Looking to get lost in a gripping novel, binge-watch a new series, discover fresh music or find an inspiring podcast? Residents of Southwest Gwinnett have shared their top picks to help you make the most of the season. Featuring insights and recommendations from local leaders, business owners and residents, this collection has something for everyone.
Amy Voss, Berkeley Lake Resident
Book: Sorry I Haven’t Texted You Back by Alicia Cook. A relatable book of mixtape poetry with creative structures.
TV Show/Movie: Deadloch. Dark adult Australian humor is perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day. Also enjoyed the recent True Detective season and Fleabag.
Podcast: Wiser Than Me by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Interviews with iconic older women offer touching, insightful, and incredible conversations.
Music: Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter, Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine, Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism, Jack Johnson and Seal’s greatest hits.
Andrew Hixson, Norcross resident and City Councilman
Book: Why the Garden Club Couldn’t Save Youngstown by Sean Stafford. A great book on social networks and case studies of how cities thrive and succeed.
TV Show/Movie: Frasier. We have the DVD.
Music: Pearl Jam’s newest album “Dark Matter.”
Brandon Smith, Peachtree Corners resident and Owner of Brandon Smith Law and East Coast Sports & Entertainment
Book: Hard Comes First by Rod Ray. Insights on perseverance, goal setting and maintaining perspective through adversity.
TV Show/Movie: Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Netflix. This Andy Samberg comedy is about seven detectives in Brooklyn and is light and hilarious.
Podcast: Gospel in Life by Tim Keller. Intellectual and insightful talks on keeping the main thing the main thing.
Music: Marshmello is a regular on my Spotify mix. It’s great for commutes, the gym and the office.
Bruce Smith, Norcross resident
Book: Build the Life You Want – the Art & Science of Getting Happier by Arthur Brooks & Oprah Winfrey. Fantastic research and practical insights on how to get happier across all aspects of your life.
TV Show/Movie: The Tourist on Netflix. We’re still in the middle of it. Great drama mystery… still unfolding.
Podcast: Consuming Careers. I host it and make sure to include great insights into purpose, passion and perseverance in our daily careers. Lots of fun with several local guests!
Music: Lawrence’s Living Room album. Great feel-good music with a modern twist.
Callie Murray, Norcross resident and Founding Partner of the Same Page
Book: Beneath the Seams by Peyton H. Roberts. A social impact novel shares the fashion industry’s darker side through an American designer’s eyes.
Podcast: Catlick by BT Harman. A true-crime podcast about Atlanta in the early 1900s with vivid storytelling.
Craig Newton, Mayor of Norcross
Book: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. It is a classic novel exploring love, sacrifice and redemption against the French Revolution backdrop.
TV Show/Movie: The Acolyte on Disney+. This series is part of the Star Wars Saga, set during the High Republic era, featuring two ideologically opposed sisters.
Podcast: Politically Georgia by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In-depth reporting and analysis from Georgia’s best political team.
Music: Ibiza Summer Mix. Best of Tropical Deep House Music Chill Out Music.
Jalia Killings, Sustainability Planner for the City of Norcross
Book: The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines. It’s an encouraging story showcasing faith, family, generosity and following your dreams.
TV Show/Movie: Will Trent on ABC. Based and filmed in Atlanta, it features action, thrills and humor as a team solves cases around the city.
Podcast: The Impact Report on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Produced by Bard College’s MBA in Sustainability program, this podcast covers topics like recycling, energy equity and social entrepreneurship.
Music: Thankful by Mary Mary. A Gospel album with an R&B sound, featuring hits like Shackles (Praise You).
Janine Kays, Norcross resident and Director of Creation Kids Preschool
Book: The Women by Kristin Hannah is a compelling story of Vietnam War nurses. The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan is a quick historical fiction read about women renewing wedding dresses during WWII. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese is a beautifully written multigenerational family story in India, narrated by the author on audiobook.
Jonathan Corley, Norcross resident
Book: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant examines the science of achieving greater things. Grant challenges you to rethink how you learn new skills in simple yet engaging ways. He uses stories and real-life examples to illustrate research about defining success, adapting to challenges, and character traits that outweigh innate talent.
TV Show/Movie: The Bear on Hulu is a genre-bending show that’s intensely funny. It gave me a new perspective on fine dining kitchens and restaurant culture.
Podcast: The Comedy Bang Bang podcast has been delivering weekly absurd improv for more than 15 years.
Music: Vampire Weekend’s Only God Was Above Us has been on repeat lately. They’ll be at Chastain Park Amphitheater in October.
Kassie Diehl, Norcross resident
Book: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. A quirky, refreshing summer read set in the 1960s that will make you laugh, cry and feel inspired.
Liz Knab, Norcross resident
Book: How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key. Hilarious and heartfelt story of infidelity, shortcomings and the radical decision to pursue marriage.
Ora Douglass – Peachtree Corners City Councilwoman
Book: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. A beautifully written novel about love, survival, loss and nature in the Carolinas’ marshlands.
Ronald Orrell – Founder of NX Vinyl in Norcross
TV Show/Movie: Unfrosted on Netflix by Jerry Seinfeld. A lighthearted comedy about the invention of the Pop Tart with an all-star comedy cast.
Music: Coming Home by Leon Bridges. Soulful R&B that is reminiscent of Motown, with standout tracks like Coming Home, Better Man and Brown Skin Girl.
Dr. Scott Harsh, President of Greater Atlanta Christian School
Book: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. This book explores the root causes of teen mental illness and offers practical solutions for a healthier upbringing.
Shana Keyes, Events Manager at Social Fox Brewing
Podcast: Awaiting a new podcast from a friend called Drunken Sistery! Sisters discussing life, love and the beverage industry. As a female in the industry, I love supporting my fellow sisters!
Music: New Kids on the Block’s new album. A fan since high school, their music makes me feel like a kid again!
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