In Q3's Beyond the Book Club, Lead Program Attorney Gabby DiSilvio selected the fun and insightful book The Book of Doors, while Director of Engineering Oi led a thought-provoking professional development session on Essentialism. Keep reading to discover more about their unique perspectives and experiences!
Responses by Oi Wo Mark
- What did you enjoy most about facilitating the session?
I enjoyed hearing people's personal experiences and stories and how they can relate them to the book so that we can all share the knowledge or lessons learned.
- What was one key takeaway from the discussion that stood out to you?
The concept of focusing less but doing them better stood out to me the most since it's the core concept of the book - it resonates with me a lot because I can relate to it both in my work and personal life. The feeling of being overwhelmed or being defeated even if you gave your 100% at times isn't what I subscribed for and I want to take control of my life so that I can feel fulfilled and non-regretful.
- How has Essentialism influenced your approach to work and life?
I need to give myself more time to think and ask regularly what I truly want in life to give myself clarity and easier decision-making on if anything that I have been doing is making progress toward my ultimate goals. This requires making small changes one day at a time until they become the day-to-day routines that make me feel satisfied. Also don't forget that being present while having fun on the journey is crucial to have a fulfilling life!
Responses by Gabby DiSilvio
- What inspired you to choose The Book of Doors for the group?
I chose The Book of Doors because it offers a unique blend of mystery, adventure, and self-reflection. The idea of doors as gateways to different possibilities or paths in life felt like a powerful metaphor that could spark a lot of insightful conversations within the group. I thought it would encourage Lawliners to reflect on their own "doors" in life—moments of decision, transformation, and the unknown. It’s also a book that plays with both imagination and reality, which I felt would be intriguing and open up discussions on how we interpret the world and the choices we make.
- What themes or ideas from the book stood out to you the most?
A theme that stood out to me was the concept of interconnectedness. Throughout The Book of Doors, there’s a recurring idea that the choices we make don’t just affect our own lives but ripple out to impact the world and people around us. The doors represent not only personal choices but also how each decision connects us to a larger, collective journey. This theme speaks to the way we’re all linked by shared experiences and how our actions can have a broader influence. It’s a reminder that we’re part of something bigger, and the book elegantly portrays how those connections shape our paths.
- What part of The Book of Doors do you think will surprise or entertain readers the most?
I think readers will be most surprised by how much The Book of Doors feels like a personal journey. While it’s framed as a fantasy adventure, the real intrigue comes from the emotional depth of the characters as they confront their pasts and their fears. It’s more about what each door reveals about the characters themselves. That personal introspection mixed with the mysterious and almost dream-like setting will keep readers engaged in a way they might not expect.