Reading List
The following is a list of books I have read, or am reading, that I really like. Feel free to enjoy them as well.
JUST FINISHED READING:
How to Lead When You're Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authourity by Clay Scroggins - I will start by saying this book is written by a preacher, and so it can get a little preachy (is that even a word). First of all I very much like Clay Scroggins writing style. More-so, I thoroughly enjoy his philosophies If you can get past a few church/congregation examples, or happen to want to hear these examples, this is a fantastic book.
Favorite Non-Fiction:
The Poisoned City: Flint's Water and the American Urban Tragedy by Anna Clark - This is a must read for every water professional. Not only is it interesting to read a deep look into the situation that is the opinions catastrophe of the Flint Michigan Water System. It also points out many flaws in a system of reporting that ignores small system issues that we are seeing all over the country. Would love to discuss this book with more water professionals, and hear their opinions.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson - Yes the title is quite brash, but this book is more of an night in to how to let go of things that are out of your control. I definitely need help letting go of things that are out of my control. The approach this book suggests, along with the backing proof, makes it easy to not give a f*ck.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Everyone has to face battle at some point in their life and The Art of War is the definitive guide on how to conquer your opposition. Of course I do not intend to hold the high ground, or keep the seas to my back in battle, but I do take notes on tactics. Many of the tactics in this book can be used in negotiations or in daily battles that come along. Quick read, full of great advice.
Chasing Failure: How Coming Up Short Sets You Up for Success by Ryan Leak - So many times in life I would say "failure is not an option". Failure is hard. No one wants to come up short. But why not set the bar so high that failing is only coming up short. This book entered my life at a time when I felt all I was doing was failing. I just couldn't get anything right. But as I read Ryan Leak's journey to an NBA contract, which he never got, I learned it is what we gain on the way.
The Aspiring Leader's Guide to the Future: 9 Surprising Ways Leadership is Changing by Clay Scroggins - This is the first book by Clay Scroggins that I had the pleasure of coming across. It is a definitive guide to leadership in a forward moving world. EVERY LEADER OF EVERY ORGANIZATION SHOULD HAVE A COPY OF THIS BOOK. I reference many of these strategies in this book frequently.
Never Enough: A Navy SEAL Commander on Living a Life of Excellence by Mike Hayes - A great book to read when you need a reality check. Mike Hayes has been through some sh*t and there is no doubt about that. Just when you think you have gotten life down to a science, this book will assure you that you can do more. When a banker gives you a book suggestion, you don't expect it to hit on so many levels. I thought I was getting a financial forecasting book and instead got a great read about achieving a better life.
Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson - I have always been intrigued by the work of Albert Einstein. I am also a bit of a history buff. I was intrigued to find out how much Einsteins image was used without his full knowledge or consent. It also made me think a lot about how ideas developed in that time period. He was truly a genius and an interesting individual. I like to think he and I would have gotten along fairly well.
Favorite Fiction:
Fairy Tale: A Novel by Stephen King - First and foremost, Stephen King is a phenomenal writer. His ability to form a story in a way that not only keeps you reading, but makes it so that you enter a different world is amazing. This story is amazing, and I hope that eventually King graces us with a sequel (or prequel). If you're looking for a 900 page escape into an alternate reality with a great backing story, this is your book. I highly recommend.
The Hobbit, by J R R Tolkien - it could be said that we are all a lot like Bilbo Baggins. Content with the cozy life we have. No need to wander away from our comfortable hobbit hole, full of food and warmth. Enter Gandalf and his dwarves, and the journey begins. I have read this book multiple times. Bilbo is my spirit animal... so sometimes I have to remind myself that my chair in my living room will still be there when I get back from a journey.
The Cabin at the End of the World: A Novel by Paul Tremblay - This book was truly gut wrenching. Initially I assumed that I could predict everything that was going to happen next. Slowly everything changed, and before i knew it I wasn't able to keep up with the twists and turns. Also, this book is the basis of a movie coming out this year called Knock on the Cabin Door, and I cannot wait to watch it.
The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King - This book has everything I like about a piece period sci-fi story. Tall tower prisons, family turmoil, and a triumphant finally. This book got me back into reading at a point in my life where I needed to find it again. I thought I was too busy to read, and then came across this book. Somehow I found time to love it again. I still try to read (even fiction sometimes) every chance I get.