced through all the books and am now anxiously awaiting book #19. I always love a series and the opportunity to get to know the characters. Living life with them (through them?) is a fantastic ride!”

Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph by Sheila Johnson
Recommended by: Robyn Washington

“A great biography read was Sheila Johnson's 'Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph'.  She was a cofounder of BET but she overcame many obstacles to become an entrepreneur in her own right.  She faced hardships in her marriage only to find love, true love and support when her marriage ended in divorce.  I highly recommend this book.”

Part of Your World  by Abby Jimenez
Recommended by: Darcy Johnson

“Any book that I can get lost in or learn something new from becomes an all-time favorite, so it's hard to pick just one. Over the last two years, I've enjoyed the 'Part of Your World' series by Abby Jimenez. Each of them I read in one sitting, approximately 12 hours each time (who needs sleep when you're engrossed in a good book?). While the stories are intertwined, each book is a standalone as well. You'll be drawn in to each person's story of love and loss, trials and tribulations, and definitely want to visit Wakan!”

Nothing is Missing by Nicole Walters
Recommended by: Tiffany Gibbs

“'Nothing is Missing' is a memoir written by Nicole Walters, about what has been an extraordinary life. Born into poverty, she leveraged her big personality into a game show appearance while attending college and eventually into becoming a social media personality and entrepreneur. Along the way she met the three girls who would become her adopted daughters and built her own company teaching others how to leverage their gifts.”

The Women by Kristin Hannah
Recommended by: Margot Manning

“’The Women’ tells the story of a young woman named Frankie and her experiences during and after the Vietnam War. It is a period of history I did not know a lot about, and this book was incredibly eye opening. It's a heavy book that tackles a lot of challenges.”

Did you know about our Member Book Review initative? Written by and for NASFAA members, NASFAA Book Reviews deliver a critical analysis of books on trending issues in financial aid, enrollment management, and higher education. Interested in reviewing a book for NASFAA? Learn more about our Member Book Reivews.