Here are a few of the books I have been allowing my mind to dwell on lately:

The Art of the Commonplace by Wendell Berry. (recommended by Nik Baltatzis)
(CURRENT READ)

This series of agrarian essays by Wendell Berry is fascinating to me. Berry is a writer, farmer and cultural voice from Kentucky. The book challenges the assumptions on which we base our modern way of life. Berry’s theme is that getting away from an agrarian, community based society will damage and eventually destroy our society.

A Failure of Nerve by Edwin H. Friedman (recommended by Mike Donohue)
(CURRENT READ)

This one has gripped me as well. Edwin Friedman argues that it is not technique or more data that is going to help leaders be effective. It is facing themselves and the reality within the organizations they lead, whether they are countries or families there are patterns that need to be addressed if leadership is going to excel.

Come Be My Light by Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa was widely known and certainly hailed as one of the greatest saints in the modern world. Her tireless work was legendary and impacted the world around her in deep and meaningful ways. Her legacy is renowned. What fascinated me about this book was the depth that she struggled with acceptance, fear, loneliness, and feeling abandoned by God.

The Paradox of Success by John R. O’Neil (Recommended by Doug Turner)

Why do so many extraordinary people fail in such dramatic ways? Why do people extremely successful at work have families that are in shambles? What does winning in the long term in life look like? John R. O’Neil talks about the shadow side of our human character and how to live a more integrated and healthy life.

Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam

This book speaks to the wide range of societal change that has swept across our country and our local communities. Why have social organizations, PTA’s, political parties, and other volunteer organizations fallen apart in many communities?  What can we do about it?

Why You Do What You Do by Bobb Biehl (recommended by Keith Yoder)

This one is out of print but it addresses fundamentals about where your core feelings come from [SCRATCH THAT IT IS NOW IN PRINT AGAIN]. In this book Bobb Biehl helps you identify:

• What was your dominant childhood feeling?
• What is your dominant adult phobia?
• What is your dominant emotional need?
• What is your surest, safest style?
• What is your single greatest strength?
• What is your backup style?

This book will intrigue anyone who wants to work hard at unlocking mysteries about themselves that they have struggled with. I’m still wrestling with these mysteries as well and what this means in my life.

Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner

I’ve written about the Leadership Challenge before. This is a great book on leadership backed by research about how organizations really work and what fundamentals make a great leader. Kouzes and Posner take very complex research and make the application practical for leaders to implement.

Managing the Professional Services Firm by David H. Maister (Recommended by Steve Dassoulas)

This is a great handbook for anyone involved in providing a professional service at any level. Topics include how to structure your organization, scheduling, ensuring quality of product, developing talent and many more.

Slow-Cooker Cookbook by Southern Living Books

I love to cook. I’m also a bit of a food snob and thought slow-cookers were for wannabes. I was wrong. Elise and I got an All-Clad slowcooker this past fall and have had a blast making things from this cookbook. Recent meals were Big Batch Chili, Chicken and Wild Rice, and Chicken Corn Chowder. I’ve also used it to make soups and rice dishes that I traditionally have done on the stove. I’m getting ready to make Creole Sausage with Rice and Beans this weekend. Jambalaya to come also.