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Quick Picks: L&S Summer Reads
By Creative
- 09.10.25
- 5 Min Read
Did you know L&S has a book club? Led by the unflappable Kelsey Frost (AKA the leader of our readers), our band of bookworms meets every quarter to discuss what we’re reading and share recommendations. We even track our reads in an official L&S Book Club Dashboard™.
Now, some of these reads are less applicable to business than others (we’re looking at you, Fourth Wing). But every so often we put down our dragons and riding leathers to pick up a good book on marketing, leadership or creativity.
As you’re looking for a little professional development during your PTO, check out these quick staff picks to see what’s buzzing around L&S.
Cassi’s Pick:
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
“Unreasonable Hospitality tells the story of how author Will Guidara transformed Eleven Madison Park into the world’s best restaurant, not just through food, but by obsessing over personalized, over-the-top service. His core belief is that by going above and beyond in thoughtful, unexpected ways, you can turn ordinary transactions into unforgettable experiences.
Our account service crew read the book together this spring, and it instantly reshaped how we think about client service and company culture. So much of our role is about relationships, trust and how we make people feel – whether it’s clients, partners or each other. The book challenged us to reframe what ‘service’ looks like in the agency world. It’s not just delivering great work, but delivering it with care, anticipation and intention. We’ve since been thinking more critically about how we show up and where we can create both big and small moments of standout hospitality to make our work and our partnerships even stronger. ‘It’s cool to care!’”
Matt’s Pick:
Stop Reading Slides by Ben Levy
“‘Everyone tells you to not read slides. No one tells you what to do instead.’ Well, Ben Levy, a creative director and presentation coach, steps in here as the ‘no one.’ His book, Stop Reading Slides, is a practical deck-building and presenting guide, kind of a ‘Chicken Soup for the Agency Soul.’ It covers a little bit of everything, dispensing wisdom like how many words should go on a slide (no more than seven) to where the speaker should sit in a pitch (near the front, duh).
The TLDR: It’s a pretty breezy 300 pages. Even if you only pull out one nugget that makes you a better presenter, then they were pages well turned. Fun fact: Ben also coached our staff on
Brian’s Pick:
Juicing the Orange by Pat Fallon & Fred Senn
“This book doesn’t just argue for creativity in business—it shows you how it actually works. Through real-life campaigns and case studies, Juicing the Orange reveals that the most effective marketing strategies are rooted in uncovering human truths. It makes you rethink how and why great creative connects. Whether it’s scrapping what’s safe or digging deeper for insight, it’s a reminder that the smartest strategy is often the boldest—and that ideas only work when they truly speak to people.”
Katelyn’s Pick:
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
“The Creative Act: A Way of Being is less of a rulebook and more of a vibe. It’s full of thoughtful little reminders that creativity isn’t just something you do—it’s a way of seeing and living. The kind of book you can flip open when you’re feeling stuck or just want a little spark of inspiration. Super easy to read, quietly wise and perfect for anyone looking to reconnect with their creative side—or just look at things a little differently.
Shawn’s Pick:
Things Become Other Things by Craig Mod
“When do we actually have time to think about what weighs on our minds? For Craig Mod, it’s during a 300-mile walk through Japan’s Kii Peninsula. In Things Become Other Things, we’re taken on a journey of self-reflection.
‘Walking as a way to become who I wanted to become but didn’t know how to. Walking as a way to reflect on where it is that we come from. And walking as a way to bear witness to a certain grace visible only when you’re bored out of your skull, when you’ve been walking for weeks on end…’
It’s a reminder that slowing down and engaging in something repetitive (like walking) can create a mental space we don’t often get to. Kind of like how all our best ideas happen in the shower, but Craig takes it to the extreme. It’s a lovely book for anyone who’s curious about a new way of thinking and culture. Plus, Craig is a photographer so there’s pictures to better explain his surroundings as you go.”
Kristy’s Pick:
The Art of Quiet Influence by Jocelyn Davis
“I’m a firm believer that there’s a need and purpose for all types of leaders, including the quiet ones. The Art of Quiet Influence uses learnings from Buddha, Confucius and philosophers to show how leaders can engage and guide others using influence – not authority or coercion. Davis shows how, when we share power and invite participation, we achieve greater progress. As an introvert and collaborator myself, the teachings in this book have helped me step into my own strengths and use them to shape my own style as a leader, coach and creative director.”
