Book of the Month - November 2024
Anti-Burnout: A lighter way to live and lead in a heavy world
Alan Briggs - ISBN: 979-8990065215 - 2024
Author:
Alan Briggs
Alan Briggs helps catalytic leaders leverage catalytic moments for systemic change.
He does this through Leadership Coaching, Sabbatical Coaching, Working Genius training and consulting at Stay Forth. He also connects leaders in meaningful ways through a hub and ecosystem in Colorado Springs called Gather. He has one incredible wife and four incredible kids and loves finding adventures in the Rockies. His next book, AntiBurnout, helps leaders find lightness and longevity.
He curated the "Right Side up Journal" as a three month journey to find healthy and proactive rhythms, and he uses it every day. His latest book "AntiBurnout; a lighter way to live and lead in a heavy world" invites leaders in any field to resist the pull toward exhaustion and overwhelm and experience lighter leadership. The principles, frameworks and tools in this book stem from 13 years of coaching leaders.
Taken from Amazon and Antiburnoutbook.com
Brief Synopsis:
We live in a heavy world, and leaders feel the brunt of it. We need practical ways to not only avoid the burnout epidemic, but lead well for the long haul. Leadership Coach, Alan Briggs, shares practical steps and tools to help you avoid burnout and reach more impact that come directly from his coaching experience with leaders across sectors.
Insights:
“We desperately need healthy and whole leaders to light a path forward with lanterns of hope and optimism, not torches of fear and outrage.”
“When clarity goes up, overwhelm goes down."
“Proactivity allows a leader to play defense and offense, protecting their priorities while capitalizing on new opportunities.”
“When we’re confused about our commitments distractions are overwhelming, but when we’re clear about our commitments distractions are manageable."
Should I read it or skip it?
Book of the Month - October 2024
Apostle: Travels Among the Tombs of the Twelve
Tom Bissell - ISBN: 978-1538707944 - 2023
Author:
Tom Bisell
Tom Bissell is the author of Chasing the Sea: Lost Among the Ghosts of Empire in Central Asia. Born in Escanaba, Michigan, he attended Michigan State University before teaching English as a Peace Corps volunteer in the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan. He returned stateside and worked for several years in book publishing, first for W. W. Norton and later for Henry Holt & Company. Among his editorial endeavors was the restoration to print of Paula Fox’s novels and editing her memoir Borrowed Finery, conceiving and editing The Collected Stories of Richard Yates, and conceiving A Galaxy Not So Far Away: Writers and Artists on Twenty-five Years of Star Wars. His criticism, fiction, and journalism have appeared in Agni, The Alaska Quarterly Review, The Boston Review, BOMB, Esquire, Harper’s Magazine, Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, and Salon. He is currently finishing a collection of Central Asia-themed short stories entitled Death Defier. He lives in New York City and has returned to Uzbekistan four times since completing Chasing the Sea.
His short fiction has won two Pushcart Prizes and has been published in multiple editions of The Best American Series. He has also written eight works of nonfiction, including Apostle and (with Greg Sestero) The Disaster Artist, as well as many screenplays for video games and television. Bissell lives in Los Angeles with his family.
Brief Synopsis:
A profound and moving journey into the heart of Christianity that explores the mysterious and often paradoxical lives and legacies of the Twelve Apostles—a book both for those of the faith and for others who seek to understand Christianity from the outside in.
“Expertly researched and fascinating… Bissell is a wonderfully sure guide to these mysterious men.… This is a serious book about the origins of Christianity that is also very funny. How often can you say that?” —The Independent
Peter, Matthew, Thomas, John: Who were these men? What was their relationship to Jesus? Tom Bissell provides rich and surprising answers to these ancient, elusive questions. He examines not just who these men were (and weren’t), but also how their identities have taken shape over the course of two millennia.
Ultimately, Bissell finds that the story of the apostles is the story of early Christianity: its competing versions of Jesus’s ministry, its countless schisms, and its ultimate evolution from an obscure Jewish sect to the global faith we know today in all its forms and permutations. In his quest to understand the underpinnings of the world’s largest religion, Bissell embarks on a years-long pilgrimage to the supposed tombs of the Twelve Apostles. He travels from Jerusalem and Rome to Turkey, Greece, Spain, France, India, and Kyrgyzstan, vividly capturing the rich diversity of Christianity’s worldwide reach. Along the way, he engages with a host of characters—priests, paupers, a Vatican archaeologist, a Palestinian taxi driver, a Russian monk—posing sharp questions that range from the religious to the philosophical to the political.
Written with warmth, empathy, and rare acumen, Apostle is a brilliant synthesis of travel writing, biblical history, and a deep, lifelong relationship with Christianity. The result is an unusual, erudite, and at times hilarious book—a religious, intellectual, and personal adventure fit for believers, scholars, and wanderers alike.
Insights:
“Were we not standing atop the birthplace of a certain kind of religious nationalism? Zion lay all around us. See where the Prophet left this earth, where Christ rose from the dead, where the Messiah would, finally, appear. Which of us, in this war, was not Judas to someone?”
“Sitting there, I remembered two things about going to mass with my father: he never took Communion because of his and my mother's divorce, and he always tapped his heart three times, with solemn insistence, after the recitation of the Apostles' Creed. I asked him about his ritual once. His eyes filled with such alarm that I instantly knew his heart tapping had something to do with a loss or devastation: his parents' early death, his divorce, his wounding in Vietnam. There was no reason for me to invade that space. Maybe that was the best simple explanation for religion: it filled our spaces.”
“Even after I lost my religious faith, Christianity remained to me deeply and resonantly interesting, and I have long believed that anyone who does not find Christianity interesting has only his or her unfamiliarity with the topic to blame.”
“What Christianity promises, I do not understand. What its god could possibly want, I have never been able to imagine, not even when I was a Christian.”
“Scribes working throughout Christianity’s first five centuries were troubled by the New Testament’s discrepancies...In time, a process called harmonization emerged within Christian thought, which involves taking contradictory passages from different gospels and explaining away the differences by creative imagining.”
Should I read it or skip it?
First, I appreciate Tom’s viewpoint as someone who claimed Christianity and now has recanted his claims. He grew up in the Catholic tradition but has deconstructed his faith. He makes this clear which I think predisposes him to a specific approach any time he discusses any theological topics. He immediately discards any supernatural or faith based assessment.
Second, he can be graphic. When visiting Thomas’ tomb in India, he experienced explosive diarrhea and stomach issues. He uses curse words to discuss other times. Not the worst way to do this book but often language is used when you can’t imagine other words in their place.
Finally, I feel like he took much time dealing with certain topics. Because of this fact, he doesn’t spend enough time on James’ grave. Overall, the book is fourteen hours and seventeen minutes of listening time. He could have used that time better.
Should you read this book? The travel portions contained great descriptions and humor. The theological portions focused on heterodox positions and wrote off most orthodox positions. I gave the book three stars on Goodreads. If you are looking for a travel book and that is your jam, sure. But if you are looking for something to give you better insight into the development of Scripture or how the apostles spent their last hours, I would say you can spend 14 hours in a better way.
Book of the Month - September 2024
A Creative Minority: Influencing Culture Through Redemptive Participation
Jon Tyson and Heather Grizzle - ISBN: 978-0692821237 - 2016
Author:
Jon Tyson
Jon Tyson is a New York City based Pastor and Author.. Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Jon moved to the US over two decades ago to seek and cultivate renewal in the Western church. He is the author of "Fighting Shadows" and the bestselling books "The Intentional Father" and "Beautiful Resistance." He graduated from Capital Seminary and serves as the lead pastor of Church of the City New York. Jon has been married to Christy for twenty-five years and has two adult children.
Brief Synopsis:
How should the church engage our culture? The recent political cycle has shattered the lens through which the American church has looked at politics through much of our lifetimes. If we return to the Scriptures, we see Jesus offers us a compelling, alternative vision. His heart was that His followers would be a city on a hill and that people would see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. This was not dependent on the laws on the books, the rulings of the courts, or the leaders in power. His heart was that we would influence culture through redemptive participation, being not just a faithful, but also a fruitful presence. His vision was that the church functions as a Creative Minority in a dominant culture. A Creative Minority seeks not to propose a way to regain cultural dominance, take back our world for God or revisit an unrealistic and nostalgic past. It humbly proposes that if we take on the posture and identity of a Creative Minority, we may rekindle the light in the bushel, and in so doing, cast a hopeful glimmer on the world. A Creative Minority paints a compelling picture of the way the church is called to participate in these challenging and demanding times - seeking neither to control nor abandon the world, but to love it to new life through redemptive participation.
Insights:
“A Creative Minority is a Christian community in a web of stubbornly loyal relationships, knotted together in a living network of persons who are committed to practicing the way of Jesus together for the renewal of the world.”
“If there is no interpersonal conflict in your life, no elements of your character that you are being confronted about, you are networking, you are not in close community.”
“The early church was strikingly different from the culture around it in this way -the pagan society was stingy with its money and promiscuous with its body. A pagan gave nobody their money and practically gave everybody their body. And the Christians came along and gave practically nobody their body and they gave practically everybody their money.”
