Linda Reid's 3 favorite reads in 2023

A pathway to a Ph.D. can be brutal–more so when the goal is a doctorate in STEM domains, especially in what was once a “man’s world.” Despite these challenges, ground-breaking women weathered the taxing obstacle course to professional success in research, teaching, the corporate road, and academia. They cleared the way for today’s generations of scientists, professors, and innovators.

In Lessons Learned, Deborah Shlian collected and shared the fascinating personal stories of thirty-one of these diverse women who persevered in difficult and often unwelcoming environments and who serve as inspirations for all who seek careers or are currently engaged in STEM realms.  

Mentors and colleagues of all genders will find the stories of perseverance in often inequitable situations illuminating and can take in the wisdom shared by the contributors. As a female MD, having had similar experiences as one of a few female medical students in the early 1970s, I found their stories brought back memories of our own struggles and challenges—and gratitude for the ground-breaking efforts of these amazing women to help open doors for so many of us.

As an avid reader and digester of Dennis Palumbo’s outstanding thriller series, I eagerly dived into his latest book, Panic Attack. 

Rinaldi expertly uses his skills as a psychologist with a “tough on the outside, warm heart on the inside” personality to extricate himself from the dangerous situations he is drawn to as an advocate for compassionate justice and the innocent.

In Panic Attack, Rinaldi witnesses a college mascot shot by a sniper at a football game and gets drawn into another murder mystery when the intended victim calls the psychologist to help him deal with his panic. Soon, Rinaldi has been drafted to investigate a killing spree in which a serial murderer could be targeting him.

Palumbo, as in his other Rinaldi books, weaves a gripping, exciting thriller with fascinating characters and always surprising plot twists set in a wonderfully created atmosphere of Pittsburgh noir. I’ve enjoyed all the other outstanding Rinaldi thrillers and look forward to the next book in Palumbo’s wonderful series. Bosch producers, are you listening?

Octogenarian philanthropist Ruth Lindeck Forman shares inspiring vignettes, critical questions, and helpful wisdom that has flourished from her lifelong journey as a wife, mother, grandmother, and communication specialist in the US, the Caribbean, and around the world.

Forman eloquently lays out pathways for readers to promote their self-insight and confidence, to utilize inspiring new models for advancing local and international rapport, friendship, hope, and harmony, and to improve cross-cultural understanding by embracing kinship and spiritual affection among members of our diverse human community worldwide.

Forman’s journal is a treasure trove of experience, optimism, compassion, comfort, and a practical guide to a more inspiring and emotionally rewarding life blessed with vibrant human connection and heart. Soul to Soul: Connection and Communication is an outstanding guidebook for enriching our lives. Highly recommended!