Wondering what the Island Press staff is reading? We have a few of our favorites we'd like to share with you. We're hoping you'll pick up one or two of the ones we love the most while they're at the amazing price of 50% off! Now through 10/28/19, get any print book from us + free shipping on orders of $50 or more.  

Jason Leppig, Associate Director of Marketing, recommends Common Ground on Hostil Turf: Stories from an Environmental Mediator, "Because times demand it."

Common Ground on Hostile Turf

Kyler Geoffroy, Online Marketing Manger, is a big fan of Energy Democracy: Advancing Equity in Clean Energy Solutions, He says it's “a terrific book showcasing grassroots efforts to join the environmental and climate movements with broader movements for social and economic change. It’s people-powered power!”

Energy Democracy

Erica Sánchez Vázquez, Digital Content Manager, loves Plastic Soup: An Atlas of Ocean Pollution. She said, "This was the first Island Press book I read. It was highly educational; I learned new aspects of the plastics problem that I never imagined, like the many ways microplastics make it into our oceans. I keep the book visible in my house so people can skim through it. It has served as a great way to encourage my friends to think about the plastics problem and ways they can reduce their plastics use.

Maureen Gately, Director of Production & Design, also loves Plastic Soup. She said, "Since 6th grade, I've been aware of the importance of recycling and environmental stewardship. My awareness has only grown throughout the years I've spent at Island Press. During my life I've I went out of my way to recycle when curbside pick-up wasn’t a thing, and it wasn’t terribly convenient. I made efforts to purchased organic foods and avoid preservatives. I’ve kept as much plastic out of my kitchen and my life.... Haven’t I? Plastic is insidious. Far more insidious than I realized. Plastic Soup has taken my awareness to another level. This beautiful, oversized, full color book has made me more determined than ever to do more than I have been, and to gently spread the word."

Plastic Soup: An Atlas of Ocean Pollution

Jen Hawse, Parternship Manager, enjoyed Alan Mallach's The Divided City: Poverty and Prosperity in Urban America. She says, "As a former Baltimorean, I appreciate reading about a city I love, yet know has much room to grow. The divides in our cities are deep and deepening, but I appreciate Alan's ability to help frame them in a way that feels real and even fixable.

The Divided City

Heather Boyer, Vice President and Executive Editor, couldn't pick just one. She said that Jan Gehl's Cities for People is a commonsense explanation of why we should design cities for humans instead of for cars or buildings as art. She said when you're ready for step two, you should read Jeff Speck's Walkable City Rules for 101 thoughtfully organized and presented rules that can be implemented to achieve healthier, more equitable, and safer cities. 

Cities for People                     Walkable City Rules

We'd love to hear what your favorite Island Press book is! Tell us in the comments.