Should I read it or skip it?
First, the book is not long. It took me an afternoon to get through it. Second, the concept is sound. Christianity is not the majority in the US anymore. How do we interact with society in a way that makes Jesus famous and us less so? WE know we have the answer but sometimes we are so busy guarding it we forget to be creative evangelists. This would be a book I would suggest everyone reads. From reminding us to participate
Book of the Month - August 2024
Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools
Tyler Staton - ISBN: 978-0310365358 - 2022
Author:
Tyler Staton
Tyler Staton is the Lead Pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, and the National Director of 24-7 Prayer USA. He is passionate about pursuing prayer--communion and conversation with God--while living deeply, poetically, and freely. Tyler believes that life is about relationships, prayer is an invitation, and justice is kinship. Tyler is the author of Praying Like Monks, Living like Fools and Searching for Enough. He lives in Portland with his wife Kirsten, and their sons Hank, Simon, and Amos.
Brief Synopsis:
Prayer is the source of Jesus's most astonishing miracles and the subject of Jesus's most audacious promises, and yet, people find prayer to be boring, obligatory, or confusing. Join Tyler Staton, author, pastor, and national director of the 24/7 Prayer movement, as he invites you to discover the incredible gift of prayer.
Within the pages of Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, Staton addresses common roadblocks to prayer and gives you the confidence to come to God just as you are. Through timely biblical teaching, powerful storytelling, and insights on historic Christian practices, Staton gives you the tools you need to:
Express your doubts and disappointments about prayer
Discover and practice multiple postures of prayer, including silence, persistence, confession, and more
Understand and embrace the wonder and mystery of prayer in everyday life
Open or reopen the line of communication with your Creator and experience afresh his divine power on earth
If you're feeling disheartened, disappointed, or distracted in your prayer life, let Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools be your guide as you learn to enjoy prayer in its purest form: a vital, sustaining, powerful connection with God that is more real and alive than you could have ever imagined.
Insights:
“Prayer can’t be mastered. Prayer always means submission. To pray is to willingly put ourselves in the unguarded, exposed position. There is no climb. There is no control. There is no mastery. There is only humility and hope. To pray is to risk being naive, to risk believing, to risk playing the fool.”
“Only when you see who you really are can you also see how profoundly you matter. … ‘Be still, and know I am God.’ Slow down. Remember who God really is. Remember who you really are. That’s prayer.”
“How do we take Jesus up on his power to heal? Confession. Confession is how we turn to him, look him in the eye, and acknowledge his presence here with us, not to judge, but to rescue.”
“Wrestling with God through persistent prayer is a confirmation of true belief, not distressing doubt. Those who only half-heartedly believe don’t take offence at silence. It is only those who believe and believe hard—hard enough to walk out on a limb of faith with our full weight, who feel that limb snap beneath us and send us into a free fall without a harness, who care to wrestle with a God who at times seems fickle—it is only those who are offended by silence.”
“Scripture makes it clear that God collects two things—prayers and tears. This world in its current form is passing away, but our prayers and tears are eternal.”
Should I read it or skip it?
Everyone should read this book. As a pastor, I have read lots of books on prayer. This book has already become one I will reread.
I read this book with my church’s staff. We would spend about 20-30 every Tuesday breaking down the chapters week by week. I also listened to the audio version of the book, so I used both the printed copy and the audiobook I checked out from the library.
I love Staton’s style and his openness and honesty. As a pastor, he is both a teacher and a prayer practitioner. As Christians, we all should be but Staton has a special connection to prayer. He tells stories of his own prayer life as well as those he pastors.
I love how each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of prayer. He doesn't stick to classic cliches about prayer. For instance, in the chapter on prayer as work, he focuses on prayer for the lost. He acknowledges God’s silence and how sometimes it seems like God’s silence can be capricious. The chapter on how prayer helps us deal with the boring or mundane of life generated lots of conversation.
So while I think everyone should read this book, I think reading it with a group of friends provides the best growth and life transformation opportunities.
Book of the Month - July 2024
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy)
Admiral Willam H. McRaven - ISBN: 978-1538707944 - 2023
Author:
Admiral Willam H. McRaven
Admiral William H. McRaven is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed and the New York Times bestsellers Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations and The Hero Code: Lessons Learned from Lives Well Lived. In his thirty-seven years as a Navy SEAL, he commanded at every level. As a Four-Star Admiral, his final assignment was as Commander of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. After retiring from the Navy, he served as the Chancellor of the University of Texas System from 2015 to 2018. He now lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Georgeann.
Brief Synopsis:
The title “Bullfrog” is given to the Navy SEAL who has served the longest on active duty. Admiral McRaven was honored to receive this honor in 2011 when he took charge of the United States Special Operations Command. When McRaven retired in 2014, he had 37 years as a Navy SEAL under his belt, leading men and women at every level of the special operations community. In the ensuing four years, he served as Chancellor to the entire University of Texas System, with its 230,000 students and 100,000 faculty and health care workers.
During those four decades, Admiral McRaven dealt with every conceivable leadership challenge, from commanding combat operations—including the capture of Saddam Hussein, the rescue of Captain Phillips, and the raid for Osama bin Laden.
THE WISDOM OF THE BULLFROG draws on these and countless other experiences from Admiral McRaven’s incredible life, including crisis situations, management debates, organizational transitions, and ethical dilemmas, to provide readers with the most important leadership lessons he has learned over the course of his forty years of service. Each chapter provides a Make Your Bed-like parable, rich with insights like those featured in his bestselling memoir, Sea Stories, about the specific leadership traits required to be at the top of your game, including:
Who Dares, Wins
Run to the Sound of the Guns
No Plan Survives First Contact with the Enemy
THE WISDOM OF THE BULLFROG is Admiral McRaven’s clear-eyed treatise on the leadership qualities that separate the good from the truly great.
Insights:
“Show up early. Work hard. Stay late. Have a plan. Deliver on your promises. Share the hardships with the employees. Show that you care. Admit your mistakes. And—did I mention?—work hard.”
“Be decisive. Don't take too much counsel of your fears. Be thoughtful, but not paralyzed by indecision.”
“Be aggressive. When you see a problem, do something about it. That’s what is expected of leaders.”
“To live above the common level of life: to be noble when others may be unprincipled, to be honorable when others may be shameless, to be men and women of integrity when others may resort to dishonesty. What I found in leading an being led by great officers from all branches of service was the importance of character and having a personal code of honor to help guide you through the difficult times.”
“Measure the strength of your employees by their willingness to do the little tasks and do them well.”
Should I read it or skip it?
In short, yes, you should read it! I love how accessible Admiral McRaven’s books are.
To go deeper, here is a better review:
For those who don’t know, because Navy SEALs are often called “frogmen,” the longest-serving active duty Navy SEAL is referred to as “The Bullfrog.” Drawn from his time as the Bull Frog, Admiral William H. McRaven's The Wisdom of the Bullfrog is a masterful guide on leadership, rooted in the timeless principles of honor, courage, and commitment. Pulling from different leadership sayings across all military branches, McRaven offers a straightforward, yet profound, blueprint for effective leadership.
Key Lessons:
Work Ethic and Commitment: McRaven emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication. His mantra, "Show up early. Work hard. Stay late," underscores the relentless effort required to lead effectively. This advice is practical and inspiring, encouraging leaders to lead by example and share in the hardships of their teams.
Decisiveness: In a world often paralyzed by indecision, McRaven’s call to "Be decisive" is refreshing. He advises leaders to take thoughtful action without being hindered by fear, striking a balance between caution and decisiveness.
Integrity and Character: McRaven’s emphasis on character is a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. He advocates for living "above the common level of life," highlighting the importance of integrity and personal honor. This principle resonates deeply, reminding leaders that their actions and values set the tone for their organizations.
Attention to Detail: The Admiral’s insight that the strength of employees is measured by their willingness to perform small tasks well is a testament to the importance of humility and attention to detail. This lesson reinforces the idea that no task is too small and that excellence in minor duties leads to overall success.
Proactivity: McRaven encourages leaders to be aggressive in tackling problems. His directive to "do something about it" when encountering issues is a powerful reminder that proactive leadership drives progress and resolves challenges effectively.
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog is a compelling read for anyone in a leadership position. McRaven's straightforward advice, grounded in his military experience, offers valuable insights that are both timeless and timely. His emphasis on hard work, decisiveness, integrity, and proactive problem-solving provides a solid foundation for effective leadership. This book is not just a guide; it is a call to action for leaders to rise above mediocrity and lead with honor and excellence.
Highly recommended for leaders at all levels, The Wisdom of the Bullfrog is a testament to the enduring power of strong, principled leadership.
Book of the Month - June 2024
The Way of the Shepherd
Kevin Leman & William Pentak - ISBN: 978-0-310-25097-5 - 2004
Author:
Dr. Kevin Leman
Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known Christian psychologist, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author of fifty books, including Have a New Kid by Friday, The Birth Order Book, and Making Your Children Mind without Losing Yours. A master communicator, Dr. Leman is a frequent guest on hundreds of radio and TV shows such as The View, Oprah, Today, Fox & Friends, and Focus on the Family. He and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They are the parents of five children and two grandchildren.
