Independents

4 Books to Check Out in October

IndependentsOct 04, 2016

4 Books to Check Out in October

What’s scarier than that Clinton/Trump costume you’re going to don for Halloween? Missing out on any of these (relatively) new releases.

2016-Good-Reads.jpg
This month’s list of recently published books tackle the topics of gender equality in the workplace, insomnia, not being miserable and rethinking the present through the eyes of the future.

New York-- What’s scarier than that Clinton/Trump costume you’re going to don for Halloween? Missing out on any of these (relatively) new releases.

Selected from the virtual stacks of book discussion site Good Reads, this month’s list of new, potentially good reads includes lessons on how to ensure there is gender equality in your store to what to do if you just can’t sleep at night.

Read a good book lately we should know about? Email michelle.graff@nationaljeweler.com.



1. But What If We’re Wrong? Thinking About the Present As If It Were the Past
Chuck Klosterman with Junot Díaz

Released in June, the latest book from journalism and pop culture observer Chuck Klosterman asks the question: How will the world of today look to those living 500 years in the future? How certain are we of even the most basic concepts we think we have a complete handle on today, like gravity and time?

The author runs through a wide range of both objective and subjective problems in this book, with input from a number of creative individuals, including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Díaz (who is listed as a contributor to this book), filmmaker Richard Linklater (Boyhood), and astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson.

But What If We’re Wrong? is 272 pages.




2. What Works: Gender Equality by Design
Iris Bohnet

In her book, which was published in March, Iris Bohnet argues that diversity training programs have had limited success and de-biasing individuals is both difficult and expensive.

What she proposes instead is a concept called behavioral design, which de-biases organizations as a whole instead of individuals. She gives readers, including business owners, the tools they need to move the needle toward equality in hiring and promoting women at their workplace.

What Works is 385 pages.




3. How to Be Miserable: 40 Strategies You Already Use
Randy J. Paterson

In this tongue-in-cheek book that came out in May, psychologist and author Randy J. Paterson outlines 40 habits and behaviors that are sure to lead to a lifetime of misery. Focusing on things you can’t change, drinking too much, shutting out family and friends, and eating poorly are just a few of them.

The idea behind How to be Miserable is just the opposite of its title; if you don’t do the 40 things listed, your chances of happiness increase exponentially.

This book is 248 pages.




4. End the Insomnia Struggle: A Step-by-Step Guide to Help You
Get to Sleep and Stay Asleep
Colleen Ehrnstrom

Worries about your business keeping you up at night? Totally understandable. Don’t have the budget to install a nap pod in the breakroom at your store? Also understandable.

Try sleeping more soundly by reading Colleen Ehrnstrom’s new book on insomnia, which just came out this month.

In it, the author offers a medication-free program that uses approaches from cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT -1) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to allow readers to develop their own treatment plans according to their individual struggles with sleeplessness.

End the Insomnia Struggle is 232 pages.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Mark and Candy Udell on stage at the 2026 Gem Awards
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards

Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.

Winter Tourmaline
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’

The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.

Natalie Portman in Tiffany & Co. Jewelry
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New Ambassador

The Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Jean-Marc Duplaix
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEO

The organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.

Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Anne Hathaway and Rose Byrne
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After Another

Natalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.

Tag Heuer CEO Béatrice Goasglas
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEO

Béatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

Bonhams fine jewelry Paris
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels

The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.

Silvia Furmanovich Horse Mane Earrings, Cece Jewellery Underworld Triptych Necklace, Almasika Invictus Flower Brooch
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry Design

Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.

Vera Wang
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch Collection

The 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.

Andrea Pooler
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO

Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.

Zoë Kravitz in Jessica McCormack’s Planetary Necklace
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’

McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.

Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.

David Berdugo
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO

The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.

Woman working at bruting machine, seal at new Grandview Klein factory in South Africa
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa

The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.

MJSA Education Foundation logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications Open

The MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.

26.36 carat round brilliant cut
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London

The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.

Cast Compass pendant
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only

Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.

Pyrrha The Space Between Campaign
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New Collection

The collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.

Virginia jewelers at charity ball
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s Hospital

The group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

Stack of gold bangles on denim
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More Stores

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

Julianne Moore
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as Ambassador

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

Sorellina Large Bloom Inlay Pendant
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New Collection

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

Constellations Over the Sedona
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation Auction

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy