Last year I read just under 100 books. My ambitious inner librarian wants to read over 100 books this year, though I am resisting a specific goal. The curious thing is that I’m exactly on track: a third of the year has gone by and I’ve hit 33 books.
A lot of my book reviews never make this “main” page of Junkyard Wisdom, so here’s a link to most of my reviews, plus a one-sentence opinion on each. We’ll start with the Pulitzer Prize winners:
Washington: A Life, by Ron Chernow A complete biography of one of the most amazing men in history; and a Pulitzer Prize winner.
The Fiery Trial, by Eric Foner Excellent book about Abraham Lincoln’s views on slavery; a Pulitzer Prize winner.
God on Mute, by Pete Greig Brilliant book on why God does not always answer prayers.
Wild Bill Donovan, by Douglas Waller Biography of one of the more colorful men in American history who founded the American intelligence community.
Part of the bookshelf in my office.
Then Everything Changed, by Jeff Greenfield Looking at how the political world in America would be different if key events had never happened.
Content Rules, by Ann Handley and C.C. Chapman Functional book on blogging, tweeting, website building, etc.
Unfamiliar Fishes, by Sarah Vowell Snide, cynical and ultimately disappointing history of Hawaii.
Falling Upward, by Richard Rohr Deep and meaningful exploration of the second half of our spiritual life.
The Social Animal, by David Brooks How our subconscious self determines so much about ourselves.
Approaching God, by Lisa Repko Borden Fresh approach to prayer.
Our Kind of Traitor, by John le Carre Modern day spy story from a master of the genre.
The Steve Jobs Way, by Jay Elliot Interesting insights into Steve Jobs by a former colleague.
Chocolate Wars, by Deborah Cadbury Enjoyable history of how chocolate companies came to be and their social/spiritual rootedness.
Luckiest Man, by Jonathan Eig Fun biography of Lou Gehrig.
Where Good Ideas Come From, by Steven Johnson How good ideas are built on the work of many people; sometimes a bit contrived, but fascinating stuff.
The Future of Power, by Joseph Nye Great foreign affairs book on how American influence around the world can be advanced.
Linchpin, by Seth Godin Boring.
American Grace, by Robert Putnam Broad and all encompassing overview of faith in America; a must read for people in vocational ministry.
The End of the Free Market, by Ian Brenner How the free market is competing with the State market (i.e. economies with capitalistic rules but led by governments).
The Referral Engine, by John Jantsch Pragmatic book about building referrals for your business or organization.
Left to Tell, by Immaculee Ilibagiza Fascinating personal story about the horrors of the Rwandan genocide.
To Change the World, by James Davison Hunter Brilliant sociological study on how cultures changes and what people of faith can do to help that change.
Understanding Belize, by Alan Twigg Belize history books are hard to find, and this is one of the better ones.
Without Hesitation, by General Hugh Shelton An autobiography of a great American leader.
Different: Escaping the Competitive Herd, by Youngme Moon Excellent insights on marketing and advertising from a Harvard professor.
Common Sense, by Thomas Paine Classic American pamphlet.
Tahoe Night, by Todd Borg Guilty pleasure reading of a silly story that’s just fun.
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, by Donald Miller Insightful and transparent thoughts about how our lives are like a movie script.
The Bed of Procrustes, by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Collection of short sayings and insights from a truly counterintuitive thinker.
Extraordinary, Ordinary People – by Condoleezza Rice A memoir of her parents and the lives they led.
The Checklist Manifesto, by Atul Gawande Great book about utilizing checklists to raise quality standards.
Decision Points, by George W. Bush Well written, thorough, but meaningful memoirs need some distance from actual history.
Lindbergh vs. Roosevelt, by James P. Duffy Awful, skip it.