William Pentak
William Pentak has twenty-two years of proven success in revitalizing under-performing organizations. An author, columnist, pastor, consultant and speaker, he has traveled across the nation delivering keynote addresses and seminars. An MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, William was one of the last hires made by Enron before the company imploded in bankruptcy. He currently works in External Communications at Reliant Energy in Houston, Texas.
Brief Synopsis:
Discover a fresh perspective on the art of leading in Dr. Kevin Leman's story about a young reporter who lands the meeting of a lifetime and walks away with the keys to exceptional leadership. The Way of the Shepherd points you beyond dated trends and out-of-touch management techniques to the strategies that will make you a truly outstanding leader.
When William Pentak had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interview Ted McBride, one of the most respected CEOs in America, he was shocked by what McBride was willing to share. McBride taught him the seven secrets he inherited long ago from his mentor--an eccentric but brilliant professor who passed on these time-tested management principles that, while ancient in their origin, are still applicable in today's fast-paced, high-tech world.
Throughout The Way of the Shepherd, you'll learn how to infuse your work with meaning, no matter your role, title, industry, or the size of your team. Uncover the tried-and-true best practices for how to engage, energize, and ignite your workforce by:
Getting to know your team, one person at a time
Relentlessly communicating your values and your mission
Defining the cause for your people and showing them where they fit in
Having a heart for the people that you're leading
Understanding that great leadership isn't just professional, it's personal
If you're ready to transform your team, create a culture of belonging, and truly learn to lead by example, it's time to discover The Way of the Shepherd.
Insights:
“Great leaders instill a sense of meaning and belonging in their followers by putting the personal imprint of who they are and what they stand for on their people.”
“If you give your people halfhearted leadership, you’ll get a halfhearted following. But if you invest yourself in them, if you have a heart for them, your people will return your investment with a heartfelt following.”
“First, when directing your people, use persuasion, not coercion. Instead of making pronouncements, make requests. Offer suggestions and ideas. Don’t dictate and demand; instead, advocate and recommend.”
“people with negative attitudes don’t have a learner’s heart. Dumping such individuals off your team will hurt in the short run, but not in the long run. You have to remember that star performers with an attitude put a constant drag on everyone else. The price you pay for their performance is constant agitation. People with negative attitudes can’t help but stir the pot.”
Should I read it or skip it?
I recently picked up The Way of the Shepherd, a book recommended as part of our Student Ministry Academy’s summer reading. It also provided a great opportunity for shared discussions with my daughter, who attends Life Point Academy.
This book, written as a parable, was a quick read for me. Despite its brevity, it efficiently conveys powerful leadership principles. Each chapter concludes with a concise recap, reinforcing the key lesson.
If you manage people, this book is a must-read. It offers practical insights that are both timeless and relevant, making it a valuable addition to any leader's library.
Book of the Month - May 2024
Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business
Charles Duhigg - ISBN: 9780812993394 - 2016
Author:
Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and the author of The Power of Habit, which spent over three years on New York Times bestseller lists. His second book, Smarter Faster Better, was a bestseller. His latest book, Supercommunicators, was published in February, 2024, and is also a bestseller.
Charles currently writes for The New Yorker magazine.
A Yale University and Harvard Business School graduate, Charles has frequently contributed to This American Life, NPR, The Colbert Report, PBS’s NewsHour, and Frontline.
Charles led the team that won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize in explanatory journalism for “The iEconomy,” a series that examined the global economy through the lens of Apple. That series included examinations of such topics as the factories in China where iPhones and iPads are manufactured.
Charles has also received The George Polk Award, the Gerald Loeb Award, the Investigative Reporters and Editors Medal, the Scripps Howard National Journalism Award, the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, and other honors.
While a reporter at the Los Angeles Times, Charles reported from Iraq about American military operations.
Before becoming a full-time journalist in 2003, Charles worked as an analyst for American Property Global Partners, a private equity firm and co-founded SWPA Education Management Group, L.L.C., which developed education programs for medically underserved areas.
He was also, for one terrifying day in 1999, a bike messenger in San Francisco.
Charles lives in Santa Cruz with his wife and two children.
Taken from charlesduhigg.com/about
Brief Synopsis:
In The Power of Habit, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Charles Duhigg explained why we do what we do. In Smarter Faster Better, he applies the same relentless curiosity and rich storytelling to how we can improve at the things we do.
At the core of Smarter Faster Better are eight key concepts—from motivation and goal setting to focus and decision making—that explain why some people and companies get so much done. Drawing on the latest findings in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics—as well as the experiences of CEOs, educational reformers, four-star generals, FBI agents, airplane pilots, and Broadway songwriters—this book reveals that the most productive people, companies, and organizations don’t merely act differently. They view the world, and their choices, in profoundly different ways.
Smarter Faster Better is a story-filled exploration of the science of productivity, one that can help us learn to succeed with less stress and struggle—and become smarter, faster, and better at everything we do.
Insights:
“The choices that are most powerful in generating motivation, in other words, are decisions that do two things: They convince us we’re in control and they endow our actions with larger meaning.”
“A sense of control can fuel motivation, but for that drive to produce insights and innovations, people need to know their suggestions won’t be ignored, that their mistakes won’t be held against them. And they need to know that everyone else has their back.”
“Stretch goals, paired with SMART thinking, can help put the impossible within reach.”
“The best entrepreneurs are acutely conscious of the risks that come from only talking to people who have succeeded,” said Don Moore, the Berkeley professor who participated in the GJP and who also studies the psychology of entrepreneurship. “They are obsessed with spending time around people who complain about their failures, the kinds of people the rest of us usually try to avoid.”
Should I read it or skip it?
Book of the Month - April 2024
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It
Chris Voss and Tahl Raz - ISBN: 9781847941497 - 2016
Author:
Chris Voss
A 24 year veteran of the FBI, Chris Voss is one of the preeminent practitioners and professors of negotiating skills in the world. He is the founder and principal of The Black Swan Group, a consulting firm that provides training and advises Fortune 500 companies through complex negotiations. Voss has taught for many business schools, including the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Harvard University, MIT’s Sloan School of Management, and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, among others.
Tahl Raz
Tahl Raz is a storyteller of big ideas in business, technology and the social sciences that are transforming the way we work and live. An award-winning journalist and best-selling author, he has edited and published in everything from Inc. Magazine and GQ to Harvard Business Review and the Jerusalem Post. Management guru Tom Peters called his first co-authored book, “Never Eat Alone,” one of “the most extraordinary and valuable business books” of recent history. The book is still in hardcover over a decade later and is now used as a textbook in MBA programs around the world. He has held roles as a Chief Content Officer, CEO of an online education company called MyGreenLight, and founder and editor-in-chief of Jewcy Media. He lives in New York City with his wife, daughter, and a very fat Pug named Bibi.
Brief Synopsis:
A former international hostage negotiator for the FBI offers a new, field-tested approach to high-stakes negotiations—whether in the boardroom or at home.
After a stint policing the rough streets of Kansas City, Missouri, Chris Voss joined the FBI, where his career as a hostage negotiator brought him face-to-face with a range of criminals, including bank robbers and terrorists. Reaching the pinnacle of his profession, he became the FBI’s lead international kidnapping negotiator. Never Split the Difference takes you inside the world of high-stakes negotiations and into Voss’s head, revealing the skills that helped him and his colleagues succeed where it mattered most: saving lives. In this practical guide, he shares the nine effective principles—counterintuitive tactics and strategies—you too can use to become more persuasive in both your professional and personal life.
Life is a series of negotiations you should be prepared for: buying a car, negotiating a salary, buying a home, renegotiating rent, deliberating with your partner. Taking emotional intelligence and intuition to the next level, Never Split the Difference gives you the competitive edge in any discussion.
Insights:
“If you approach a negotiation thinking the other guy thinks like you, you are wrong. That's not empathy, that's a projection.”
“Hope is not a strategy”
“Negotiation is not an act of battle; it’s a process of discovery. The goal is to uncover as much information as possible.”
“Mirrors work magic. Repeat the last three words (or the critical one to three words) of what someone has just said. We fear what’s different and are drawn to what’s similar. Mirroring is the art of insinuating similarity, which facilitates bonding. Use mirrors to encourage the other side to empathize and bond with you, keep people talking, buy your side time to regroup, and encourage your counterparts to reveal their strategy.”
“This is listening as a martial art, balancing the subtle behaviors of emotional intelligence and the assertive skills of influence, to gain access to the mind of another person. Contrary to popular opinion, listening is not a passive activity. It is the most active thing you can do.”
Should I read it or skip it?
I really enjoyed this book. I worked for the US Border Patrol and have known a few federal agents. Voss’ stories reminded me of sitting in the conference room listening to these men who were heroes telling their stories. For that reason alone, this book is worth the listen.
