“Everyone has a list of books they have read and books they want to read. Personally, I like asking people what books they have re-read. If you have read a book more than once then you have found great value it. I love hearing about the literary treasures that others have discovered.”
Here are some of the different methods I use when reading books.
One chapter in... if a book has not captivated me within the first chapter of reading, I stop.
Pick the most interesting chapter title and start there.
Read only the highlights & headings in the Book. I use this method primarily to gauge my interest in a book.
I generally skip all the forewords and introductions in a book but usually read the acknowledgements as this is where the reader is able to see the author's soul of gratitude.
I always read with either a pencil OR highlighter. Underlining & highlighting that which impacts me, is thought provoking, or things that cause me to give pause. This method allows me to go back and reread the big takeaways again with ease.
I have a Quote Book where I write down my favourite quotes. When I find a quote that speaks to me, I make sure to write it in there.
Audiobooks. I usually skim along with the actual book so I have a spatial awareness when I listen to the audio because then I can highlight the impactful areas in the actual book.
My Top 10 books to read.
1.) The Richest Man in Babylon, published in 1926 :By George Samuel Clason
I have read it 3 times
This is a classic book that should be a mandatory reading requirement in life. Simple principles that are practical and impactful… if applied. Written originally as a series of separate articles, the author takes you through a series of different parable-type stories teaching the key concepts of gaining wealth throughout your life.
About - 144 pages
2.) Eat That Frog, published in 2001: By Brian Tracy
I have read it 5 times
This Book is the second most impactful book in my life. It has helped me to understand and work on some major weaknesses in my personal and professional life.
It is a simple book with 21 key areas made up of short chapters with a 1 to 2 paragraph summary at the end of every chapter if you don’t want to read the whole chapter. If you want a full sense of each chapter, there is a built form summary at the end of the book. Brian Tracy summarizes the whole book in one of my favourite phrases. “ Work on the most important task, do it well and finish it completely”
About - 128 pages
3.) The Murder of Jesus, published in 2000: By John MacArthur
I have read it once
John Mcarther is one of my favourite preachers hailing from the USA. This book brings such a clean and clear perspective concerning the events around the death of Jesus Of Nazareth
About - 272 pages
4.) The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, published in 2002: By Patrick Lencioni
I have read this 4 times and keep coming back to it for references
"It is dark when you are inside the belly of an Element… " Dysfunction feels terrible and you often don’t even know where to start. Written in a unique way, this incredible fable-type-scribbling style of teaching leads you through a story to convey you what makes a team functional and dysfunctional.
Absolutely Love this book.
About - 229 pages
5.) The Pilgrim's Progress, published 1678: by John Bunyan
I have read it 2 times, the original and the children's version read to my children
A timeless classic. You are transported to the struggles of this pilgrim through his journey in this allegory of the Christian life... This book has been one of the most impactful reads of my life. It has been translated into over 200 languages and is found in several book forms.
About - 324 pages
6.) Good To Great, published in 2001: By James C. Collin
I have read this 1 time
This was the very first business book that I ever read and as a new entrepreneur. It resonated to the core of my desire to create the best organization that I possibly could. Also, it was the first time I ever understood the impact that culture and vision could have on a company.
About - 320 pages
7.) The 4 Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive, published 2000: by Patrick Lencioni
I have read this 3 times
This Book was so enjoyable to me. It fed my desire to be the best I can be. I Love this book.
About - 208 pages
8.) Ender's Game, published 1985: By Orson Scott Card
I have read this 1 time
Recommended to me by my Father in law. I am generally not much of a fiction reader. However, I could not put this science fiction military strategy book down. It follows a young boy through his journey in becoming a leader. Yes... you can see the movie, but the book is much better.
About - 324 pages
9.) Traction, published 2012: by Gino Wickman
I have read this 3 times and reference it regularly
By far the most concise & simple business book I have read. Gino identifies in simplicity, the five areas that will help your organization begin to win in its effort towards success.
About - 246 pages
10.) The Book of Proverbs, written in ancient Israel.
I have read this hundreds, if not a thousands of times.
Written by an assortment of people including, King Solomon, Agur and the King Lemuel of Massa. Proverbs is like the collection of all collections on Wisdom.
It is by far the most impactful book I have ever read. It is rich in wisdom with endless application. Although this is a small book ,it is a burning ember that will change your life if you let it.
About - 29 pages