Our Summer Reading List: 6 Books We Can’t Put Down

It’s officially summer—when the pace of life slows down and the warmer temps reflect our sunny spirits. Whether we’re soaking up the sun, hitting the road with friends, or enjoying quiet moments with loved ones, there’s typically another trusty companion by our side: a really good book. 

Some of us are reaching for personal development picks (yes, including some fundraising inspiration) while others are diving into page-turning fiction or wellness guides to truly unplug. Whichever type of book you’re craving, we hope this list encourages you to step away from your screen and find a quiet moment to read.

Our Recommendations

The War for Fundraising Talent by Jason Lewis

Picked by: Jen Taylor, Chief Operating Officer  

When the average Development Director only lasts in their role for 18 months, it’s more important than ever to focus on getting (and keeping!) fundraising talent. Many of the charities we work with are small, and it can be hard to find resources geared toward supporting small staff teams. This book offers advice on how to do exactly that and ultimately make a bigger impact. 

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker

Picked by: Kristen Smith, Event Experience Manager

I have a passion for bringing people together, and this book really dives into the importance of uniting people and how to do it well. I love the different examples used throughout—whether it’s gathering for work, play, or even to grieve—that highlight the importance of intentional human connection. Parker explores the idea of moving away from conventional gatherings to focus on the people involved, making sure each person leaves changed in some way from when they arrived. Richly written and inspiring, you’ll find yourself looking to host gatherings before the summer is out.

Donor Centred Fundraising by Penelope Burk

Picked by: Mika Takamaki, Charity Relations

This is the best book I’ve ever read on fundraising. A couple of years ago, I asked a friend I deeply respect, who is a successful fundraiser, for his top book recommendation on fundraising. He pointed me to this one. After reading it a few times, I can absolutely see why. It’s incredibly practical, full of helpful insights, and grounded in common sense. Burk’s approach applies not just to building relationships with monthly and annual donors, but also with those who give to or take part in fundraising events, something we are passionate about at Blue Sea. Truly a must read for any fundraiser.

The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni

Picked by: Jared Taylor, Director of Communications

I keep coming back to this book. It centres on the core idea that innovative strategies are no longer the competitive edge they once were. Instead, real advantage comes from organizational clarity. As an added bonus, the book also pulls together all of Lencioni’s earlier “leadership fable” books into one practical, usable system for building clarity within an organization. So technically, you could skip Death By Meeting, but why would you want to?

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

Picked by: Shellie Wolverton, Director of Campaign Success

Full disclosure: I haven’t read this book yet, but it’s on my must-read list for summer. It was recently recommended by leaders with more experience than me and is essentially a practical guide on how to get better at negotiating (think: asking for a raise, dealing with conflict or just navigating everyday conversations). Another fun fact? The author is a former FBI hostage negotiator. Needless to say, I can’t wait to read it! 

Social Fundraising: Mining the New Peer-to-Peer Landscape by Katrina VanHuss and Otis Fulton

Picked by: Katie Hissa, Partnership Development Coordinator

This was the very first book ever handed to me when I started working at Blue Sea, and it remains at the top of my recommendations list for anyone diving into the world of fundraising. It offers actionable insights into building lasting connections through fundraising, in a way that feels meaningful, not transactional.

Here are a few of my favourite takeaways:

• Connection is everything: Social fundraising thrives on relationships. A personal, relational “ask” often gets a higher “yes” rate and builds stronger, long-term engagement.
• Invite supporters to “join your crew”: Make your supporters feel like insiders. Help them see how their contributions directly fuel your mission – and always remember to thank them sincerely.
• Relationships are just as valuable as recruitment: Don’t stop at recruiting. Nurture your people. When you invest in them, they become champions of your cause.

💫 Bonus book reco: Need a break from strategy and spreadsheets? If you’re craving some summer downtime and are into psychological thrillers, I can’t recommend author Lisa Jewell enough. I just finished reading None of This is True (gripping from start to finish), and her latest release, Don’t Let Him In, is next on my to-be-read list. 

That’s a Wrap!

Whether you’re beach-bound, hammock-happy, or just carving out a quiet corner of your day, we hope this list offers a little inspiration for what to read next. From sharpening your fundraising skills to getting lost in a thriller, our picks reflect the mix of work and rest that summer so often brings. However you spend the season, we hope it includes a great book…and a moment to breathe.