I am a voracious reader. Primarily, I read non-fiction. While I have a broad and eclectic reading taste, I love history and I read a lot of leadership books. Naturally, being an amateur theologian (someone who studies stuff about God), I am drawn to spiritual books as well.
Currently, I reading a slew of things. In addition to my regular reading, I’ve been chewing on a number of personal essays because of a creative nonfiction writing course that I am enrolled in this Fall. It’s a great class intended to help improve my writing ability and up my wordsmith game.
As a student of communication, I recognize the power of words and how choosing the right word can be the difference in the desired outcome. Careless words, as the late singer George Michael affirmed eons ago, wreak havoc. “Words are like bullets,” my Sweet T always says. Once they are spoken, you can’t take them back.
Excellent communication is an integral part of organizational success and a key to being a great leader. The greatest leaders are also excellent communicators. I think reading helps people become better at communicating with others.
Here is my current reading list:
The Accommodation: The Politics of Race in an American City | by Jim Schutze
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business | Gino Wickman
The Blessings of Humility | Jerry Bridges
Studies in the Sermon on the Mount | D. Martin Lloyd-Jones
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team | Patrick Lencioni
As you can see, my list covers a mashup of subjects that are of particular interest to me. I am continually striving to be a better leader. Understanding how organizations function and knowing how teams work together successfully are key components of leading people well. Just as I desire to be a better leader, I want to be a more godly man in all aspects of my life, particularly in my marriage, in my relationships, and at work. Living in Dallas and ministering to a homeless population impacted by the social contracts of the past, I want to learn more about how we arrived at this point. After all, I am curious to know while only 18% of our population is Black why 70% of our homeless guests are people of color.
What books are you currently reading? Please feel free to share their titles in the comments section below. Be sure to tell me why you’re reading what you’re reading. That way we can learn more about each other. Blogging is always about growing in community.
As always, known that I am grateful for you, dear reader.
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Stay healthy. Be safe. Keep the faith. Share the gospel. Show mercy.
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The Devotional Guy™
The Devotional Guy™ 
Five books at a time. Wow! Rainer, you’re right up there with Barb, from “My Life in Our Father’s World.” I’ve read a summary of the book by Lencioni, and heard him speak before. It’s a great book, on an important subject. Especially these days, as there seems to be too many toxic teams. Most of my reading lately has been of an academic nature; I’m working on my master’s degree in educational leadership. I’m a student of leadership as well. One of my all time favorite books on leading well is, “Lincoln on Leadership,” by Donald T. Phillips. Blessings.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts, David. I recently reread “Lincoln on Leadership,” and agree that it is time well spent. Yes, I understand all too well the adventures and toils of academic reading. Glad to hear you are working on your masters.
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Every once in a while I read something, exactly at the right time, so they will change my life entirely. “Words are like bullets” was mine for the day. I needed that one, my friend.
Thank you for this post.
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Ah, a little clumsy with the cutting and pasting… “so they” should have been “so those words”. I rushed it.
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I will be sure to let T know that her mantra hit home today. You’re welcome, brother. I pray all is well and that this post helps you in dealing with whatever it is needs dealing with. Blessings and thanks for reading!
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I got what you meant. So no worries. Happens to me all the time.
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All is well as can be hoped for. Thank you!
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As an educator, it’s easy to identify the students who read extensively (or are read to by their parents on a regular basis). They have a higher level of vocabulary and are better at articulating their thoughts. So I can clearly see a correlation between reading and communication. Five books at one time is quite impressive. I usually only have three going at once- a biography, a nonfiction, and fiction. Right now I’m reading Corrie Ten Boom’s Prison Letters, Thaddeaus Williams’ Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth, and a thoughtful yet lighthearted work of fiction by a Quaker pastor called “Home to Harmony” which has a Garrison Keillor quality to it. Now that it’s getting darker earlier and the temperatures are cooler, I’ll spend more of my evenings curled up with a book and a cup of tea.
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Thanks for sharing your current reading list, Beth. They sound like terrific reads. I usually only have 1-2 going at any given time, but I’ve had to double up due to some work-related reading and sermon prep I am currently doing for the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. I find myself reading in smaller chunks at different parts of the day. I’m grateful for your comments and willingness to share your thoughts.
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I am voracious reader too, and always looking for good recommendations. Thanks for these. I will check some of them out 🙂
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Perfect! I’m glad this post resonated with you.
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Ranier, I appreciate the diversity of your books. Currently, I am reading a devotional by Max Lucado, Traveling Light, which breaks down Psalm 23 and applies it to our life situations.
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Thank you!
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