Kerry Kupecz is the Executive Director, Sales & Marketing at Video Services Corp, an independent film distributor in Toronto. She handles sales, marketing and deliverables for all platforms, including theatrical, DVD and VOD. Previously she worked in marketing at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Video Services Corp’s latest release, Roman Coppola’s A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III, is currently screening across Canada.
Bright-Sided: How Positive Thinking is Undermining America by Barbara Ehrenreich
I love non-fiction and I read quite a bit of it. I find Ehrenreich’s writing fascinating – her book Nickel and Dimed should be required reading for all high school students and politicians. In her most recent book, she examines the “power” of positive thinking and whether or not it’s actually helping society. Ehrenreich’s conclusion: it’s not. Her argument encompasses fascinating twists and turns, including her experience as a breast cancer survivor, evangelism, the law of attraction and the business community. It’s a refreshing reminder to apply clear-eyed and clear-headed thinking to problems rather than platitudes and hope.
Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat
For the last three years, I’ve been reading the Canada Reads book selections prior to the debates and I’ve enjoyed the discoveries that I’ve made – books I never would have read normally. Last year I was thrilled when they announced a non-fiction year. I loved all five of the books and they’ve all stayed in my head for the past year, but Nemat’s story was so compelling and touching that it’s altered my attitude towards life. Read this book and you’ll never complain about anything again. Prisoner is the memoir of a woman who was jailed in Iran at the age of 16 and tortured essentially for speaking up in school. Her incredible strength of character and courage are inspiring. Although my struggles are obviously miniscule in comparison to hers, I find myself drawing strength from her straightforward outlook and her ability to do what she feels is right, no matter the consequences – both of which are useful in the business world.
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex-Drugs-and-Rock ‘N’ Roll Generation Saved Hollywood by Peter Biskind
Well I need something from the film industry! And this book is a fascinating way to enter into the heads of some of Hollywood’s most creative ground-breakers during an important time in film. Sometimes in film distribution we need to step back and remember that this is a creative industry and we’re working with art – this book gets in the head of the artists. Plus, when I’m dealing with talent I can remind myself that at least no one is throwing urine in my face (yet)!