Book Reviews Archives - Page 5 of 29

Summer Books

A few good summer books:

I’m a latecomer to the blockbuster of a few years ago, The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein. A novel with an amazing dog and amazing people (some of whom race cars). How could I not love this book? A great summertime read if you’re needing escape. Gotta love Enzo.

Something political? Check out Democracy, by Condoleezza Rice. Brilliant overview of how democracy has spread across the world, and the key components we must protect.

How about something about your faith? It’s hard for me to admit, but …

Leadership is an Art

Nearly twenty years ago I read Leadership is an Art by Max De Pree. The former CEO of the legendary company Herman Miller, De Pree was one of the great business leaders of his day. So naturally, I was eager to find out what he had to say.

The book had a profound impact on my understanding and practice of leadership. The most significant line for me was, “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between the two, the leader must become a servant and a debtor.”

I’ve always …

Book Buying Guide

Looking for a good book to buy as a last minute gift? I’ve got a few suggestions. My reading list for 2016 is over 100 books again this year and it’s been tough to keep this list short!

Winning the “Best Book to Make You Smile, Laugh, and Become Intrigued by the Storyline” award is Robin Sloan’s Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore. Set in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, occasionally in New York, it’s a fun book for anybody who loves books, coding, and fantasy.

If nonfiction story telling is more your thing, then the winner of the “Best Book …

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore

A few months ago D’Aun hired an olive oil consultant to help with a few questions. It’s a long story, but the consultants friend was none other than Robin Sloan, author of Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore. Robin seemed like a really nice guy, and the book had good reviews, so we got a copy.

Wow. Where the heck have I been? I mean, why did it take me so long to hear about this book and check it out?

Penumbra is fantastic. Fun plot, great writing, extraordinarily creative, contemporary with a touch of ancient wisdom, funny but in an …

Living With Wealth Without Losing Your Soul

Last month I was at a conference in Florida and met the author of Living With Wealth Without Losing Your Soul. The author, Steve Perry, had the interesting experience of marrying his wife without realizing she came from a very wealthy family. He had to completely adjust his thinking — both spiritually and socially — about wealth.

It’s a book that covers a lot of the same themes as Junkyard Wisdom, though with more of a pastoral heart and less of the “global junkyard” messiness I embrace. Where Junkyard Wisdom tells the story of one who strives to …

Dirty Glory

After 15-years of seeing God work in amazing ways, Pete Greig has written Dirty Glory: Go Where Your Best Prayers Take You to share those stories. It’s the story of prayer and Pete’s amazing ride as the “accidental” founder of 24-7 Prayer.

Most of all, it’s the story of God’s engagement in our world. This is where Pete shines as an author (and as a person). He can tell amazing stories, but you never sense it’s about self-promotion the way other preacher/teacher types sometimes come across. For Pete, it’s genuinely about what God is doing in the world.

For this …

So What Are People Saying About Junkyard Wisdom?

I’m way too lazy to do a real book tour. But a blog tour sounds doable!

Maybe you remember the days when authors would go on book tours. They’d show up at the local bookstore to talk or read from their book, sign a few copies, and then head on to the next town. Some still do that.

But the more efficient way is to do a blog tour — a combination of interviews, reviews, conversations, even podcasts, all from the comfort of my computer screen. I get fewer frequent flyer miles, but it’s far easier!

Below are several blogs …

Under New Management

David Burkus has written a fun book for anybody who manages people. Under New Management looks at how organizational management is changing in ways we never thought realistic. You really should get a copy of this book if you oversee any group of people.

Some of the ideas are idealistic — such as chapter one, “Outlaw Email.” Other ideas are very thoughtful and doable, such as chapter two, “Put Customers Second.” Many of the ideas, such as “Hire as a Team” and “Fire the Managers”, have been around a long time but have only recently gained steam in the marketplace.…