One book to read. One book to write in.

I advocate to always carry two books with you: one to read and one to write in.

In doing so now for many years, I am always amazed at how many books I have read. I have read more books in 2023 than I thought. While there are more than on this list, here are some of my favorite reads of 2023.

Stolen Focus - Johann Hari

I have been saying it for years! Unsubscribe! Turn that shit OFF! This read was eye-opening even for me. My focus has been stolen even though I closely guarded the portals of my mind. It’s happening to you as well.

Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be - Steven Pressfield

Steven Pressfield has inspired me to be more prolific, more organized, and less grabasstic in my writing. Any book by Steven Pressfield, like The War of Art and Turning Pro are well worth the read.

Notre Dame De Paris - Victor Hugo

I read at least one classic book once a year. This book is better known by its American title, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Hugo brings great insight into our human condition. While we have advanced in our humanity in so many ways, I realize that in some ways we have not changed much over the centuries.

The 4-Hour Body - Tim Ferriss

Ferriss’s book is not meant to be read cover to cover. He explains what chapters are “required” and then you guide yourself for what you need. One of the top books on fitness and nutrition I have ever read. All his books in the 4-Hour series are top shelf reads.

The End of the World Is Just Beginning - Mapping the Collapse of Globalization - Peter Zeihan

This book provided answers to questions I didn’t even know I had about geopolitical events past, present, and future. This is an excellent look at the past and how it may affect the future. The author has an excellent track record of accuracy.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success - Carol S. Dweck

I have read many books that talk about mindset in their message. This book’s message is entirely about mindset.?

How the Mighty Fall - Jim Collins

This is a re-read I picked back up after the big bank failures and bailouts earlier this year. The warning signs were there for these banks and are there right now for many companies and organizations.

Journey Into Darkness-Genocide in Rwanda - Thomas P. Odom

Tom is a Texas A&M Class of 1976 classmate of mine. He was there on the ground as it happened, and this is his powerful story. How little we know or are told. This book is available through the Texas A&M University Press. Tom also co-authored the U.S. Army’s history of the Gulf War.

Influence - Robert B. Cialdini, PhD

OK. I am still reading this one. I have a different approach for this one. Going slow to read and re-read as I go along. I want to make sure I fully grasp his message, so I am taking my time and studying and absorbing it. May still be in it this time next year.

I use a Kindle Paperwhite as my e-reader. It allows me to have my entire library of wisdom with me. What I like most about it is that while it does connect to the Internet and back to Google, it does not allow for email, text, or social media’s distracting. I can only buy books on it and nothing else except it does allow me to buy a replacement charging cord and other accessories for the device.

Nothing wrong with carrying real books either. I still do it.

Some books I read and refer to several times during the year, especially if it helps me with my leadership coaching clients. I call those book super texts and I dig for gold in them.?

Working With the Law - Raymond Hollifield.

The Power of Decision - Raymond Charles Barker.

I also advocate AGAINST and recommend NOT reading trade publications and other ephemera. Besides, if you lead people, you can depend on them to keep you informed of anything newsworthy that matters.

Finally, when it comes to reading, I often ponder this quote by Albert Einstein:

“Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from its creative pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.” ~ Albert Einstein

I have been reading for a long time and although I am approaching 70 years of age, I don’t think I’m at that certain age yet.

That leads to the second part of always carrying a book to write in for thinking and creative pursuits.