Second, negotiation and sales have not been one of my strengths. I connected with the idea, “Negotiation is a process of discovery,” and the second idea, “Every negotiation begins when we hear the word, ‘No.’” In the past, I have regarded a “no” as a closed door. Voss explains we should expect to hear it. Every piece of information sets boundaries and gets us closer to the answer of what the other person wants.
In the end, this book can help anyone access the skills necessary to be a better negotiator and never split the difference.
Book of the Month - March 2024
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
Brené Brown - ISBN: 978-0399592522 - 2018
Author:
Brené Brown
Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston, where she holds the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at the Graduate College of Social Work. She also holds the position of visiting professor in management at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business.
Brené has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. She is the author of six #1 New York Times best sellers and is the host of two award-winning Spotify podcasts, Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead.
Brené’s books have been translated into more than 30 languages, and her titles include Atlas of the Heart, Dare to Lead, Braving the Wilderness, Rising Strong, Daring Greatly, and The Gifts of Imperfection. With Tarana Burke, she co-edited the best-selling anthology You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience.
Brené’s TED talk on the Power of Vulnerability is one of the top five most-viewed TED talks in the world, with over 50 million views. Brené is the first researcher to have a filmed lecture on Netflix, and in March 2022, she launched a new show on HBO Max that focuses on her latest book, Atlas of the Heart.
Brené spends most of her time working in organizations around the world, helping develop braver leaders and more courageous cultures. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, Steve. They have two children, Ellen and Charlie, and a weird Bichon named Lucy.
Brief Synopsis:
Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas, and has the courage to develop that potential.
When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have the right answers; we stay curious and ask the right questions. We don’t see power as finite and hoard it; we know that power becomes infinite when we share it with others. We don’t avoid difficult conversations and situations; we lean into vulnerability when it’s necessary to do good work.
But daring leadership in a culture defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty requires skill-building around traits that are deeply and uniquely human. The irony is that we’re choosing not to invest in developing the hearts and minds of leaders at the exact same time as we’re scrambling to figure out what we have to offer that machines and AI can’t do better and faster. What can we do better? Empathy, connection, and courage, to start.
Four-time #1 New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown has spent the past two decades studying the emotions and experiences that give meaning to our lives, and the past seven years working with transformative leaders and teams spanning the globe. She found that leaders in organizations ranging from small entrepreneurial startups and family-owned businesses to nonprofits, civic organizations, and Fortune 50 companies all ask the same question:
How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders, and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture?
In Dare to Lead, Brown uses research, stories, and examples to answer these questions in the no-BSstyle that millions of readers have come to expect and love.
Brown writes, “One of the most important findings of my career is that daring leadership is a collection of four skill sets that are 100 percent teachable, observable, and measurable. It’s learning and unlearning that requires brave work, tough conversations, and showing up with your whole heart. Easy? No. Because choosing courage over comfort is not always our default. Worth it? Always. We want to be brave with our lives and our work. It’s why we’re here.”
Whether you’ve read Daring Greatly and Rising Strong or you’re new to Brené Brown’s work, this book is for anyone who wants to step up and into brave leadership.
Insights:
“I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who dares to develop that potential.”
“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”
“If you are not in the arena getting your ass kicked on occasion, I’m not interested in or open to your feedback. There are a million cheap seats in the world today filled with people who will never be brave with their lives but who will spend every ounce of energy they have hurling advice and judgment at those who dare greatly. Their only contributions are criticism, cynicism, and fearmongering. If you’re criticizing from a place where you’re not also putting yourself on the line, I’m not interested in what you have to say.”
“So often, when someone is in pain, we’re afraid to say, “Yes, this hurts. Yes, this is a big deal. Yes, this sucks.” We think our job is improving things, minimizing the pain.”
Should I read it or skip it?
So this is my first foray into the world of Brené Brown. I teach in a weekly leadership program, and one of my students suggested this book. I did some research on the author. She attended the University of Texas and I am predisposed to appreciate Longhorns, so I may have some bias. Second, I understand people with education who use the scientific method. I think reading this book will be beneficial for anyone who leads.
Brown challenges leaders to be vulnerable and to move outside the traditional management role. Her writing might seem touchy-feely but her conclusions are based on research conducted as a scientist. I believe this book moves the needle from management to leadership by utilizing many of the attributes God has endowed to humans. Daring to lead with humility and clarity provides followers with clear directions but also develops trust between the leader and follower. A great example of being clear and leading with humility can be found in Brown’s response to the recent controversy around her comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
I have recommended this book to others and I highly recommend it to you.
Book of the Month - February 2024
The Path to Being a Pastor: a guide for the aspiring
Bobby Jamieson - ISBN: 978-1-4335-7665-2 - 2021
Authors:
Bobby Jamieson
Bobby Jamieson serves as an associate pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. His pastoral responsibilities include preaching and teaching, overseeing the church's pastoral internship, and facilitating church planting and revitalizing in the DC area. Originally from California, Bobby came to CHBC as a pastoral intern in 2008, then worked for 9Marks as an editor for several years. He has an MDiv and ThM from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a PhD in New Testament from the University of Cambridge, where he also taught Greek. Bobby and his wife, Kristin, have four children, Rose, Lucy, William, and Margaret.
Bobby is the author of several books, including Sound Doctrine: How a Church Grows in the Love and Holiness of God, Going Public: Why Baptism Is Required for Church Membership, Jesus' Death and Heavenly Offering in Hebrews, The Paradox of Sonship: Christology in The Epistle to the Hebrews, and The Path to Being a Pastor: A Guide for the Aspiring.
Taken from Capital Hills Baptist Church Website.
Brief Synopsis:
A man who’s been transformed by Christ and desires to preach the gospel might say he feels called to be a pastor.
This personal conviction, while heartfelt, doesn’t acknowledge important, challenging steps necessary to be a qualified leader. So where should full-time ministry begin?
In The Path to Being a Pastor, Bobby Jamieson explains why it’s better to emphasize “aspiration” over “calling” as men pursue the office of elder and encourages readers to make sure they are pastorally gifted before considering the role. He shares his own eleven-year experience preparing to be a pastor by walking potential leaders through different stages of ministry training, from practical steps―such as cultivating godly ambition and leadership, observing healthy churches, and mastering Scripture―to personal advice on building a strong family and succeeding in seminary. Emphasizing the importance of prayer, godly counsel, and immersion in the local church, Jamieson encourages men to ask Am I qualified? instead of Am I called? when considering a life in ministry.
Insights:
Seeking counsel is simple: find wise people and get them to share their wisdom with you. Especially important here are the pastors of your church…Don’t just ask; listen. Seeking counsel does not mean always agreeing with it. - pg. 38
Pursue godliness. Pursue godliness more than you pursue position or publicity or prestige. Pursue godliness more than you pursue the pulpit. Pursue godliness more than you pursue others’ recognition of your godliness. Pursue godliness when no one is looking and no one cares. Pursue godliness when it seems like godliness is not getting you where you want to go. - page 53
Sometimes, faithfulness on your wife’s part will mean denying herself so you can spend yourself in ministry. Sometimes, faithfulness on your part will mean saying no to ministry so you can minister to your wife. In the past couple of years, I have declined several outside preaching and teaching requests and even cancelled an international trip, because I judged that my responsibilities at home took priority. - page 121
Should I read it or skip it?
Before I jump into yes or no, I want to say a word about being a practitioner. I appreciate when someone is a practitioner first and foremost. A voice gains credibility when the person speaking on the topic has experience and knows the subject deeply. For Jamieson, this book comes from his experience as an elder at Capital Hill Baptist Church. He has walked the process of aspiring to pastoral ministry as well as preparing for it.
Second, I love the idea of aspiring. Jamieson does a great job of sorting out the ideas of calling vs aspiring. Too often, I think too many pastors mistake being called with wanting to be a pastor. For many people, the nobility in serving God or the affirmation they receive can weigh on their desires and override their wisdom or discernment about their calling. So the idea of aspiring rings true.
“In my view, saying “I aspire” is more biblical, more humble, more accurate, more fruitful, and more freeing” - page 28
Jamieson’s statement allows the aspiring pastor to humble himself and look to God and his people to answer his questions about calling.
Finally, should you read this book or not? Anyone preparing for leadership as a pastor or working to be an elder should read this book. I believed in it enough that I have a stack I like to hand out to aspiring, young pastors. Second, I think anyone who will serve on a pastoral selection board should read this book in preparation for the process of choosing. This book belongs to a niche of pastoral leadership. It might not be for everyone but it can be for anyone.
Book of the Month - January 2024
Smart Brevity
Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen and Roy Schwartz - ISBN: 978-1-5235-1697-1 - 2022
Authors:
Jim VandeHei
Jim VandeHei is the co-founder, CEO and Chairman of Axios, a media company focused on breaking news and invaluable insights across business, politics, technology and the world. Axios helps readers and viewers get smarter, faster across the consequential topics reshaping our country and lives. As CEO, VandeHei has steered Axios into becoming one of the most celebrated digital media success stories of the past decade. VandeHei is also an executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning docu-news series, “Axios on HBO.”
