I love to read. Like LOVE it. That won’t be hard to believe when I tell you I read five books in April. And I’m already partway through three others. All this to say, I read a lot. And not in the speed-reading way. In the read-some-paragraphs-twice, highlight-my-favorite-passages sort of way.
But, I can totally understand if you don’t love reading. Or, if you do, but just don’t have a lot of time for it in your current season of life. It seems that our time gets increasingly valuable as we get older, and — whether real or imagined — we have less of it to go around. While I rarely put down a book because it feels like a waste of time, there are some that speak to us more than others. So, if you’re looking for a recommendation from a friend, look no further. Whether these brief summaries encourage you to pick up one of these books, or firmly scratch it off your list and use your time in a way that serves you better, I will consider it equally worthwhile!
(Also, in one of those I’m-not-quite-sure-when-it-happened moments, I became a lover of non-fiction. I used to read almost all fiction, and only occasionally pick up non-fiction, usually holding it a safe distance from myself. No one is more surprised than I am that I have fallen in love with non-fiction! So, please forgive me if you’re more into fiction.)
Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, by Simon Sinek
As I continue to grow my business, there is so much advice out there. I am learning to recognize the things that resonate with me and the things that don’t. And one of the things that is becoming increasingly meaningful to me is reflected in the title of this book: Start With Why. Some of my most treasured mentors believe firmly this statement.
Unsurprisingly, Sinek believes that the message of your business should begin with why. Why do you do what you do? What motivates you? Perhaps surprisingly, Sinek finds that your why may actually have little or nothing to do with what you do. He uses a variety of well-known businesses to illustrate both successful and less successful attempts at why, making his points easy to understand. Whether you are running your own business or have a leadership position within a larger organization, I think this is an incredibly worthwhile read. From examining the core of your business to learning techniques for motivating your team, Sinek provides a wealth of information in a book that is genuinely enjoyable to read.
One of the most powerful messages of the book for me was, “it’s not WHAT [you do] that gets [you] out of bed every morning. It’s WHY [you do] it. Our career paths are largely incidental.” I am still unpacking this for myself, but I think this may provide the foundation for a life-altering perspective!
All You Could Ask For, by Mike Greenberg
Fiction! This one was in my stack of unread books for longer than it should have been. Somehow I was just caught up in my non-fiction world, and wasn’t sure the fiction could quite satisfy me in the same way. Boy, am I so glad that I finally took the plunge!
What first brought this book to my attention was the author — Mike Greenberg, host of ESPN’s Mike & Mike in the Morning. If we’ve been friends for any length of time, you know I’m crazy about sports. But that’s a story for another time. Greenberg’s debut novel (and now New York Times bestseller!) is just beautiful. Part One found me entertained, but was a little light in terms of substance. Just when I thought it might be just another beach read, Part Two kicked in and kicked my butt (in the best possible way).
The Amazon summary is perfectly succinct: “Brooke, Samantha, and Katherine don’t know each other, but their stories are about to intertwine in ways no one could have imagined. And all three are about to discover the power of friendship to conquer adversity, the satisfaction of unexpected delights, the incredible difference one human being can have on other lives….” Highly recommend.
Difference: The One-Page Method for Reimagining Your Business and Reinventing Your Marketing, Bernadette Jiwa
I don’t remember how I came across this little gem, but when the Kindle edition is only $2.99 (and it still is!), you can be pretty sure it’s mine. (Note: I borrow a ton of books — both hard copies and e-books — from the library. If you are cost-conscious, I highly recommend it.)
Jiwa provides a look at how advertising and marketing are changing, in a world in which we have seemingly gained infinite choices. How do you achieve a unique brand in such an oversaturated world? Jiwa believes it is through creating difference, or how you affect people’s lives and become part of their story. And trying to capture the entire market? Forget about it. Jiwa provides convincing evidence that the most successful brands start at the edges.
The last third of Jiwa’s book is devoted to case studies on several well-known (and a few lesser known) companies that are successfully creating difference for their customers. While this was somewhat interesting, I found the first part of the book much more valuable. Meaning, even if the “one-page method” doesn’t pique your interest, I still think it’s a worthwhile read. Overall, a great, short (read: quick) book for anyone hoping to make their message stand out among the millions of other messages we hear every day.
The Blessed Life: Unlocking the Rewards of Generous Living, by Robert Morris
Oh, if you’re a believer and you pick one book from this list, pick this one. You won’t be sorry. Robert Morris is speaking at The City Church next month. As an introduction, Pastor Judah mentioned this book, and I borrowed it from my trusty library. This one? Definitely buying a copy for my own library.
This book rocked my world. It is the clearest, most uplifting book on the biblical perspective of finances ever. I mean, I haven’t read every other book on finances, but I just can’t imagine any of them comparing to this one. You won’t find any guilt or condemnation from Morris regarding your level of giving. If that’s what motivates you, you should probably find a different book. But what you will find? A simple, encouraging review of scripture that will make you want to live generously. I can’t recommend this book enough.
Every Day a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week, by Joel Osteen
Okay, I know the title sounds a little hokey. But it’s Joel Osteen. And it’s a #1 New York Times Bestseller. And who doesn’t want every day to feel like Friday? I have to say, this book ended up being much different than I expected. I think I was imagining something more career focused, like 48 Days to the Work You Love, by Dan Miller. Instead, it was really focused on making the choice of happiness every day. In setting your mind on the right things, taking control of your perspective, and continually re-setting your mind on the right things when you inevitably wander.
Osteen doesn’t present a lot of “new” information here, but what he does provide is incredible encouragement. If you’re struggling in this area, feel like other people or situations are dragging you down, or don’t feel you have the support or approval you crave, this book is for you. Osteen will fill you up and set you free to a life anchored in a hope-filled, positive spirit.
Until May.