Note: Tomorrow I will send out the 3 Book Challenge invitation to all subscribers. The goal is simple: read three books in July. Check your email for this update. Instead of a summer book study this year, you can read the books you want to read + share what you are reading with others! Take care, -Matt
The following is an update of what I have been reading for the past three months.
How to Focus (informational/guide) by Thich Nhat Hanh
A nice introduction to Hanh's body of work. You can carry this book in your pocket during your travels, pulling it out to remember some of the mindful breathing exercises. An essential guide for managing complex and sometimes overwhelming times.
Sea of Tranquility (science fiction) by Emily St. John Mandel
A novel about time travel that feels less like the epic I think the author wanted it to be. Still, Mandel expertly connects the threads from her previous novel (The Glass Hotel). It's not a sequel; think of it as more of an imaginative expansion of the world the author had already built.
The School of Greatness: A Real-World Guide to Living Bigger, Loving Deeper, and Leaving a Legacy (self-help) by Lewis Howes
I hesitate whenever a self-help book is recommended to me. What does this author have to share that I haven't already read about? Is this book just a bunch of organized blog posts?
While the ideas Howes offers aren't entirely original, the enthusiasm with which he offers them to the reader is contagious. He believes in what he shares. (I recommend the audio book version to hear Howes's passion in his voice.) It's hard not to root for for the author, the "teachers" he interviewed, and the people he wants to help.
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer (true crime) by Michelle McNamara
True crime journalism where the subject is the journalist almost as much as the criminal. An interesting study on the thin line between devotion and obsession, of the tradeoffs people make in the name of their passions. Bittersweet to know that McNamara passed away before this story came to its conclusion.
Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life (nonfiction) by Dacher Keltner
A terrific guide on what awe is and why it's important to experience in our lives. This is not a topic I've committed a lot of thought to in the past. After reading this book, I realize the connections awe has to so many areas we experience, including music, community, and nature. If you've read The Power of Moments by the Heath brothers, you can think of Awe as it's more mature and scientifically-grounded cousin.
Tao Te Ching (classic) by Lao Tzu
The annotations are essential for understanding this ancient text. So much wisdom to be discovered in these words, which are general enough to apply to anyone's life.
The Graveyard Book, Volume 1 (young adult, fantasy, horror) by P. Craig Russell, adapted from the novel by Neil Gaiman
A near-perfect visualization of Gaiman's Newbery-award winning book. My only complaint is the graphic depiction of the murders at the beginning of the story. Gaiman's original description was handled more thoughtfully.
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times (self-help) by Pema Chödrön
Tired of self-help books that seem to gift wrap their ideas and tie up their advice in a neat little bow for you? Check out Chödrön's collection of essays. Meditation is presented as a resource to help manage difficult times. The author's honesty and vulnerability give credibility to the message that it's how we perceive our messy life experiences, along with how we respond to them, that makes the difference.
Trusting Readers: Powerful Practices for Independent Reading (professional) by Jennifer Scoggin & Hannah Schneewind
An excellent guide for teachers of readers. The authors offer a variety of resources, strategies, and tools to support students during independent reading. Consider using this text as a yearlong book study with your team. (Note: If you are looking for a consultant to support your school’s professional learning, reach out to Jennifer and Hannah at trustingreaders.com.)
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win (nonfiction) by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
Essential reading for leaders in every industry and profession. The wisdom Willink and Babin gained from their military service has been turned into timeless lessons for leading others toward a common goal.
Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke (memoir/nonfiction) by Debra Meyerson & Danny Zuckerman
The fact that this book was written is a source of inspiration (Meyerson struggles with physical limitations due to her stroke; her son was her co-author). This account of rethinking who we are after a life-changing event is applicable to anyone. It also serves as a guide for people post-stroke who are unsure how to navigate recovery.
How to Sell a Haunted House (horror/humor fiction) by Grady Hendrix
This is the first book I've read by the author. Hendrix aptly balances horror with humor, while weaving in themes of family conflict and loss. While the author doesn't have the same page-turning power as Stephen King does within their shared genre, he has offered a noteworthy work of fiction for the haunted house canon.