My “strengths finder” says I’m a “learner”. I usually don’t put much stock in such surveys, but this one is dead on. At any one time I have 10-12 podcasts going, at least one or two audiobooks, and then plenty of good ‘ole fashioned bound paper books. Don’t get me started on my Twitter rabbit-holes.
Here are five books I’m reading right now
From Strength To Strength
By Arthur C. Brooks. Non-fiction. The blurb describes this book as “The roadmap for finding purpose, meaning, and success as we age.” I heard Brooks interviewed on “The Drive” podcast, episode 226 (video link). As a guy squarely in his second half of life (I’ll be 56 next month as I write this) I’ve been focused on “finishing well”. I also coach a lot of guys, and thought this would be useful for them as they approach middle age. I’m about half way through and I can’t say there is anything earth-shattering for me, simply because I’ve been swimming in this pool for a while. But I’ve found several of my peers rocked by some of the revelations, and they’ve made big changes based on what they’ve learned.
Happier Hour
By Cassie Holmes. Non-fiction. Cassie is a professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, so it might seem odd that she’s authored a book on “happiness”. But the book is actually full of money-related terms and themes when it comes to time: spending time, investing time, saving time, etc. I discovered “Happier Hour” after hearing an interview on “Modern Wisdom” podcast (video link) My wife and I are listening and reading this book together on date night in an effort to use or time individually, together, and with the significant people in our lives, in a more meaningful way.
The King of Attolia
By Megan Whalen Turner. Fiction. I read fiction at night in order to unplug my brain and relax before sleep. This is the third book in a series by Turner that was recommended by a friend who is a voracious reader of good fiction. When she recommends something, I read it, and I’m never disappointed. This is kind of fantasy, kind of historical fiction. It’s completely void (so far) of anything salacious, so it’s young-adult friendly. Lots of adventure and twists and turns. A great series.
The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers
By J.R.R. Tolkien. Fiction. I’m actually listening to this one (again, and again) as I wander around the house doing chores, walking the dogs, etc. I keep coming back to Tolkien; the first time I read him was in Mr. Bidelman’s class in 5th grade. I’m forever grateful to him for introducing me to “The Hobbit”.
The Need to be Whole: Patriotism and the History of Predjudice
By Wendell Berry. Non-fiction. Besides the Bible, no one has shaped my thinking more than Wendell Berry. In an time when racism, sexism, and gender discrimination is absolutely forbidden, ageism seems to be fair-game. Berry is now 88 years old, and you ignore him at your peril. I am currently sampling this book on Kindle for my next read. It’s dangerous for anyone to dip their toes into the pool of racism history in America, but I figure a 90 year old with both the ability to look back over a wide span of history and the ability not-to-care what others think or say will at least express his honest perspective. So far it falls within what I expect from Wendell. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the book.