In Finding Purpose, Part 2, I mentioned Steve Leveen’s book “The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life,” and his recommendation of creating “a list of books that have meant something to you... a sort of book biography, or bookography.”
In no particular order, here are a few of the books I have on my “Books I’m Really Glad I Read” list.
Hunters of the Red Moon by Marion, Bradley, and Paul Edwin Zimmer
Hunters of the Red Moon was the first book that stole my imagination. That moment when the words read is replaced with “seeing” the events as they unfold. I remember reading late at night, and I could picture in my mind all the events of the book. It was so powerful that even now (as I write this at least 35 years later), I can still picture the first chapter, the sailboat, watching the star that turns out not to be a star, etc. Several years ago, I found a copy of the book online and purchased it just as a reminder of how powerful reading can be.
The Majesty of Books by Stirling W. Sill
“Someone once asked Phillips Brooks, ‘When were you born?’ And he said, ‘I will tell you about it. It was one Sunday afternoon about 3:30 just after I had finished reading a great book’.” [1]
The Majesty of Books had a similar effect on me. I read it while serving a mission for my church in Oklahoma, and it was the first book that opened up a hunger and thirst for knowledge and a desire for understanding in me.
Lightning by Dean Koontz
I love books on time travel, and Dean Koontz has proven to be one of my favorite authors.
The da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
I first received this book through a book club where you can buy a dozen books for $1.99 and then agree to buy three more at retail price. So, I had a chance to read the book before it became a world phenomenon. It was a book of fiction that allowed me to look at my religious belief differently. I helped create the buzz surrounding the book by referring it to friends and even giving my copy to my sister to read. While visiting Rome, it was surprising to see many tourists carrying one of Dan Brown’s books and using the storyline as a guide to the city (Angles and Demons).
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Getting Things Done by David Allen
I have used the methodology in my office for the past 15 years. It is a profound organizational driver, especially if other people are involved in projects. Keeping a project list, reviewing the next-action items, and who is responsible for the task has profoundly impacted the efficiency of work.
Success on Purpose by E.R. Haas
Finding Purpose, Part 2 summarizes my key takeaways from this ebook.
How to think like Leonardo da Vinci by Michael J. Gelb
Gelb’s book inspired me to be more creative with my journal. When I realized, I didn’t have to have any structure, I could jot down random ideas, capture thoughts, pictures that inspired me, articles that intrigued me, and books that challenged or changed me; it opened a new door. New computer software like TheBrain has allowed me the flexibility to capture random links through nonlinear organization.
The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D.
The Willpower Instinct is easily the best book I have read in a long time. Several chapters had an impact, for example, Chapter 07: Putting the Future on Sale. I have a solid future self-continuum and acknowledging this fact has helped me be more productive now. This book contains profound insight and concrete examples (I’m glad I didn’t have to participate in any of the studies). The Willpower Instinct will probably be a book my future self thanks my current self (Steve 5.5) over and over for reading, studying, and implementing the ideas contained therein.
I have many more on my list; however, I hope you feel as I felt when reading that Winston Churchill once lamented about not having a chance to read all the books.
“Think of all the wonderful tales that have been told, and well-told, which you will never know. Think of all the searching inquiries into matters of great consequence which you will never pursue.” [2]
References:
[1] Sill, S. W. (1974). The majesty of books. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book. p.305.
[2] Leveen, Steve. The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life: How to Get More Books in Your Life and More Life from Your Books. Levenger Press, 2005. p.6.