10 Books that shaped my life.

When someone asks me if I’m a reader, I’m never sure how to answer that question. I do like to read, and I am reading all the time. Everyday I have a list of blogs, news outlets and more that I peruse.

However, I read books in spurts – usually 2-3 in a row, then take a break. On an average year I would guess I read about 6-8 non-fiction/business books. I also will read a few fiction, biographical or memoir type books too. Total I read about 12-15 books a year.

Since reading is a normal new year resolution/goal, I thought I would share 10 books that shaped me as a person, man, leader, business owner and pastor. You might ask for, give, or self-gift one of these this year.

1. Good to Great.

Good to Great by Jim Collins is the best business book I’ve ever read.

It deals with leadership, mission, purpose, overcoming challenge and more. Collins narrows the top companies down to a small list with a specific set of criteria. He systematically researches the commonalities in each business to make it successful.

If I had one book to give to you to improve your business, this would be it.

Note: Collins wrote a shorter follow-up in 2009 when a couple of his Good to Great companies failed. It was an interesting read too – How The Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In

2. A Million Miles

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Don Miller actually is not my favorite of his. My favorite by Miller is Blue Like Jazz because it’s a little more fun. I call A Million Miles his best book because it takes you somewhere.

The book is a memoir of sorts about Miller’s attempt to write a screenplay for Blue Like Jazz. During this process he learns the importance of story.

We all are living a story, where we are the main character. A good story involves the character overcoming a challenge to obtain something of significance. A Million Miles challenges you to truly live your story. Find something worth overcoming HUGE obstacles, so you can not only get your prize but also have a beautiful story to share in the process.

3. Tribes

Seth Godin has written a ton of books, and I’ve read a few of them. Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us is the book that sticks out to me the most. It is what has challenged me to build a platform for people to find me and follow me.

I have something to share. You have something to share. We can’t share our gifts and talents if no one knows about them.

Tribes will challenge you to build your tribe, so you can share your gifts.

4. The Measure of a Man

I read The Measure of a Man by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in college. It may be the most impacting book I read during that period of my life.

It is a short and simple book. It consists of less than 60 pages, but there is depth.

It answers the questions of “What is the value of a man/woman?” and “What does a complete, full life looks like?”

Looking back on it now, the answers don’t feel earth-shattering like they did then. However, I’ve lived with them now for nearly 20 years.

5. Atlas Shrugged

Ayn Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged is part fiction, part philosophy, and a really, really long book. It was given to me by Kia’s grandfather, and I think I shocked him by reading it.

Atlas Shrugged is the exact opposite of The Measure of a Man. It’s over 1000 pages long, and the type is incredibly small. It’s view of mankind is much different from Dr. King’s as well.

The reason I appreciate reading the book is the insight I’ve gained on political movements like the Tea Party. I don’t know if those affiliated with that movement have Atlas Shrugged, but at the core that is what they are looking for – little to no government, more freedom, extreme capitalism, and zero socialism.

It helped me to begin defining what I believe, what I feel is right and wrong, whose philosophy I buy into. It’s a challenge, but one worth taking.

I’ve quickly run out of room! When I chose a list of 10, it didn’t occur how much I would have to say about each, so I’ll cut myself off today at 5. Tomorrow I’ll share the 2nd half of the list.