Before Axios, VandeHei co-founded and was CEO of Politico, the media company that upended and revolutionized political and policy journalism in Washington, New York, and Europe. Overseeing the editorial and business teams, VandeHei was the leading strategist behind its highly scalable and successful business model. Before this, VandeHei spent more than a decade as a reporter, covering the Presidency and Congress for The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. He was named National Editor of the Year in 2016.
VandeHei is from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Mike Allen
Mike Allen is a co-founder of Axios, a news and information platform focusing on business, tech, politics and other topics shaping the future.
Mike is responsible for Axios editorial coverage and writes the flagship daily newsletters, Axios AM and Axios PM.
Mike was a co-founder of Politico, where he created the Playbook franchise and helped build the company for its first decade. He has been named several times to Vanity Fair's “New Establishment” list.
He is also an alumnus of TIME, The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Richmond Times-Dispatch and The (Fredericksburg, Va.) Free Lance-Star.
Allen is from Orange County, Calif., and graduated from Washington and Lee University.
Roy Schwartz
Roy Schwartz is the co-founder and President of Axios, a media company focused on breaking news and invaluable insights across business, politics, technology and the world. Axios helps readers and viewers get smarter, faster across the consequential topics reshaping our country and lives. As President, Schwartz has led Axios through multiple fundraising rounds, overseen all company strategy and business operations and most recently launched Axios HQ, an internal communications software platform to help teams communicate more effectively. Schwartz also serves as executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning docu-news series “Axios on HBO.”
Under his leadership, Axios was listed as one of Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies 2018” and announced as Washington Business Journal’s “2021 Fastest Growing Companies.” Schwartz has been named as one of DCInno's 2016 "50 on Fire" for marketing and advertising, and as 2015 FOLIO 100 “Corporate Catalyst.”
Schwartz is the former chief revenue officer for POLITICO. Prior to POLITICO, he was a Partner at Gallup’s management consulting practice in Washington, DC and California advising Fortune 500 companies on employee and customer engagement.
Schwartz was born in Israel and grew up in England. He has a bachelor's degree and M.B.A. from the University of Maryland.
Brief Synopsis:
Brevity is confidence. Length is fear. This is the guiding principle of Smart Brevity, a communication formula built by Axios journalists to prioritize essential news and information, explain its impact and deliver it in a concise and visual format. Now, the co-founders of Axios have created an essential guide for communicating effectively and efficiently using Smart Brevity—think Strunk and White’s Elements of Style for the digital age.
In SMART BREVITY: The Power of Saying More with Less, Axios co-founders Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz teach readers how to say more with less in virtually any format. They also share communications lessons learned from their decades of experience in media, business and communications.
Insights:
“You can’t rally people around a strategy or an idea if they don’t understand what you’re saying—or zone out.” - pg 14
“Smart Brevity, in written form, has four main parts… 1. A muscular tease, 2. One strong first sentence, or “lede”, 3. Context or “Why it matters”, 4. The choice to learn more, or “Go deeper.” - pgs 24-25
“Data has a funny way of humbling you. It left us naked, fully exposed to the truth: Almost now one was reading most of our words. We filled holes in newspapers, but they were black holes, sucking in our time and energy. Yours too.” - pg 36
“Have the courage to take your hands off the keyboard” and “Blobs of text make the eye sad.” - pg 37
“Pope Francis, in September 2021, told Catholic priests in Slovakia to cut homilies from 40 minutes to 10, or people would lose interest.” - pg 44
“Cowards hide in clauses.” - pg 48
Should I read it or skip it?
Over the last few months, I have been challenged to streamline my communication style. If you haven’t read “Listen Like You Mean It” by Ximena Vengochea, I suggest learning to listen first. However, communication requires clear sending as well as receiving. So in Smart Brevity style, here is my review:
If you shorten the amount of words you use by being intentional and smart, you will increase your communication ability.
Why It Matters: Most people suck at communicating their thoughts and use lots of words to cover up their inability to trim and to be intentional with what they say.
Going Deeper:
The Smart Brevity style can give you tools to be better at communicating.
The less you say the more you say.
The better at communication you become in a world of people who suck at communication, the more you will stand out.
Go get a copy of this book, read it and start your journey to better communication today!
Book of the Month - December 2023
The 6 Types of Working Genuis
Patrick Lencioni - ISBN: 978-1637743294 - 2022
Author:
Patrick Lencioni
Patrick M. Lencioni is the author of more than a dozen best-selling books, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, The Ideal Team Player, and The Advantage. The pioneer of the organizational health movement, he has become one of the most sought-after speakers in the world. Pat’s firm, The Table Group, has consulted with thousands of leaders around the globe, in every type of industry, from corporations to start-ups, from churches to non-profits. Pat has been married to his wife, Laura, for thirty years and they have been blessed with four sons.
Brief Synopsis:
New York Times best-selling author Patrick Lencioni unveils a truly groundbreaking new model that will change the way we think about work and teams forever.
The 6 Types of Working Genius is the fastest way to help people identify the type of work that brings them joy and energy, and avoid work that leads to frustration and burnout.
Beyond the personal discovery and instant relief that Working Genius provides, the model also gives teams a remarkably simple and practical framework for tapping into one another’s natural gifts, which increases productivity and reduces unnecessary judgment.
In classic Lencioni fashion, Pat brings his model to life in a page-turning fable that is as relatable as it is compelling. He tells the story of Bull Brooks, an entrepreneur, husband, and father who sets out to solve his own frustration at work and stumbles into a new way of thinking that changes the way he sees his work, his team, and even his marriage.
What sets this book—and the model behind it—apart from other tools and assessments is the speed at which it can be understood and applied, and the relevance it has to every kind of work in life, from running a company to launching a product to managing a family.
In addition to this book, Lencioni and the Table Group have created a 10-minute assessment that helps individuals quickly identify their gifts and apply this model to themselves and their teams. Join the hundreds of thousands of people who have already discovered their Working Genius, and experience the transformation in your work, your team, and your life.
Learn more about the Working Genius at WorkingGenius.com.
Insights:
“The six types defined: Wonder -> Invention - > Discernment -> Galvanizing -> Enablement -> Tenancity” - pg 181
“Genius vs. Competency vs. Frustration - Even though each type is called a genius, no one person can claim all six as their individual geniuses. We all have areas where we thrive, areas where we struggle, and areas that fall somewhere in between.” - pg. 181
“A leadership team cannot be cohesive if its members don’t understand and tap into one another’s geniuses.” - pg. 215
“A different but related problem experienced by many people who are stuck doing work that is not aligned with their gifts is burnout.” - pg. 223
Should I read it or skip it?
Normally I am really big on Pat Lencioni’s book. However, in this case, I don’t think this book gets the reader where we want to go. I felt like he does a great job unpacking the concept of the “Working Genius” for the reader. The book lives up to the expected parable/model style Lencioni utilizes in most of his books. However, with so many types of personality tests and strengths finders, this one feels like just another to figure out. The other part of this book is the utilization of people’s giftings. What if you have a secretary or intern with Wonder? Do you release them from their job to perform the role? Do you put people into other positions and for large companies or teams, do you change the hierarchy of reports based on the Genius model? I am sure this process works well in a small business but I am not sure of the scalability.
I love Lencioni and have read almost everything he has written. I think we have to figure out the usability issue. The church where I currently work uses both the Enneagram and several tests to hire. In reading this book as a team, we mapped out who on the team has the different giftings. However, we don’t have a clear or consistent strategy for healing to implement the model into our overall team or individual teams.
Definitely a good read. I wouldn’t skip it but I wouldn’t look to base my entire life on the insights either.
Book of the Month - November 2023
The Oswalds: An Untold Account of Marina and Lee
Paul Gregory - ISBN: 978-1635768213 - 2022
Author:
Paul Gregory
Paul Gregory is a Research Fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution and a pioneer in the study of Soviet and Russian economics. A student of the fabled Harvard Russian Research Center, he received his PhD from Harvard in 1969. His textbook on the Russian economy was used to teach more than two generations of students. Gregory taught at the University of Houston as a Cullen Distinguished Professor. He has taught at Moscow State University, Free University of Berlin, and Viadrina University. In addition to his scholarly work, he has been an active blogger on Russian affairs for Forbes, The Hill, and Wall Street Journal. He has presented his Women of the Gulag and Lenin's Brain on C-SPAN's BookNotes. He co-produced with Mariana Yarovskaya the Women of the Gulag documentary which was shortlisted for the 2019 Academy Awards.
Brief Synopsis:
The closest friend of Lee Harvey Oswald and his Soviet wife Marina upon the couple’s arrival in Texas breaks a sixty-year silence with a riveting story of his time with JFK’s assassin and his candid assessment of the murder that marked a turning point in our country’s history.
Merely two hours after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, television cameras captured police escorting a suspect into Dallas police headquarters. Meanwhile at the University of Oklahoma, watching the coverage in the student center, Paul Gregory scanned the figure in dark trousers and a white, V-neck tee shirt and saw the bruised and battered face of Lee Harvey Oswald. Shocked, Gregory said, “I know that man.” In fact, he knew Oswald and his wife Marina better than almost anyone in America.
