2019 Reading List

For the last two years, I set out a goal to read 50 books or 10,000 pages. Knowing some books are longer and others shorter made me aim more for 10k pages. I have never gotten close to that number before. I tried hard at the reading last year and only attained 6863 pages across 20 books. This year the number was 40 books and 15,266 pages! What was the difference? In 2018, that number was just a nice idea. In 2019, I made it one of my personal goals for the year. I knew I would need to read about 30-50 pages a day, and scheduled it. Making goals and achieving them is a post for another day.

Total Count: 40 Books, 15,266 pages.

Total Count: 40 Books, 15,266 pages.

Before I get to the books I would actually recommend, I want to throw out a few clarifications. Not all of the books read are listed. Two-thirds of those read were listened to on my phone. In the past, I would not count that as pages “read.” However, I travel a lot, and it is simply more efficient to listen to books rather than read all of them. Another clarification is trying to bring more diversity in my book list from last year to this year. Not only in topics, but also history, and authorship. The genres are listed at Leader (17), Spiritual (4), Self-Care (7), Biography (9), Education (3).

My resident director said in college “there are too many great books out there to only read good books.” I would encourage you to read these books. I will leave out the good, average, and mediocre books.

Leader:

  • Principles for Success - by Ray Dalio

    1. A great companion to his 600-page book. It just needs to be on your shelf for a visual reference or to read with the kids.

  • Captain Class: A New Theory in Leadership by Sam Walker

    1. All about the 'glue' on your team. Excellent.

  • Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

    1. Great book on leading yourself and others, with loads of practical tips. I walked a few organizations through this one.

  • Developing Female Leaders by Kadi Cole

    1. There are a lot of great books on female leaders right now, but Kadi Cole knocked this one out of the park.

  • The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

    1. Incredibly insightful on how people AND organizations get into habit ruts, and how they can change their future.

Spiritual:

  • The Bible (New Living Translation)

    1. It's the best book on the list, and it's free. I would challenge you to commit to reading it LONG or reading it fast. Meaning, commit to reading a little each day, but every day; OR read the entire Bible as fast as you can for one broad overview. www.bible.com

  • The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr

    1. This book is challenging but good. We need to read books that challenge our thought process. Whether you believe in Jesus Christ or not, this book will challenge you and help you.

Self-Care:

Biography:

  • Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow

    1. I have read 3 other Chernow bios, and Washinton: A Life is one of my favorites.

  • No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin

    1. Great overview of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Respect for both of them went up tremendously. She convinced me that Franklin should probably be on Mt. Rushmore and Eleanor probably should have been president. You can also catch some this perspective in the Ken Burns doc: Roosevelts.

  • The Road to Character by David Brooks

    1. The great thing about this biography is that it was several biographies strewn together through the lens of character lessons. Brooks is a master storyteller.

Education:

  • The Body Keeps Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

    1. This is the book that I would say everyone needs to own. If you are a leader, are in the serving, non-profit, or church realm; issues of trauma will come up. They will either come from within, or they will come to you face to face. Making the right decision, and making it in the right way is essential for leaders. This book will help hone your decision making skills as you help people and help your organization.

  • TB12 Method by Tom Brady

    1. As a lifelong Peyton Manning and Colts fan, my support of this book means something. Let's face it, we are all getting older and yet Tommy Touchdown is still doing work! This practical book won't help you be a freak of nature, but it will help you live a full life physically.

  • White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

    • Great take on why it is hard for white people to talk about race.

Honorable Mentions from 2018:

  • Principles by Ray Dalio

    1. It should be read, referenced, and on every leader's book shelf to go to time and time again.

  • Start with Why by Simon Sinek

    1. Instant classic

  • Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

    1. Practical book for finance in practical, scalable, terms.

All-time Favorites (you should have each of these in your library).

tim kirkpatrick