For past book reviews, go here:https://dougsmithlive.com/book-reviews/
As a side note, a lot of you have asked me how I read so many books. The truth is, I read a lot of books at the same time and I read a chapter a day in each book. I try to read for 45 minutes to an hour each day. It’s a discipline I believe is worth the effort and sacrifice. Schedule time to grow! If you don’t schedule it, it won’t happen!
Also, I believe I can learn from anyone, but that does not mean that I agree with and endorse everything that is said in every book I read. In Bible School, one professor taught me to always “be as smart as a cow . . . eat the hay and spit the sticks.” If I don’t agree with something someone says, I “spit it out” and forget about it. If it’s good and I agree, I try to apply it to my life. I’d recommend you do the same when consuming information.
Summer 2013 Reads:
Changes that Heal by Henry Cloud – Henry Cloud has quickly become one of my heroes. I’ve read several of his book this year and this one is definitely my favorite. For me, this book was perfect timing for the season of growth I am in. It focuses on four key areas that all of us need in order to grow to our maximum potential. The four areas are: Bonding, Boundaries, Good vs. Bad, and Growing into Adulthood. I had no clue how big of a deal all of these subjects were. They play a critical role in your growth in development. If you decide to read this, I would also recommend buying the workbook. I have spent a ton of time working through this book and the workbook and it has made a significant difference in my life. I believe this should be required reading for everyone.
Buy the Hard Copy (affiliate link)
Buy the Kindle Version (affiliate link)
Integrity by Henry Cloud – This book is excellent. It’s probably not about what you think it’s about. It’s not about knowing the difference between right and wrong. It’s about how to become as effective as possible in your workplace. The tagline of the book is: “the courage to meet the demands of reality… how six essential qualities determine your success in business.” The six qualities are: the ability to connect with others and build trust, oriented toward reality, the ability to finish well, the ability to embrace the negative, oriented toward increase, and having an understanding of the transcendent. If you’re in leadership or in business, you need to read this. While you’re at it, have your team read it and go through it together.
Buy the Hard Copy (affiliate link)
Buy the Kindle Version (affiliate link)
Becoming a Coaching Leader by Daniel Harkavy – I read this book because Michael Hyatt recommended it. Daniel has coached Michael, Patrick Lencioni, and a score of other high-level leaders. This book is a step-by-step process for becoming a coaching leader. It is one of the best leadership books I’ve read. If you’re a coach or you have a desire to become a coaching leader, this is required reading.
Buy the Hard Copy (affiliate link)
Buy the Kindle Version (affiliate link)
Start by Jon Acuff – Start is a book for anyone with a dream. This book will show you a roadmap for getting to where you want to go. What I appreciated most about the book is the focus on making the most of where you are at. If you don’t start where you are, you will stay where you are, and never to get where you want to go. To get to where we’d all like to get can often take years and years and years of doing what we know we should be doing day in and day out. This book will give you the courage to start pursuing your dream.
Buy the Hard Copy (affiliate link)
Buy the Kindle Version (affiliate link)
Unbroken by Laura HIllenbrand – This was my vacation read. The first quarter of the book was slow, but once the action started, I couldn’t put it down. This is an absolutely incredible story. I finished the book on our plane ride home, without going into the details of the book, I cried at the end. I would encourage everyone to read this book! It’s a great story!
Buy the Hard Copy (affiliate link)
Buy the Kindle Version (affiliate link)
What books have you read this year that have made an impact on you? Comment below!
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