After sixty years, Paul Gregory finally tells everything he knows about the Oswalds and how he watched the soul of a killer take shape.
Identified by the FBI as a “known associate of LHO,” Gregory soon faced interrogations by the Secret Service. Later he would testify before the Warren Commission. Here, in The Oswalds, he offers the intimate details of his time spent with Lee and wife Marina in their run-down duplex on Mercedes Street in Fort Worth, Texas, and his admission into the inner world of a young marriage before candidly assessing the murder that marked a turning point in our country’s history. His riveting recollection includes memories both casual and deadly serious, such as the dinner at his parents’ house introducing Marina to the “Dallas Russians,” a front-yard incident of spousal abuse, and a further rift in the marriage when he exposed to Marina that Oswald was not the dashing, radical intellectual whose Historic Diary would be a publishing sensation. Gregory also gives a fascinating account of his father’s role as an eyewitness to history, serving as Marina’s translator and confidante in the first four days after the assassination.
As a scholar and skilled researcher, Gregory debunks the vast array of assassination conspiracy theories by demonstrating that Lee Harvey Oswald did it and did it alone—that the Oswald he once called a friend had the motive, the intelligence, and the means to commit one of the most shocking crimes in American history.
Insights:
I listened to this book. It was mostly a story with no real quotes to be had.
Should I read it or skip it?
Being from Dallas, November always evokes memories of the Kennedy assassination. From Parkland Hospital to the Texas School Book Depository, I remember seeing these landmarks as a kid and wondering what was going through Lee Harvey Oswald’s brain. If you are from Dallas or have an opinion on conspiracy theories, this book is a decent read. I got it on the 2-for-1 sale at Audible. I appreciate Gregory’s proximity and his in-depth knowledge. However, I was not entirely enthralled by this book. My vote would be to skip it.
Book of the Month - October 2023
Listen Like You Mean It
Ximena Vengoechea - ISBN: 978-0593087053 - 2021
Author:
Ximena Vengoechea
Ximena Vengoechea is a user researcher, writer, and illustrator whose work on personal and professional development has been published in Inc., The Washington Post, Newsweek, Fast Company, and The Muse. An experienced manager, she previously worked at Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter. She currently lives in San Francisco with her family. Find out more at ximenavengoechea.com.
Brief Synopsis:
For many of us, listening is simply something we do on autopilot. We hear just enough of what others say to get our work done, maintain friendships, and be polite with our neighbors. But we miss crucial opportunities to go deeper—to give and receive honest feedback, to make connections that will endure for the long haul, and to discover who people truly are at their core.
Fortunately, listening can be improved—and Ximena Vengoechea can show you how. In Listen Like You Mean It, she offers an essential listening guide for our times, revealing tried-and-true strategies honed in her own research sessions and drawn from interviews with marriage counselors, podcast hosts, life coaches, journalists, filmmakers, and other listening experts. Through Vengoechea’s set of scripts, key questions, exercises, and illustrations, you’ll learn to:
• Quickly build rapport with strangers
• Ask the right questions to deepen a conversation
• Pause at the right time to encourage vulnerability
• Navigate a conversation that’s gone off the rails
Now more than ever, we need to feel heard, connected and understood in a world that keeps turning up the volume. Warm, funny, and immensely practical, this book shows you how.
Insights:
“There is no quicker way to end a conversation—or a relationship—than to appear distracted.” (p. 32)
“Attempting to finish other people’s sentences may be our way of bidding for attention, but it rarely gets us there.” (p. 57)
“If you can train yourself to stay silent for a hair longer than is comfortable, it’s likely your conversation partner will jump in to fill the void. When they do jump in, it’ll be worth the wait.” (p. 149)
Should I read it or skip it?
Recently, I met with a coach who said to me, “You give too much context and not enough clarity.” I took his point. Too much story people do not care about creates listeners who don’t hear everything you say. While this book is primarly about listening, learning to listen well makes communication better. Alan encouraged me to ask more questions to understand the information that needs to be transmitted. This clarification means you can laser focus instead of trying a shotgun approach when it comes to information. For that reason, I think we all need this book. I will warn you I feel in attempt to keep the book at a certain length, several of the end chapters should have been separated into multiple chapters.
Book of the Month - September 2023
Still Just a Geek
Will Wheaton - ISBN: 978-0063080478 - 2022
Author:
Wil Wheaton
Wil Wheaton is a highly acclaimed producer, narrator, and actor who has appeared in dozens of films and TV series. Most recently, he played a fictionalized version of himself on CBS's The Big Bang Theory, one of the most highly rated and watched sitcoms of the last decade. An accomplished voice actor, Wil has lent his talents to many animated series, including Family Guy, Teen Titans, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. His audiobook narration of Ernest Cline's Ready Player One debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list and was one of Goodreads's 10 of the Best Narrator and Audiobook Pairings of All Time. He has also lent his voice to titles by John Scalzi, Randall Monroe, Andy Weir, and Joe Hill. When he isn't acting, narrating, or podcasting, Wil is writing. A lot. He lives in Los Angeles with his badass, irrepressible wife, Anne; one rescue dog (RIP Seamus); one cat; and two vintage arcade cabinets. If you're not a robot, you can reach him at wil@wilwheaton.net.
Brief Synopsis:
Celebrated actor, personality, and all-around nerd, Wil Wheaton updates his memoir of collected blog posts with all new material and annotations as he reexamines one of the most interesting lives in Hollywood and fandom--and now for the first time in audio, narrated by Wil himself!
From starring in Stand by Me to playing Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation to playing himself, in his second (third?) iconic role of Evil Wil Wheaton in The Big Bang Theory, to becoming a social media supernova, Wil Wheaton has charted a career course unlike anyone else and has emerged as one of the most popular and well-respected names in science fiction, fantasy, and pop culture.
Back in 2001, Wil began blogging on wilwheaton.net. Believing himself to have fallen victim to the curse of the child actor, Wil felt relegated to the convention circuit and didn’t expect many would want to read about his random experiences and personal philosophies.
Yet, much to his surprise, people were reading. He still blogs, and now has an enormous following on social media with well over 3 million followers.
In Still Just a Geek, Wil revisits his 2004 collection of blog posts, Just a Geek, filled with insightful and often laugh-out-loud annotated comments, additional later writings, and all new material written for this publication. The result is an incredibly raw and honest memoir, in which Wil opens up about his life, about falling in love, about coming to grips with his past work, choices, and family, and finding fulfillment in the new phases of his career. From his times on the Enterprise to his struggles with depression to his starting a family and finding his passion--writing--Wil Wheaton is someone whose life is both a cautionary tale and a story of finding one’s true purpose that should resonate with fans and aspiring artists alike.
Insights:
“Two other times in my life I have had revelations this consequential. I’m going to talk about them in more detail later, but they were: (1) accepting that I had a problem with alchohol and had to stop drinking, which let (2) my ability to finally accept that the man who was my father does not love me, abused me, and was enabled by my mother who gaslighted me about it.” - pg 70
“I want to go into even more detail here, just in case me from the past wasn’t clear enough. I spent all this time and energy blaming Star Trek for my unhappiness. I suspect that Star Trek was a safe vessel for all of that, because it couldn’t exactly argue back at me, the way the actual source of my unhappiness could and did.
I have already said, or I’m going to say soon, that I don’t believe in anything supernatural. At all. It’s all hokum that makes people feel better. That’s okay but it’s not real. So all of that said, I could easily write that the Universe (or God, or god), or John Titor, or some version of Wil from the future put this opportunity in front of me that night, and it said, “Hey, kid, I’m giving you something incredibly valuable. It’s a gift, and I hope you are able to accept it.” - pg 71
“I’ve been worried about her the whole time. But, with the whole acting thing, I’ve done a good job at hiding it. But time—it wears you down. And the erosion of my mask (along with the erosion of my cell battery) started to show my true state.” - on caring for his wife, Anne, during a health crisis - pg 238
“If geekdom is about connecting on a common thing—dissecting it and analyzing it and forever being facinated by it (for good or ill)—then living with depression and mental illness can feel familiar to us geeks…except we’re still trying to build that community into one where we’re able to gather and discuss and share our expriences in order to understand that commonality even better.’ - pg 365
Should I read it or skip it?
So, Happy Star Trek Day! Early… See my Star Trek post on Sept. 8th….
First, I feel the need to address the confusion of an Annotated Biography. This update of the Autobiography, Just A Geek, allows Mr. Wheaton to expand or update the areas where he as a person has grown past an opinion or may have rethought a premise. I love the concept and really appreciated how thoughts change. I am now 47 years old and my thoughts have changed over the the years. Mr. Wheaton is about 4 years older than I am. I was an eighth grader when Star Trek: The Next Generation started on television. I still love Star Trek but my views of the TV shows have grown and are much more nuanced than when I was in the eighth grade.
Second, I need to address the difference between the audiobook and the hard copy. Mr. Wheaton works hard to narrate the diffences between the original 2004 text, the new annotations, quotations, etc. However, my ear just couldn’t hear it. I ended up checking the book out from my local library. Once I could visually see the differences between his narration and the text, the audiobook became clearer. However, with a hard copy in hand, I ended up finishing the book with the hard copy.
