Summer Book Club

School might be out for the Summer, but at Dean Community College the learning never stops. Here's a few book suggestions to check out. All come with the Dean Shaw personal stamp of approval and will earn you extra credit. Got a book I need to read? Share it in the comments!

Professional and Personal Development

• Deep Work - Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport

Perhaps the most actionable and impactful business productivity books I've read (and I've read it twice). It gives practical tips on optimizing your workday to focusing on minimizing distractions from email, social media, and meetings. It has been an absolute game changer for me.

• Fans First -Change the Game, Break the Rules & Create an Unforgettable Experience by Jesse Cole

A must read for any Marketer or business leader. Discover how Jesse Cole upended the hundred-year-old game of baseball by putting fans at the center of Savannah Bananas games by rewriting (obliterating) the rules. Cole shares his insights on building a thriving business by prioritizing fan (customer) experiences. Through entertaining anecdotes and practical advice, he inspires readers to create a fan-focused experience that cultivates loyalty, engagement, and success in any industry. It's a book of inspiration on steroids.

• Life's Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown Jr.

A cornucopia list of advice for living your best life. It's like having the voice of Yoda, Mr. Miyagi, and Gandalf in your ear feeding you advice. Keep it on your desk or night-table for regular reference and resetting of your life goals and priorities. Perfect gift for a friend, colleague, child, or spouse. A bulleted list of advice including:

- Say “thank you” a lot.

- Sing in the shower.

- Learn to make great chili.

- Have a firm handshake.

Inspirational

Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 by Marcus Luttrell

A gripping memoir by Marcus Luttrell, a former Navy SEAL, recounting his harrowing experience during a covert mission in Afghanistan. The book vividly portrays the intense physical and emotional challenges faced by Luttrell and his team as they are ambushed by enemy forces. It is a powerful tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering brotherhood of the SEALs, as well as a reflection on the true cost of war.

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins

David Goggins once did 4,030 pull-ups in a 17 hours period. I can do exactly 0 pull-ups. This inspiring memoir by David Goggins, a former Navy SEAL and ultramarathon runner, chronicling his journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a mentally and physically resilient individual. Goggins shares his powerful story of conquering immense physical and mental challenges, including obesity, racism, and abuse, to become one of the toughest athletes in the world. Through his raw and unfiltered account, Goggins motivates readers to push beyond their perceived limitations, embrace discomfort, and unlock their full potential.

Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors by Piers Paul Read

The extraordinary tale of survival after a plane crash in the Andes Mountains. The book details the harrowing experiences of a Uruguayan rugby team and their struggle to stay alive amidst freezing temperatures, starvation, and isolation. The book zeros in on the moral decision of what to do after the food runs outs. Yup, cannibalism.

Have to Read to Believe

4,000 Days: My Life and Survival in a Bangkok Prison by Warren Fellows

Thinking bout making some easy money smuggling heroin out of Thailand? Consider the fate of Warren Fellows who spent over a decade in Bangkok's infamous Bang Kwang Prison for drug trafficking. How bad was it? Consider that prisoners would sneak their daily food rations back to their cells to feed to rats which were much tastier to eat after you fattened them up. An insane memoir of physical and psychological horrors in one of the world's most feared prisons.

The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band by Tommy Lee, Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, and Mick Mars

If surviving Bang Kwang prison seem daunting, try surviving being a member of Motley Crue. This book strips away the sexy veneer of life as a rock star and delves into the darker side of rock and roll. Excessive lifestyles, wild parties, drug abuse, and tumultuous relationships highlight this stroll through The Crue's story. From snorting ants with Ozzy Osbourne to Nikki Sixx's heroin overdose, it's both fascinating and a cautionary tale of rock and roll debauchery.

Just for Fun

Tintin Paperback Boxed Set by Herge

I gobbled up these graphic novels as a kid and they are still fun to read. Great snakes!

Yearbook by Seth Rogan

I am big Seth Rogan fan...even before he responded to a tweet I did. This humorous collection of stories might actually make you laugh out loud in his signature chuckle. Rogen takes you on a nostalgic journey through his childhood, teenage years, and Hollywood experiences, sharing hilarious and sometimes poignant stories along the way. The Nicholas Cage story on its own is worth the read. Not all your reading needs to be serious.