A Visit from the Goon Squad vs The Road to Character

Jennifer Egans 2010 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a brilliant, fragmented exploration of time, memory, and the music industry. Through a series of interconnected stories that jump back and forth across decades, Egan examines how the 'goon' of time changes the lives of her characters. The book is famous for its experimental chapters, including one written entirely in PowerPoint slides. It is a sh...

David Brooks 2015 non-fiction work is a thoughtful, philosophical look at the importance of building inner character in an age of self-promotion. Through the lives of various historical figures, Brooks contrasts the 'resume virtues' (skills, achievements) with the 'eulogy virtues' (kindness, integrity, humility). It is a challenging, reflective book that encourages readers to look beyond superfici...