So should you read it or skip it?
If you are a Star Trek Fan, read it. I loved hearing about stories on the set. I also feel like you should check out Mr. Wheaton’s work on The Ready Room on Paramount. He loves Star Trek and how he came to love Star Trek really shines through his writing. He also works through his acceptance of his role int he Star Trek Universe. As a young watcher, I couldn’t perceive the turmoil he must have faced within the Star Trek family. He was a young actor boldy going where I wished I could have gone. I didn’t see it for what it might have done to him or how he might have internalized hurts in the process.
If you have experienced signficant emotional or mental hurts, I think you will be able to appreciate Mr. Wheaton’s story and how he has overcome those moments of pain inflicted on him by anxiety, depression, and other people’s actions. These moments within the book gave me insight into his departure from Star Trek and his growth process. I think we owe him a debt for his vulnerability and his transparency.
If you are an aspiring actor, director, or writer, this book gives tons of insight into the creative process and how Mr. Wheaton’s voice was developed. He shares the hard times and the good times of being on set but also what it is like to come to a blank page and create. I found those insights valuable as an aspiring author and have used his insights to fuel my own process even I don’t always consider myself a creative.
Finally, unless you have a commitment in some way, you may find the 435 page book hard to get through. However, if you are willing to be open and transparent, you can find a vulnerable and transparent man who cares deeply for those who he loves and love him. He reignited my passion for writing and opened doors I didn’t expect into my thought process and how it was developed. In reflecting on his own life, Mr. Wheaton allowed me to reflect on my life (lived almost in the same time period). This book allowed me to accept that I am no longer the young leader but the person who takes responsiblity for the young leader (the honesty and openness about how he talks about his sons is amazing).
Book of the Month - August 2023
Pray First
Chris Hodges - ISBN: 978-1400221295 - 2022
Author:
Chris Hodges
Chris Hodges is the founding and senior pastor of the Church of the Highlands. Since it began in 2001, Highlands has grown to have campuses across the state of Alabama, and is known for its life-giving culture and focus on leading people to an intimate relationship with God.
Pastor Chris has a deep passion for developing leaders and planting life-giving churches. He co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) in 2001, which has launched hundreds of churches across the United States. He also founded Grow, specializing in training and resourcing pastors and churches to help them break barriers and reach their growth potential. Pastor Chris is also the founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, a ministry training school that trains and launches students into full-time ministry careers.
Pastor Chris and his wife Tammy have five children and live in Birmingham, Alabama, where Church of the Highlands began. He speaks at conferences worldwide and is the author of Fresh Air, Four Cups, The Daniel Dilemma, What’s Next?, Out of the Cave, and Pray First.
Taken from the Church of the Highlands Website.
Brief Synopsis:
Prayer is the lifeblood of the Christian faith--but many followers of Jesus still struggle to make prayer part of their daily lives. In Pray First, bestselling author and pastor Chris Hodges shows us how to make prayer a first response instead of a last resort.
Why is it that so many Christians find it difficult to develop a vibrant and exciting prayer life? Even though prayer is foundational to the Christian life, many are intimidated or uncertain about how to talk to God. Prayer feels quaint and old-fashioned to some, sacred and uncomfortable to others. It's not a lack of inspiration--there's plenty of that. And it's not that we don't realize prayer is important--we know it is. So, what's the issue?
Pastor Chris Hodges has spent years studying the prayers of the Bible and the models of prayer that the scriptures provide for Christians. Now, he shares the teachings and methods he's used to successfully help hundreds of thousands of people understand how to spend time in conversation with God--and enjoy every minute.
Pray First will give you the tools you need to
Bring the joy back into your time with God
Take a journey through the prayers of the Bible, which reveal how to make prayer more personal and powerful
Learn about fasting, an often overlooked but powerful discipline that's a vital companion to prayer
Follow proven, biblically grounded methods for making prayer a priority, not an afterthought
Written in the personable, relatable, and always biblically based style that has become Hodges's hallmark, Pray First is a revolutionary how-to manual for anyone seeking a more dynamic, intimate prayer life with God.
Insights:
“The importance of prayer in sustaining and strengthening our faith cannot be overestimated. If we define prayer as connecting with God and confronting the Enemy, then prayer ought to be an ongoing conversation with God about every area of our lives. In the Bible prayer is not mentioned occasionally as an option or consideration; prayer is essential to knowing God.” - pg xiii
“As we’ve seen, prayer is not about specific words or methods. Words and methods are a means to an end. Prayer is about communication in the personal relationship you have with the living God.” - pg 61
“No one wants to remain an infant sustained on milk when they can grow and mature and feast on the solid food of the Spirit. It’s important to know where you are spiritually so you can have a starting point. If you’ve been on a diet of spiritual milk for some time, you’re likely ready to take your faith to the next level and experience greater intimacy with God. To do this you need to move past the trap of perpetual sin.” - pg 182
“Fasting is a time for purifying yourself before God. As you empty yourself of your sinful habits, indulgent appetites, and pleasurable distractions, you discover more of God’s presence and make room for more of His goodness in your life.” - pg 196
Should I read it or skip it?
I put this book in August because Church of the Highlands does something they call “21 Days of Prayer” twice a year. The first is in January and the second is in August. The first provides a chance to start the new year with a time of focusing on God and giving Him the first fruits of the new year. The second provides a chance to recenter your year and get ready for the fall rush to holidays focused and ready for what God wants to do with you and through you.
With that said, this book is a great resource to grow your prayer life. Pastor Chris covers topics from prayer to fasting. He breaks down what could be intimidating or difficult topics and makes them simple. Any Christian with a desire to grow in their relationship with God knows they have to communicate with God to grow. This book breaks down the hard work of growing your prayer life into bite-sized chunks. Don’t miss out on this book.
Book of the Month - July 2023
Self Aware Leader
John Maxwell - ISBN: 978-0-7852-6664-8 - 2021
Author:
John Maxwell
John C. Maxwell is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold more than 33 million books in fifty languages. He has been identified as the #1 leader in business and the most influential leadership expert in the world. His organizations - the John Maxwell Company, The John Maxwell Team, EQUIP, and the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation - have translated his teachings into seventy languages and used them to train millions of leaders from every country of the world. A recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, as well as the Mother Teresa Prize for Global Peace and Leadership from the Luminary Leadership Network, Dr. Maxwell influences Fortune 500 CEOs, the presidents of nations, and entrepreneurs worldwide. For more information about him visit JohnMaxwell.com.
Brief Synopsis:
Lack of self-awareness is the single greatest obstacle leaders face in their development, effectiveness, and advancement. Dr. John C. Maxwell will help any leader become more self-aware, focused, and confident.
With fifty years of leading and teaching experience, influential leadership expert and speaker John C. Maxwell can help you become your best leadership self.
In The Self-Aware Leader, Maxwell teaches you how to:
gauge your effectiveness as a leader,
make better choices that lead to success,
discover and correct your own mistakes,
improve your leadership with the team, and
make the right trades in your career.
Self-awareness is key for new and seasoned leaders who want to avoid micro-managing, handle criticism with grace, and give others the credit they deserve. Maxwell also aims to help current and new managers looking to identify their strengths, become better learners, and improve their listening skills.
When leaders don’t see themselves clearly, understand their strengths and weaknesses, or recognize their negative interactions with their team, they limit their influence and undermine their own effectiveness. What’s the solution? Become a self-aware leader.
Insights:
“Leadership is a trust, not a right. For that reason, we must “fix” ourselves earlier than others may be required to. We must always seek to do what’s right, no matter how high we rise or how powerful we become. It’s a struggle we never outgrow.” - pg. 11
When we hear without really listening, our leadership is bound to suffer—and so will our followers. That’s why my advice to leaders is to listen, learn, and then lead.” - pg. 56
“I realized that success would be mine only if others helped me, and I helped them. Your team will never get ahead until your people are behind you, and that won’t happen if you take all the credit.” - pg. 150
Should I read it or skip it?
At 155 pages, this book is one of John Maxwell’s lighter books. I have read several and always get something out of them when I read them. This book helped me to see things about myself I wouldn’t normally explore. I would suggest reading this book with a group of other leaders so you can get the full benefit of reading and getting feedback from other leaders about how you may or may not exhibit certain behaviors. I would not skip it but I would bring people along for the journey.
Book of the Month - June 2023
Master of One
Jordan Raynor - ISBN: 978-0-7852-6664-8 - 2021
Author:
Jordan Raynor
Jordan Raynor is a leading voice of the faith and work movement.
Through his bestselling books (The Creator in You, Redeeming Your Time, Master of One, and Called to Create), the Mere Christians podcast, and his weekly devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work.
In addition to his writing, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup that Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own.
Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.
Taken from Jordan Raynor's Website
Brief Synopsis:
What is your one thing? The entrepreneur thought leader, and best-selling author of Called to Create offers a refreshing invitation: stop trying to do it all so you can thrive in your unique, God-given work.
