January Book Picks

Maddie’s Book Pick
The Atomic City Girls by Janet Beard

This book is historical fiction based on the real life events that took place during WWII. In Oak Ridge, Tennessee a “secret city” is constructed to help build the atomic bomb. The majority of the employees who work and live at the facility do not know what they are working on as the project is shrouded in secrecy, but as the war progresses everything comes to light.

I loved that this book explored the intertwining perspectives of those in different statuses at the facility. There is June, a country girl from the area, Cici, June’s roommate who is more interested in finding a husband than in what they are working on, Sam, a Jewish physicist overseeing the lab, and Joe, an African American construction worker from Alabama who left his family for the higher wages but whose living and conditions differ drastically from the white worker’s across town. Another treat in the book is the author’s sourcing of real photos from the project at the end of each chapter, which bring to life what life was like while working on this consequential piece of American history.

Emily’s Book Pick
Eat. Pray. Love. by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book was recommend to me by our mom! I had heard about the book a few times before and knew it was about new beginnings. When my mom recommended it to me I knew it would be perfect for the New Year! I think it’s fun to do themed readings for reach month (during December I read Skipping Christmas). I am almost finished with this book and I have loved it (How basic right? But is great to be basic).

One of my favorite parts of the book is the religious exploration. I considered myself a spiritual person (and have dabbled in a few religions in my past) but I don’t feel like I belonging to any religion right now. Elizabeth has such a unique perspective on religion and God that really resonated with me. I also love how each “chapter” or “story” is only about 1 or 2 pages long which made it easy to read just a page or two before bed.

Work Outfits Week of 1/21

Emily 5′ 3”

Dress Code: Business Casual.
I ran my toe into my door jam on Tuesday morning so I had to wear my most comfortable shoes possible for the rest of the week. Note the holes in my pants on Monday…those were not there when I bought the pants. They were created by the chemicals that I work around in the lab. Friday’s sweater and top combo are new from J.Crew Factory and they were both about $25 (when I purchased them), so I will not be sad if they get chemical holes in them.

I like wearing collared shirt and sweater combos for work. It makes getting ready so easy and quick! But my favorite outfit was Wednesday. All items but the shoes are old.

Maddie 5′ 9”

Dress Code: Business Professional.
This was a rough week for me as I was hit with a bad migraine on Monday, with effects carrying to Tuesday, and another bad headache on Thursday. Honestly, I was v impressed with myself that I could get dressed and take a semi-respectable photo each morning. Overall, I was able to dress a bit more ‘relaxed’ at work this week (more comfortable sweaters) because we had a lighter client week in the office.

My favorite look this week was my Monday outfit, which was from Ann Taylor Loft Factory and shoes Rothys. Links to items: Cardigan. Shell. (similar) Pants. Flats. A note on the Rothys: Yes, these are expensive but they last forever, you can wash them, and they are made from recyclable materials- not to mention so comfortable!