Their Finest Hour

By Winston S. Churchill

Where to begin to describe the rich experience of reading Their Finest Hour, volume two of Churchill's account of WWII! My copy is marked throughout. Here are five reasons to read it:

1. To appreciate Churchill, the man, the statesman, and the leader. WSC's grasp of world affairs, war, and interactions is simply stunning.
2. To glean Lessons from Dunkirk. I wrote my book, "Churchill And Dunkirk: Finding Insight Inside Defeat" after gleaning so much leadership insight from his account. Many people are fascinated by the Dunkirk account, leaders learn from it.
3. To improve your communication by observing/learning from Churchill's mastery of the English language. There are quotes, maxims, and speeches worth returning to again and again; for instance the familiar: "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat." 5/13/40
4. To grow as a leader. The extensive appendices (about 100 pages) are primarily WSC's correspondence for a year. This section is leadership gold. Read to appreciate Churchill's prayers (not what you think) and how he devoted time to assessing, thinking, and holding others accountable.
5. To see WWII through the eyes of Great Britain. Churchill's theme: "How the British people held the fold ALONE till those who hitherto had been half blind were half ready."

Good Advice On Writing

By William Safire and Leonard Safir

I bought Good Advice on Writing for $1 at a used book store. While the investment may not be akin to buying Coca-Cola in 1919, the return on my dollar has been enormous:

1. Concise lessons from the masters.
2. Aphorisms, maxims, formulas (and formulas debunked)
3. Having the best get in my face: "The craft is, in the end, hard, grueling, and worthwhile. Do it."
4. Expert advice that is at times contrary and complementary -- this is no one way.

Worth reading and re-reading.

Crush It! Wow Now Is The Time To Cash In Your Passion

By Gary Vaynerchuk

Gary Vaynerchuk's book was written in 2009 so some technical aspects are a bit dated and some tips are common knowledge, but very helpful. I gave four stars for the following:

1. His compelling personal story and expertise.
2. The passion he brings to the book and desire to infuse it in others.
3. Emphasis on building a community, caring, and storytelling.
4. No quick fix promises, but rather hard, hard work mixed with business savvy. 

Gary reads the audible version -- that is a big plus. 
A few notable words:

**Vaynerchuck says, "True success, financial, personal, and professional lies above all in loving your family, working ridiculously hard, and living your passion . . . ." 

** "Always listen to your DNA, it will always lead you in the right direction." ???

** Business is not just about making money people . . . and you think it is your broken.

The Giving Tree

By Shel Silverstein

A fantastic book for children and adults about self-centeredness and self-sacrificing love. Shel Silverstein's story is a delightful read. While the author does not provide any questions for follow-up, anyone can start with the story and continue the conversation on the meaning of love.

Poke The Box

By Seth Godin

Seth's Godin's mantra: "The relentless act of invention, innovation, and initiative is the best marketing asset." This is my second time working through Poke The Box. Seth has taught me to "Ship it!" I have been applying that principle to my many facets of my life, most notably to blog posts that might die on the vine because they were not "just right." Seth is a thinker who helps you think and an encourager who pushes you to act. There are so many gems in this book. Spend the money. Invest the time. Read and reread Poke The Box . . . and then act.

The Digital Photography Book

By Scott Kelby

My copy of The Digital Photography Book (Vol 1) is from 2009, but the tip and "secrets" were/are not out of date -- and I'm shooting more and more with my mirrorless Sony a6500. This book is so helpful. Loved the short lessons, easy-to-read pace, and practicability of this resource.

The End Of Reason

By Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias provides a cogent response to Sam Harris and the new atheists. Zacharias shows the inconsistencies of the atheistic position, often turning atheistic arguments on their heads. Brief, insightful, challenging, helpful. A short read with a big punch. A great resource for students and their parents or for anyone who needs helps sorting out the confident cries of the atheists.

A Farewell To Arms

By Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway's "A Farewell To Arms" is a 320 page exposé on Solomon's, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 1:1). Employing his brilliant literary brevity Hemingway paints that vanity of war and life "under the sun" during World War I. The book was not a page-turner for me, but his scenes of war, flight from it, intimacies of love, sad gripping conclusion, and masterly use of economy of language help me understand why it is considered a literary masterpiece.