Imagine how different your life would be if you spent your time doing the very thing that brings you the greatest joy. It’s possible, but most people spend their days making incremental advances on numerous tasks, competent at many things but exceptional at none. That’s because for too long we’ve believed the lie that more activity, more jobs, and more responsibility equals greater effectiveness. In short, we are becoming a society of “jacks-and-jills-of-all-trades and masters of none.”
But what if you could shift your focus from too many things to one?
In this thought-provoking book, you’ll discover the exponential power of pursuing a singular craft. Through practical principles, Jordan Raynor provides straightforward steps for finding and thriving in your calling. He also highlights more than a dozen real-life examples of high-impact individuals who have chosen to focus on and excel in their unique gifting, including:
• Chronicles of Narnia author C. S. Lewis
• Enron whistle-blower Sherron Watkins
• TV legend Mister Rogers
• Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynthia Marshall
• Reality TV star Chip Gaines
• NFL Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy
• Biblical figures, a teacher, a pilot, a banker, and world-class entrepreneurs
Too many of us are overwhelmed, overcommitted, and overstressed. This book offers a better way—the path to becoming a master of one!
Insights:
“In other words, we glorify God when we imitate his character of excellence and in doing so “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (I Peter 2:9, ESV).” - pg 29
“Clearly, the advice of making our happiness the primary aim of our work isn’t working. For the Christian, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Why? Because this advice is out of line with Jesus’s example to serve rather than be served.” - pg 18 -19
“As we have seen in the first part of this book, the purpose of mastery in our work is not to accumulate fame and fortune for ourselves or to subsidize our lifestyle. It’s not even primarily a means to earn credibility and power or to share the gospel. The most fundamental purpose of mastery is the same as our purpose in life: to glorify God and love and serve others as ourselves.” - pg 52
Should I read it or skip it?
First, I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I struggle with the concept. Having been encouraged to be a generalist, I struggle with the concept of specialists and the success they seem to have. However, specialists are successful. They achieve and some achieve greatly. However, I don’t think Mr. Raynor is saying to be a specialist at the cost of being good at skills.
Second, for most of my career, I worked under the assumption that in a church, you have to just get good at a lot of things but not really great at one thing. I felt like the senior or lead pastor needed to be good at a lot of things. So for senior or management leadership, I would need to sacrifice one skill for many skills. I was also told I was only good enough to work at churches of a certain size and would not be able to work at larger churches because my skill set was not specialized or “excellent” enough.
When I finished reading it, I knew my children would need to read this book. Their generation currently reaps the fruit of the participation trophy and they sometimes get paralyzed. I felt Mr. Raynor’s process would give them a step-by-step growth process to move forward when they get stuck.
So with all that said, I think this book is a good read for anyone but I am studying it with a small group of young adults (19-29).
Book of the Month - May 2023
The Princess Diarist
Carrie Fisher - ISBN: 978-0399173592 - 2016
Author:
Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher is an author and actress best known for her roles as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise. She has appeared in countless other films, including Shampoo and When Harry Met Sally, and is the author of four bestselling novels: Surrender the Pink, Delusions of Grandma, The Best Awful, and Postcards from the Edge as well as the memoirs Shockaholic and Wishful Drinking. Fisher lives in Los Angeles.
From the jacket of The Princess Diarist
She passed in 2016.
Brief Synopsis:
The Princess Diarist is Carrie Fisher's intimate, hilarious and revealing recollection of what happened behind the scenes on one of the most famous film sets of all time, the first Star Wars movie.
When Carrie Fisher recently discovered the journals she kept during the filming of the first Star Wars movie, she was astonished to see what they had preserved - plaintive love poems, unbridled musings with youthful naiveté, and a vulnerability that she barely recognized. Today, her fame as an author, actress, and pop-culture icon is indisputable, but in 1977, Carrie Fisher was just a teenager with an all-consuming crush on her costar, Harrison Ford.
With these excerpts from her handwritten notebooks, The Princess Diarist is Fisher's intimate and revealing recollection of what happened on one of the most famous film sets of all time - and what developed behind the scenes. Fisher also ponders the joys and insanity of celebrity, and the absurdity of a life spawned by Hollywood royalty, only to be surpassed by her own outer-space royalty. Laugh-out-loud hilarious and endlessly quotable, The Princess Diarist brims with the candor and introspection of a diary while offering shrewd insight into the type of stardom that few will ever experience.
Insights:
“Do not let what you think they think of you make you stop and question everything you are.”
“Someone has to stand still for you to love them. My choices are always on the run.”
“If you look at the person someone chooses to have a relationship with, you’ll see what they think of themselves.”
“I've got to learn something from my mistakes instead of establishing a new record to break.”
“Kidding yourself doesn’t require that you have a sense of humor. But a sense of humor comes in handy for almost everything else.”
Should I read it or skip it?
May the Fourth be with you! I love biographies. In honor of May the 4th, I thought I would bring you a Star War Legend.
This book interested me for lots of reasons. My parents took me to my first movie in the theaters: The Return of the Jedi. From Green Lightsabers to my favorite line, Return of the Jedi captivated my mind.
I love the moment when Princess Leia rescues Han Solo from Carbonite. But I really loved the turn about of the “I love you. I know” moment from Empire Strikes Back.
So to hear stories from the set from one of the Big Three cast members was awesome. However, the realism of the situation was heavy. Two people I admired found themselves in situations they weren’t ready for in life. If I had read this book when I was younger, I may have been really judgmental. However, as a man with a daughter not much younger than Ms. Fisher at the time she filmed Star Wars, I realize the importance of parents who can lead and guide in ways that help mentor young adults.
Her story proves my college kid still needs me. My high school kids still need me. They need our experience to navigate life. I wish someone had been there for Harrison and Carrie.
If you are a fan of Star Wars, read the book. I enjoyed it and highly recommend the audio book read by Ms. Fisher herself.
Book of the Month - April 2023
Didn’t See It Coming
Carey Nieuwhof - ISBN: 978-0-7352-9133-1 - 2018
Author:
Carey Nieuwhof
Carey Nieuwhof is a former lawyer and founding pastor of Connexus Church in Barrie, Ontario, one of the most influential churches in North America. He is a sought-after speaker, podcaster, and thought leader, regularly appearing at major US conferences and events such as Orange, Exponential, ReThink Leadership, and LifeWay Leadership. With millions of listeners regularly tuning in, the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast features today’s top leadership and cultural influencers. Carey and his wife, Toni, reside near Barrie, Ontario, and have two children.
From the back cover of Didn’t See It Coming.
Brief Synopsis:
Cynicism. Compromise. Disconnection. Irrelevance. Pride. Burnout. Emptiness. These are things that happen to other people, right? WRONG.
Too often, life begins a slow slide into circumstances that steal your hope and your confidence. Some of these situations might be creeping up on you right now. You have no idea it’s happening, which is precisely how it happens. Everything seems normal... until one day, it doesn’t. Left unchecked these areas will affect—and infect—your relationship with God and poison your relationship with others, especially the people you love most.
Carey Nieuwhof, a former lawyer and founding pastor of one of North America’s most influential churches, wants to make sure these seven critical life issues don’t catch you off guard. Each chapter of Didn’t See It Coming addresses a specific challenge and helps you see the warning signs so you can avoid or - if necessary - overcome these challenges and move forward into a more vibrant and fulfilling future.
These practices will lead you to the place where God’s love regenerates your most important relationships, your way of leadership, and your quality of life. Your past need no longer define your future.
It’s possible not only to predict life’s hardest moments but to actually alter the outcomes by stepping into every situation with newfound confidence, strength, and integrity.
You don’t become cynical because you don’t care, but because you do.
Un-compromised character, not competence, determines how far you get in life.
Technology doesn’t create disconnection. It just amplifies what’s already there.
Embracing change and fighting irrelevance helps deepen your impact.
Pride is incredibly damaging but can be mitigated by cultivating humility.
Recovering from burnout requires patience and outside help.
More stuff won’t a feeling of emptiness. But finding a mission you care about will.
From the back cover of Didn’t See It Coming.
Insights:
“The Problem with generalizing—applying one particular situation to all situations—is that the death of trust, hope, and belief is like a virus, infecting everything.” - speaking to Cynicism - pg 20
“Confession is the part of prayer and life where we come before God and one another to admit all that we aren’t: our shortcomings, our intentional sins, and myriad unintentional sins.” - Speaking to Disconnection - pg 73
“You’re ready to change because the pain associated with the status quo just became greater than the pain associated with change... Change is Painful.” - speaking to Irrelevance - pg 100
“Just know this: Of all the lies we tell, the ones we tell ourselves do the most damage.” - speaking to Pride
Should I read it or skip it?
Over my 25ish years in ministry, I have found each and every one of these seven challenges will come your way. They may even come at you from different angles. Carey has a way of approaching seven different topics in one book while not making you feel like you are reading seven different books. This book was a risk and I believe it paid off.
Each of the topics received the right amount of treatment. Each concept has two chapters: one to flesh out the problem and one to flesh out the proposed solution. His solutions were spot on and able to be appropriated by the reader.
I would not skip this book and I would even add it to your multiple-read book.