Books
The only thing better than a good book is sharing that book with others.
Currently Reading
Wisdom Of Our Fathers, by Tim Russert: A collection of letters about fathers, written by their children and shared with Russert. A moving tribute to the power and importance of fatherhood. On Amazon, you’ll find this book sold as a package deal with a large box of tissues.
What The Dog Saw, by Malcolm Gladwell: Another wonderful collection by Gladwell, drawn from previous New Yorker articles. A bit uneven, but still fascinating and worth your time.
Required Reading
Team Of Rivals, by Doris Kearns Goodwin: Stunning study of Lincoln, his management style, and life in the 1800s. Every leader needs to read this book. (Note to new leaders: reading this book only teaches you about Lincoln. Contrary to public opinion, it does not make you Lincoln.)
The Design of Everyday Things, by Donald Norman: Required for anyone who builds things that other people use. You’ll never look at a doorknob or dashboard the same way again.
Undaunted Courage, by Stephen Ambrose: To the Pacific and back with Lewis and Clark. A fundamental education in leadership from a much harder time. Required reading for every leader.
How To Win Friends & Influence People, by Dale Carnegie: The original, and still the best, book on social networking. You don’t need Twitter, you don’t need Facebook, and you don’t need LinkedIn. If you want to connect with people and build real relationships, you need this book.
Highly Recommended
Devil In The White City, Erik Larson: Captivating intertwined history of both the 1892 Chicago World’s Fair and the most prolific serial killer in US history. Much to offer for the aspiring project manager, history buff, and/or aspiring psychopath.
Never Eat Alone, by Keith Ferrazzi: Energetic, if somewhat overbearing, tutorial on building an effective social network. Many bits of advice from which you’ll find two or three true gems.
Band Of Brothers, by Stephen Ambrose: We’re still here because these men stepped up when called. Could you? Would you? Follow this up with Citizen Soldiers and D-Day.
Nothing Like It In The World, by Stephen Ambrose: The story of the transcontinental railroad. And you thought your projects had problems? Required reading for every project manager.
Unlocking The Sky, by Seth Shulman: The real history of early aviation, and the influence of Glenn Curtiss on the planes we fly in to this day.
For Your Consideration
The Ten Most Beautiful Experiments, by George Johnson: fascinating accounts of seminal experiments in modern science, but missing some of the background detail that some people (like me) crave.
Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell: Success is as much a matter of luck and timing as skill. What are the key events that have placed you where you are right now?
HTML & XHTML: The Definitive Guide, by Chuck Musciano and Bill Kennedy: an exhaustive description of every nuance of HTML. A real page-turner with a surprise ending; should be on every bookshelf in America.
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Great site, thank. I’m reading Outliers now and liking it so far. Puts the theory that success was due to only hard work and determination, on its ear. So far it’s been great reading. But can’t help but wonder if Gladwell is leaving things out to support his argument….all will be revealed when I finish, I guess. Gotta get back to putting in my 10,000 hours now…
Hi Chuck. Your books link caught my eye as I’m a reader myself, and I just bought Atlas Shrugged. We’ll have to compare notes at some point.
[...] Books [...]
Atlas Shrugged is one of my favorite books. Makes you think every single page. I am with you on your other reads, The Ten Most Beautiful Experiments, Outliers and Devil in the White City along with all of Ambrose’s books
Chuck, I really liked your post on Business Cards (which I found out about through your Twitter page). Well done on the book recs. You have some great ones on the list. Thanks for sharing this info.
Regards,
Blair