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One interesting fact about the renowned author Washington Irving, known for his classic tale "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," is that he played a significant role in popularizing Halloween traditions in the United States.

In the early 19th century, Halloween was not widely celebrated in America. However, Irving's depiction of Sleepy Hollow and its spooky atmosphere in his short story helped introduce the concept of Halloween as a night of eerie legends, ghostly encounters, and supernatural events. "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," with its headless horseman and mysterious occurrences on All Hallows' Eve, contributed to shaping the Halloween holiday as we know it today. Irving's portrayal of Halloween as a time for storytelling and supernatural tales helped establish the holiday's association with fear and the supernatural, making it a beloved and spooky celebration in American culture.

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📚️ Staff Pick of the Week

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't Jim Collins

In a five-year research project, Jim Collins and his team extensively analyzed 6,000 articles, conducted over 2,000 interviews, and generated a vast amount of data to uncover the keys to greatness in organizations. Their quest was to understand how companies lacking inherent greatness in their DNA could achieve enduring greatness. The study identified a group of elite companies that not only achieved outstanding results but also sustained them for at least fifteen years, significantly outperforming the general stock market. Contrasting these "good-to-great" companies with a set of comparison companies that failed to make the same leap, the research revealed several critical findings, including the importance of Level 5 leadership, the concept of the Hedgehog, a culture of discipline combined with entrepreneurial spirit, a unique perspective on technology, and the significance of the flywheel effect as opposed to radical change programs. These findings offer valuable insights into various aspects of management strategy and practice, challenging conventional wisdom and shedding light on the path to organizational greatness.

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📈 Rising Quickly - Week of October 2, 2023

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America

In "The Devil in the White City," author Erik Larson masterfully weaves together the gripping narratives of two contrasting figures amidst the backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. One storyline follows Daniel H. Burnham, the determined architect tasked with constructing the fair's iconic "White City," overcoming daunting obstacles and collaborating with luminaries like Buffalo Bill Cody and Thomas Edison. In parallel, Larson delves into the sinister activities of H.H. Holmes, a charming yet depraved serial killer who built a nightmarish hotel near the fairgrounds, using his charisma to lure victims. Though an unconventional pairing, Larson's storytelling prowess brilliantly unveils the enchanting allure and chilling darkness of 19th-century Chicago, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.

🪄Most Talked About Fiction - Week of October 2, 2023

The Only One Left by Riley Sager

In 1929, Lenora Hope, at the age of seventeen, was linked to the shocking and gruesome murders of her sister, father, and mother in their Maine mansion, known as Hope's End. Despite suspicions surrounding her involvement, Lenora has never publicly spoken about the night of the murders and has remained confined to the mansion due to her incapacitating health. In 1983, Kit McDeere, a home-health aide, is assigned to care for the now elderly and mute Lenora. Lenora, through a typewriter, offers to share her side of the story, asserting her innocence. As Kit helps Lenora recount the events leading to the tragedy, it becomes evident that there's more to the story than meets the eye. However, as Kit delves deeper, she begins to question whether Lenora's account is entirely truthful, and suspicions arise about the true nature of the woman she's caring for.

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📚️ Most Talked About Non-Fiction - Week of October 2, 2023

Educating a Billion by Arjun Mohan

"Educating a Billion" offers an insider's glimpse into the world of Indian edtech companies as they tackle the challenges within the education system, striving to provide quality education on a massive scale. The book delves into the early days of prominent Indian edtech startups like BYJU'S, Unacademy, upGrad, and Whitehat Jr, showcasing how they introduced innovative products that made a significant impact. It also highlights the pivotal role of venture capital in fueling the growth of these startups within India's private markets. The book underscores the transformative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, leading to a surge in the edtech sector's growth. Additionally, it anticipates the role of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) in shaping the future of education. Above all, "Educating a Billion" narrates the inspiring story of a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs and founders, their determination, optimism, and the profound changes they are bringing to an education system that has remained largely unchanged for over two centuries.

🆕 New and Noteworthy

Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune

In "The Astors," bestselling authors Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe delve into the captivating history of the legendary American family, tracing their journey from the arrival of German immigrant John Jacob Astor in 1783 to the notorious 2009 conviction of Brooke Astor's son, Anthony Marshall, for elder fraud. The Astor saga embodies the quintessential American narrative of ambition, innovation, downfall, and resurgence. Initially amassing wealth through the fur trade, the Astors expanded their fortune through Manhattan real estate, ultimately establishing themselves as prominent figures in Gilded Age New York society. Their story is marked by unexpected twists, including the tragic loss of family members on the Titanic. In this unconventional and engaging historical biography, Cooper and Howe shed light on the Astor legacy and its profound significance in shaping American history.

✍️ Quote of the Week

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