Red's Books Read in the 1st Half of 2021 w/ short commentary
Red Boswell, MBA, CFE, CFC
President of IFPG & FranchiseWire | Trusted Advisor | Franchise Consultant Training | Connector | LifeChanger | FranDev Geek | Optimist | FireStarter | Franchise Broker Evangelist | Hugger | Red Vans | #results
Gotta keep sharpening that saw! Unlike last Fall, I didn’t let the 3 MBA classes I took in the Spring slow my real education ??.
Keep in mind, I vet the books I choose to read and so it’s pretty common for all or nearly all the books on my list to ROCK!?Below, I did my best to rank them by how much they positively impacted me.?Fortunately, all of them below except for the last three get an A- or better! I don't read bad books.
2021A
1.????My Bucketlist Blueprint; The 12 Steps to #tickitbeforeyoukickit
By Travis Bell
I’ve been a fan of Trav since the moment I created Leverage Global and began representing his franchise concept “My BucketList” along with 5 others under the ActionCOACH umbrella. I’ve been making a “Life To Do List for over 20 years but Trav and this book took it to a whole nutha level.?My favorite part of his teaching is the Reverse BucketList.?Absorb this wonderful, life-changing work and you’ll know what I mean.
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By:?George S. Clason
The 5th time I’ve read this simple but profound, timeless classic on personal wealth.
Lots of interesting history here.?During his thirty-four-year tenure at Chick-fil-A, Steve was integrally involved in the company’s growth--from 184 stores and $100 million in annual sales in 1981 to over 2,100 stores and over $6.8 billion in annual sales in 2015--and was a first-hand witness to its evolution as an indelible global brand. He shares behind-the-scenes accounts of key moments, including the creation of the Chick-fil-A corporate purpose and the formation and management of the now-iconic "Eat Mor Chikin" cow campaign.?
Drawing on his personal interactions with the gifted team of company leaders, restaurant operators, and the company's founder, Truett Cathy, Robinson explains the important traits that built the company's culture and sustained it through the recession and many other challenges. He also reveals how every aspect of the company's approach reflects an unwavering dedication to Christian values and to the individual customer experience.?Written with disarming candor, I really enjoyed this never-before-told story of a great American success.
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4.????We Will Not Be Silenced; Responding Courageously to Our Culture’s Assault on Christianity
By Erwin W. Lutzer
Soooo goooood.?The only thing I didn’t like is how angry it made me with the lunacy and lies our society is embracing at epic levels.?So full of truth and uncommon common sense.?This is a must-read.?#strong
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5.????People Buy You; The Real Secret to What Matters Most in Business
By Jeb Blount
An alternative name for this book could be “How to Win Friends and Influence People, Part Two”.?Jeb Blount is always outstanding.
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This is the least boring book I’ve read in a long time. I can soooo relate to Penn’s ADHD and random whacky thoughts. Taking us behind the curtain of how they met and fell in love – then the inevitable problems and communication issues they encountered along their 15 years of marriage and working together. Hilarious, warm, transparent, and wise – I have a man-crush on them both ??
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Outstanding book on the topic of mean girls.?My daughter has had an absolutely horrible year with friends betraying her and their mothers supporting the mean girl clique they formed.?This book helped me understand that selfishness and inconsiderable attitudes are common at all ages and reminded us to not stoop to their level.?It gave me ideas to better relate and connect with her as well as support her when she sees others posting about the wonderful lives they’re living out together without someone they’d been best friends with weeks prior.?It’s been incredibly tough watching her go through the struggles and depression the betrayals have caused but this book helped me understand that we’re not alone and gave hope for a better tomorrow despite and because of the pain today.
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8.????The Power of Habit; Why We Do What We Do
By Charles Duhigg
2nd time to read this awesome book.?Was great to be reminded of the importance and “power” of triggers – you may not be able to change a trigger, but you can change your reaction/behavior and still receive the same reward which is the whole reason for the habit loop. Everyone relapses to old habits in times of stress but the key to not ditching your new habits completely is the belief that you can stick to them.
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9.????Doesn't Hurt to Ask; Using the Power of Questions to Communicate, Connect, and Persuade
By Trey Dowdy
Cerebral.?Trey thinks and speaks above my pay grade.?I need to read this one at least a couple more times to really absorb its genius.?Were I planning to be an attorney, this book would have been even more valuable.?As smart, confident, and wise as Trey is, man he can very easily come across as a jerk.?His obsession with the exact, proper definition of every word has surely gotten him punched in the face numerous times.
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10.?The Always God; He Hasn’t Changed and You Are Not Forgotten
By Jarrett Stevens
This, Jarrett’s second book, is even better than his first, The Mountains are Calling.?My entire family is reading this fantastic tome to God’s ever-present consistency. It invites us to quiet ourselves and listen to?the?God?who does not change or forget us. Not ever. And that truth changes everything.?Love this book! The only reason it’s not in the top 3 is because I personally have no problem questioning if God is there and if He is an ever-present comfort in a time of need.
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11.?Think Like a Monk; Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day
By Jay Shetty
Loaded with timeless wisdom and tons of stories, Jay is very likable and transparent as he shares and shares about his journey of self-discovery – before, during, and after becoming a monk.?Lot’s of common sense but still beneficial to be reminded of ancient wisdom that applies no less today. Long but gooood.
