What I’m Reading . . .
How often do statements like:
- “I just started reading . . .” or
- “A friend of mine recently recommended the book . . .”
work their way into a conversation. Most if not all of the books I’ve read recently have been the direct result of recommendations from friends, family, clients, team members, Advisory Board members and others that make regular contributions to the quality of my journey.
I’ve often thought of writing and posting a review of those books that added learning and meaning for me - but would immediately concede that there are a host of real writers and reviewers that do a far better job of that than I, so . . . what I decided instead is that I will post the titles of the books that I’m reading and extract a few key quotes that delivered an appropriate reminder, unique insight, amusement or – in some other fashion contributed to the quality and depth of my experience.
My purpose in sharing the posts is in large part a tool that ensures that as I read, I have a high level of consciousness and awareness of what has value for me, and then to extract that value which manifest itself in the form of welcomed reminders, insights etc. Joting them in this blog will enable me to readily refer back to those quotables and remind myself of their importance to me at a specific time and place in my journey. If by chance through the excerpts you get a sense of the content, quality and meaning of the books I read – such as it is, through my lenses, my hope would be that you would find in my posts something that contributes to your sense of purpose, inspiration or otherwise meaningful enjoyment.
What Are You Reading?
I’ve recently forged a new commercial relationship. It’s with “Audible”. For a fraction of the price of a tree-based product I can not only have my book but “read” it too. That solves a big problem for me. Perhaps only a handful of others can relate but I’m one of those people who would read a book review or jot down a recommendation from a friend and then go to my neighbourhood Chapters or go online to Amazon and make the purchase – all with the greatest of intentions, telling myself that this time it was going to be different.
And then, (you can guess where this is going) the inevitable. The recent purchase sits there mocking me, until I eventually move it to a less visible spot, and eventually out of sight entirely, with the book showing only a very few fingerprints on the pages numbered with single digits.
Now with the magic of the iPhone (yes, I’m of the vintage that is still amazed at how they pack all of that into a device that I can carry with me all day on my belt, and then have double it as my clock and wake-up device wherever I travel), I’ve been able to alternately absorb a host of learning and entertainment experiences. Sometimes while running or at the gym. Other times while on the plane or in a car. I am truly amazed at the results of the ‘reading’ opportunities which over the course of the past year enabled me to complete the entire ‘cover-to-cover’ experience with the following titles and authors:
Non-Fiction:
The Rational Optimist – Matt Ridley
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni
Death by Meeting – Patrick Lencioni
Atlas Shrugged = Ayn Rand
Blue Ocean Strategy – W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne
Switch – Dan and Chip Heath
Fountainhead – Ayn Rand
Built to Sell – John Warrillow
Anything You Want – Derek Sivers
Onward – Howard Schultz
Making Ideas Happen – Scott Belsky
The Power of TED – David Emerald
Fiction:
The Breach – Patrick Lee
Rules of Deception – Christopher Reich
Rules of Vengeance – Christopher Reich
Rules of Betrayal – Christopher Reich
Daemon – Daniel Suarez
Freedom – Daniel Suarez
What the above have in common is that each one was recommended by a family member or friend – and each delivered a unique learning experience. Thank you!
Admittedly, some were an easier read than others. If you’re up for a challenge – either the 1,200+ pages of Any Rand’s Atlas Shrugged – or the 60 hours of listening require a bit of ‘staying power’.
Tip about audio listening from one of my sons: the iPhone has a setting that allows one to listen at twice the typical audio speed – and most adapt very easily to that experience. And no, despite what one might initially think, after a few seconds of listening it ceases to sound like Alvin and the chipmunks.
What are you reading, or have you read that engaged and inspired you – and why? Drop me a line at howard.kettner@gmail.com
Book Review – “Community Building on the Web: Secret Strategies for Successful Online Communities” By Amy Jo Kim
By Amy Jo Kim
I’m a huge fan of technology and how the web has revolutionized so many aspects of our lives; I also strongly believe in the value of ‘community’. This book combines these two concepts to provide tactical tips on how to build an online community.
Eloquently stated on the back of the book, “Thriving Web sites are places that engage people and make them want to return again and again – not only to visit, but to participate.” This mindset and the concepts presented in the book are both thought-provoking and enduring.
Written more than a decade ago, the tools to create a successful online community have surely changed, but the concepts presented in the book are still very relevant. I’d definitely recommend it.
Book Review – “The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working” by Tony Schwartz
Canadian work environments often function on the unspoken assumption that both employers and employees are capable of operating in the same way computers do: continuously, at high speeds, running multiple programs at the same time.
However in “The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working” – a book recommended to me by my son Jordan – Tony Schwartz makes the case that we’re wired much differently. We’re actually more productive and satisfied when we move in cycles between spending and renewing energy to meet our four basic needs: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
In order to follow Tony’s advice, we should start slow on Mondays, do one thing at a time, turn off email at least once a day, and always focus on the positives.
Click here to order the book from Amazon.ca >>
Click here to order the audio-book from Amazon.ca >>
“ReWork” by 37 Signals
I’m pictured here with Kevin Spence, President of Spence GroupHEALTH, who is one of the first of the GroupHEALTH Partners to implement some of the tools created by the authors of this book. I can tell you that I’ve read this book cover to cover and am reading it again. I’ve also gone back to the local Chapters outlet to pick up additional copies to share. The accolades for the book are nearly endless. Here are a few:
Part entrepreneurial handbook for the twenty-first century, part manifesto for anyone wondering how work really works in the modern age.
- Chris Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of THE LONG TAIL and FREE
Just bloody brilliant, that’s what!”
–Tom Peters, New York Times bestselling author of IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE, THRIVING ON CHAOS and LEADERSHIP
Stop reading the review. Buy the book.
–Seth Godin
“Born Digital” by Urs Gasser and John Palfrey
Without belabouring why you might want to read this, John’s credentials include being Professor of Law and Vice Dean at Harvard Law School. He is also a regular commentator on network news programs, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, Fox News, NPR and BBC.
From the book’s website: “‘Digital Natives” – children who were born into and raised in the digital world – are coming of age, and soon our world will be reshaped in their image”