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1. The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by 14th Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Douglas Abrams
I chose this book because it united the Catholic Church with Buddhist beliefs. It was enlightening to me to read that you can be a Catholic (or any religion) and follow Buddhist teachings at the same time.  

2. Lives in Ruins: Archaeologists and the Seductive Lure of Human Rubble by Marilyn Johnson
As an archaeologist, this book was a quick read about a lay person's journey into archaeology. The author went on several dig sites (many in the Caribbean!), helped with the process from beginning to end and wrote about her journey.  For anyone thinking of going into this field, this is recommended reading. 

3. Harris and Me by Gary Paulsen
I first read this book when I was in 6th grade and it has stuck with me after all these years.  A quick read about a boy who lives with his extended relatives for a summer.  He learns a lot from his cousin Harris, some good, some not so good, but most importantly he learns how to be a kid, a friend, what family means, and why we watch where we pee! 

4. The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of Their Lost World by Steve Brusatte
Who doesn't love dinosaurs?  I often get the question "Did you find any dinosaur bones?" when I talk about archaeology.  Paleontology is actually the study of fossils and this book helps to explain that as well as where different species of dinosaurs have been found in recent years and why the study of fossils is important.  

5. Anything by Bill Bryson!
A Walk in the Woods was a previous One Book, One Burg read and what initially brought me to this author.  His quick wit, hilarious descriptions of situations, and overall writing style is amazing.  The Road to Little Dribbling is also a hilarious tale but focused on his travels in the UK.