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By Chris Jones
Harmon Brothers are marketing geniuses.?They’ve created an amazing brand and company culture too.?I love the stories the author weaved throughout the book.?Occasionally I felt like he was trying to sell me on Harmon Brothers but that’s naturally how one comes across when they’re fanatical about a brand.
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I read this book last year and gave it a marginal review but felt it deserved another run through
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14.?Untangled; Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood
By Lisa Damour
Terrific guidance for a dad of a 14-year-old daughter who has been the target of daily mean-girl attacks who are supported and apparently encouraged by their even-meaner moms. Seriously great book on this unfortunate topic.
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15.?How I Built This; The Unexpected Paths to Success from the World’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs
领英推荐
By Guy Raz
Well-written, entertaining, inspiring, and educational. Nothing really new for me but an enjoyable read.
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16.?Born Standing Up; A Comic’s Life
By Steve Martin
Fascinated autobiography.?I expected it to be funny (not so much) but it still kept my attention and gave me an even deeper appreciation for Steve’s creative genius.?Who knew he dated so many famous and notorious women back in the day!
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By:?Robert Rosenberg
Franchising royalty!?Dunkin’s leadership team, especially their founder, made sooooo many mistakes and yet still preserved to the global powerhouse they are today.?Although not much of a restaurant franchise guy, I could relate to plenty throughout Robert’s decades as an executive and franchising leader.
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18.?Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table; It’s Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind
By Louie Giglio
Read this one with my family.?Solid advice, real-life guidance, and humble, introspective stories from the spiritual rock star, Louie G.?
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By?Darren Hardy
Darren is such a Haus.?His discipline, understanding of himself, and passion to maximize every moment of the day never ceases to inspire me.?I’ve heard him speak and spoken with him – Darren is kind, humble, warm, and relatable.?Big fan.
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20.?Invent and Wander: The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos, with an Introduction by Walter Isaacson
Interesting but not what I expected.?Isaacson’s intro was incredible as most anything he does exudes excellence.?The entire rest of the book was simply a reading of all Bezos’ annual letters to Amazon’s stockholders.?I had hoped for more commentary from Jeff throughout.
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By:?Simon Sinek
100% Sinek.?I enjoyed meeting him in 2011 just after Start with Why came out.?Back then, every word of his presentation was memorized.?Today, he is much better at unscripted Q&A.?This book was perfectly written.?The stories and fit and the analogies were smart and on-target every time. His points flowed and his wit was just right.?I can’t say anything negative about this book – it just didn’t give me anything original.
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The third time I’ve devoured this simple book about giving to receive and serving to succeed. Maybe a little cheesy but worth it.
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23.?Where the Crawdads Sing
By Delia Owens
Omg.?This book was the #1 selling book in the world in 2019.?It has more 5-star reviews than any I’ve ever seen!?I normally read approximately one fiction book per *decade* and I’m so glad this one was it.?Owens painted the most elaborate scenes all throughout this masterpiece.?It’s fairly low on the list due to its lack of impact/takeaways.?Yes, I cried.
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24.?Listography; Your Life in Lists
By Chronicle Books
Everyone who knows me knows I’m a bit OCD on Lists.?This book feeds that obsession nicely.?It helps the reader to go deeper in understanding themselves, their priorities, loves, family, and more.?Not a traditional read – more of a workbook than a traditional book to read.
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Got a bit too complicated and deep for my little brain.?Had lots of solid pearls of advice throughout.
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26.?Change is Good... You Go First; 21 Ways to Inspire Change
By Mac Anderson & Tom Feltenstein
3rd read – simple, easy book.?My friend, Tom’s passing last year caused me to open up this gem again.?More of a gift or something to put on the bookshelf behind your desk than one to learn from.
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27.?Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire
By Rebecca Henderson
I couldn’t make it past the midpoint of this ridiculous book.?The author makes so many bogus statements and treats them like facts.?She is NOT a Capitalist – quite the opposite.
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In Process / Tee’d Up:
The Wealthy Franchisee
By Scott Greenberg
The Multiplier Model
???????????By Mark Siebert
Objections; The Ultimate Guide for Mastering the Art and Science of Getting Past No
???????????By Jeb Blount
The Wisdom of Crowds; Why the Many are Smarter Than the Few and How Collective Wisdom Shapes Business, Economies, Societies, and Nations
???????????By James Surowiecki
Business Consulting/ Paychex
3 年you forgot to the add the 3! best selling book ever!!! I hope that you read it everyday!
I help people find, launch and run business that match their skills, talents, and financial goals
3 年Love your lists my friend.
Director of Franchise Development at Franchise FastLane
3 年Your repertoire of interesting reads is fantastic Red, and a little unexpected. I will be checking some of these out for sure. Thanks for sharing.
CEO and Founder @ Rikor
3 年Uhh, I swear I didn't see your post about books when I posted my post about books (I just said "post" a lot)... I like how you have a little snippet under each book. I may need to copy you. :) Weird how things like that work https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/whmillward_entrepreneur-franchise-insurtech-activity-6820735782819631104-KECi
Editorial Director at International Franchise Professionals Group - IFPG
3 年Great stuff Red! Adding some of these to my list!