Reaching For Glory

By Michael Beschloss

Reaching For Glory by Michael Beschloss is "required reading" (listen to the audio version for an extra bonus as it includes LBJ's own voice) for those who want to better understand the enigmatic life that is Lyndon Johnson. Covering the years 1964-1965, Beschloss gives us the unvarnished and "uninterpreted" voice of Johnson, Lady Bird, and many of his associates. I especially appreciated the Editor's Note (some of Beschloss research methodology), the Cast of Characters (listing key players of the time), and the Appendix (some of Johnon's "ramblings" from 1969 as he reflected on his time in the Oval Office. Unfortunately, the Audible version is abridged only so one who would follow both the written and audible versions will have their work cut out for them. That said, it was worth all the time to follow both, which I did.

Leading Without Power

By Max De Pree

You don't really read Max De Pree, you just pull up a chair and soak up the wisdom that pours from his pages. While Mr. De Pree passed from this world in August of 2017, his legacy (he addresses the topic of legacy in this book) lives on, in part, in his writings. De Pree writes, "I have written Leading Without Power: Finding Hope in Serving Community in the hope that it will in some modest way help nonprofit organizations and the people in them understand leadership in a new light." As one serving in a nonprofit sector, I say, "Mission accomplished!" But these insights should not be reserved only for those in the not-for-profit tribe. No matter where you lead, pick up this book. I suspect you will be highlighting and making multiple notes with a view to serving better through your leadership.

The Midnight Line

By Lee Child

This may be my favorite Reacher to date. Reason? Lee Child dedicates The Midnight Line to those recipients of the Purple Heart and then precedes to show us the duty, heroism, and costs that lie behind the honor. Never one to lay down "simple morals" (Reacher has his own moral code), Lee Child makes the reader grapple with the unintended consequences of war and the scars both physical and psychological, they leave. Not simple. Entertaining in the Lee Child/Jack Reacher way, this volume seems to me to be the most mature Reacher (he is aging) with respect to life and what it's all about.

Turning Points

By Mark A. Noll

Mark Noll provides a splendid overview of the decisive moments in the history of Christianity. Get ready for a fascinating (yet dizzying) list of key characters, dates, and events. Those used to looking at the history of Christianity through Western eyes are will appreciate the way he broadens their understanding of God's work throughout the world, yet the way he frames that work through key moments is a great contextual and historical aid.

Leadership Secrets from the Executive Office

By George Hathaway

George Hathaway provides practical, doable compendium of suggestions/principles for improving one's leadership. The quotes are worth the price of the book (though I wish they were sourced). My suggestion is to take one of his suggestions each day, reflect on it, and then work to apply it in one's work context. I liked this: "Be a leader--demand good answers. Your staff will grow accustomed to preparing answers to the difficult questions, and this will only help make everyone more productive." Page 138.

Mercy Watson to the Rescue

By Kate DiCamillo

A delightful tale about Mercy the pig and the interesting cast of characters who surround her: Mr. & Mrs. Watson (love is blind); Eugenia and Baby (aging spinsters who have conflicting opinions about Mercy); and Lorenzo and Ned (firefighters determined to do their job to their bestest). The illustrations by Chris Van Dusen are outstanding and help bring Kate DiCamillo's entertaining story to life. I read this to my granddaughter and it kept her delightfully wonderfully engaged the entire time.

What Do You Do with a Problem?

By Kobi Yamada

A companion volume to What Do You Do With An Idea and equally effective. I love the way the author and illustrator urge the reader to face the problem rather than run from, fret over, or just talk about the specific challenge. Outstanding illustrations.

What Do You Do with an Idea?

By Kobi Yamada

Exceptionally good book to help children (and adults) pursue their ideas no matter what others may think . . . and WHY this is important. Simple, powerful, and wonderfully illustrated.