Commute Reads of 2019

As we end the year, the ATP team reflects on our program goals, professional milestones, and our commute reads. When we’re not biking or running to our offices in Rosslyn, we’re commuting on Metro or bus. I always pack my trusty Kindle, while others bring their paperbacks on their commutes. Here are some ideas to kick off your reading list.

Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras

Based on the author's lived experience, this book gives a glimpse into life in Columbia during the time of Pablo Escobar. You will be captivated by the journey of two young girls as their lives are upended and by the sacrifices they make in the name of survival. – Sheila

Sheila also recommends:

• Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance
• Sum It Up by Pat Summitt and Sally Jenkins
• Trillion Dollar Coach by Alan Eagle, Eric Schmidt, and Jonathan Rosenberg

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Heaven and hell, the end of times, the four horsemen of the apocalypse, angels, and demons—what’s not to like? It’s also very funny and very simple to read; great for your commute. You won’t remember the names of all the characters, but that’s okay. – Fadi

Fadi also recommends:

• Catch-22 by Joseph Keller
• How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems by Randall Munroe

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

The book follows four generations of a Korean family through the 1880’s to the 1980’s. Their journey of survival is led by the matriarchs of the novel as they struggle in Korea as it’s colonized by Japan, and as they face racism as ethnic Koreans living in Japan. I recommend reading it on a Kindle as it’s quite a hefty book, but so worth reading to the end. – Christy

I also recommend:

• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (Also a 2018 favorite!)
• The Perfect Wife by JP Delaney
• The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn

The Girl Before by JP Delaney

The story alternates perspectives between two women—one who previously lived in the mysterious Folgate house, and the other who is currently living in the house. Lots of twists and turns that kept throwing me off guard. Love, murder, suspense—this book has it all! It felt like ready a Bollywood movie which I love. – Pinky

Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams

A then vs now look at the journeys of two very different explorers as they make their first encounter with Machu Picchu. Great read even if you’re not into hiking because neither is the author. – Claudia

Claudia also recommends:

• Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies of a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou (Another 2018 favorite!)
• Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
• Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

How About Commute Recommendations?

Arlington Transportation Partners also provides commute recommendations customized to your route. Sustainable commute options can help ease stress, save you money, and free up your time to reach your reading goals for 2020. 

Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/Kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners