What Books Are You Reading?

Regardless of the advancement of technology, reading books will always be one of the fundamentals of any skill set. I have learned that I am easily visually distracted, so although an audio book or podcast may be blasting into my ears; if something so happens to catch my eye, my mind tunes out what I’m hearing and focuses on what I am seeing.

Growing up my parents read hundreds, maybe thousands of books, and while they emphasized the importance of reading, they also encouraged us to make our own choices. It wasn’t until I was older that I began to implement better reading practices into my everyday routine, and am grateful that those practices have become one of my strongest tools in life.

So I wanted to share some of my favorites of what I’ve read, what I’m reading, and what I plan to read.

My favorite book of all-time is Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull. I believe I first read it when I was 8 or 9 years old, but it wasn’t until re-reading it at 15 that I truly felt it’s motivational spirit. Since then, I’ve purchased many copies as gifts, especially for young minds. Coincidentally, during a transitional time in my life in 2004, my friend and Director, Al Treutler recommended another of Bach’s books, Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah. Today, my gifts are a set of Bach’s two books. Copies of both books are  always on my nightstand.

I remember when I first read John Grisham‘s The Firm, I could not put it down. It was 1993 and every square foot of our home was occupied by a visiting relative, except the corner of the backyard that had no lighting and (you guessed it) -  the bathroom. So, at 3 in the morning, sitting on the cold tile, I finally read the fate of Mitch McDeere. Grisham writes about embezzlement, greed, witness tampering, blackmail, money, and sometimes getting away with it – who doesn’t enjoy being swept into a fantasy of corruption?

At the recommendation of a friend, I read Ekhart Tolle’s The Power of Now. After reading this book, I made a conscious effort in my approach to certain aspects in my life. It had to be a conscious efforts because if you didn’t know, it’s difficult teaching an old dog, new tricks. I often return back to the book for helpful reminders. I also own a copy, but have not yet begun reading Tolle’s A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose.

To broaden my interests and understanding, I’ve read Buddhism for Beginners by Thubten Chodron and Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. While not a practicing Buddhist, I did particularly enjoy learning about “attachment” and discover the “attachments” in my own life.

I also read, Joel Osteen’s Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Fullest Potential, partly to learn more and the other part because I had attend several of his services at Lakewood Church when I lived in Houston. Like Buddhism for Beginners, it’s always good to be given tools to being a better person and contributor to the community.

Perhaps it was somehow prophetic that I read books that helped me to pave a smoother path in life, however don’t get me wrong I am still and hopefully always will be a work in progress. A smoother path, a better sense of navigating my canoe through the waters of life; I believe prepared me for the random tweet that led to Guy Kawasaki.

An international speaker and author, everyday I am grateful for the opportunities afforded me by and because of Guy. Of course I’ve read, and recommend that everyone wanting to start anything, read The Art of the Start. And, if you’re ambitious follow up by reading his other books or be smart and read his most recent, the superset of all of his books and his blog, Reality Check. Before it was released, I read the draft of Reality Check – in one sitting! It’s a big book, so it was much later than 3 a.m. when I finally finished. As recommended, I have two copies of Reality Check – one that I’ve marked up with notes, and the other (the autographed copy) sits on the reference shelf because that’s exactly what it is – a huge resource.

A few others also on the reference shelf is Strunk‘s The Elements of Style, the original edition; A Dictionary of Bullshit by Diane Law; and the Hawaiian Dictionary by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert.

Lately my reading choices have been focused around marketing and productivity, including Groundswell and David Allen‘s Getting Things Done. I couldn’t finish this post without giving mention to Seth Godin’s The Dip – it gave me confirmation that where I am at right now in my life, is where I belong. It’s a quick read with a powerful message – if you’re prepared.

I recently pre-ordered Pam Slim‘s Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur scheduled for release at the end of this month and am waiting for a copy of Brian Solis and Deirdre Breakenridge’s Putting the Public Back in Public Relations: How Social Media Is Reinventing the Aging Business of PR to arrive at the Pearlridge Border’s.

There are more books that I’ve read and recommend, but we can discuss that in the comments. Right now, I want to know what you’re reading and what you recommend I add to my collection?