Here’s a list of books I’ve read recently . . . or just think ought to be on everyone’s reading list. (Full disclosure – all links have Amazon Affiliate tags.)

- SuperFreakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. I enjoyed this sequel even more than I did the original. Continued great lessons in incentives and unintended consequences. And particularly intriguing chapters on potential new methods of addressing our environmental concerns. A great read!

- Why Work Sucks and How to Fix It by Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson. While this didn’t necessarily apply directly to my professional life, I found that the Results-Only approach could be applied to every area of my life. Recommended reading for employees, managers, and entrepreneurs.

- Who’s Got Your Back by Keith Ferrazzi. After hearing Keith speak at the Inc 500 conference this year, I realized that this was an area of my life that I had been neglecting. This book was exactly what I need to get back on track.

- The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton. I’d read several books previously about how important and how powerful our thoughts were, but I never really understood why. And although I expected it to read like a textbook, Lipton explains the science behind all this in a very reader-friendly way. Recommended reading for all.

- Master Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels. This book did change my life. For the first time, I understood food and exercise in a way that I could apply to my daily activities. As a result, I’m healthier than I have been in a decade. This book is well worth your time – and maybe a second or third read!

- Emergency: This Book Will Save Your Life by Neil Strauss. While I can’t say I completely agree with the “save your life” tagline, I did enjoy the author’s fascinating journey to become self-sufficient in all the possible ways. Hidden within are great lessons on protecting your finances, your home, and your food supply.

- Blood Covenant: The Michael Franzese Story After hearing Michael speak at our church, I had to have the rest of the story, so to speak. An engaging and insightful book, Franzese shares the incredible power of love and faith.

- The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg and John David Mann. Quick and easy to read, this book is a great refresher about what’s important in business and in life. This is a good one to keep at your desk.

- Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets by Sudhir Venkatesh. If you enjoyed Freakonomics, you’ll love this one with all of the details behind the underground economy examples. This gripping first-hand account certainly questions how our society has elected to fight poverty.

- The Rebbe’s Army: Inside the World of Chabad-Lubavitch by Sue Fishkoff. This one was recommended my Michael Gerber for its detail about the tremendous marketing campaign launched by the Rebbe. In addition, it offers fascinating intricacies of the Jewish faith. This is definitely one of my new favorites.

- Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. Fascinating and thought-provoking. It forced me to rethink how I view success and identify the factors that contribute to it. Hard work is certainly an essential, but not without the luck that created the opportunity.

- The Weather Makers: How Man is Changing the Climate by Tim Flannery. If you’re concerned about the environment, but confused by seemingly conflicting points of view, this book provides a great foundation for finding clarity.

- The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Quite timely given the surprise of recent events. Provided a great framework for thinking about how we prepare for the future.

- Team of Rivals – The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln Fascinating history lesson. But, more importantly, a lesson in real teamwork – particularly for leaders.

- Banker to the Poor by Muhammad Yunus Very inspiring. A case study for changing the world.

- Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur by Richard Branson Some say that it’s easy to do good once you are successful, but Branson proves that you can earn success by doing good. An entertaining and inspiring read.

- The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder Hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. Remind us to do the right thing – every time – simply because it’s the right thing. A fascinating biography of one of the world’s greatest businessmen from childhood to the current.

- Hot, Flat, & Crowded: Thomas L. Friedman Recommended reading for all. Certainly makes some powerful connections between our world economy, democracy, energy, and our environment that should make each of us think about our impact.

- The 4-Hour Work Week: Timothy Ferriss When you’re ready to value your time as much as your money, read this one. It’s not really about how many hours you work, it’s about making the most of the time you do work. Full of excellent tips and suggestions for leveraging your time.

- The Numerati: Stephen Baker An interesting read, particularly for those of us fascinated with data.

- Getting Things Done: David Allen Pick this one up when you feel like you’re working more than ever and accomplishing less than ever. A great reminder that your life must have a system.

- The Success Principles: Jack Canfield An early favorite. I read this book a couple of years ago and still pick it up when I need to refresh my vision and goals.

- Think and Grow Rich: Napoleon Hill This book should be in every young adult’s personal library. A classic.

- The World Is Flat: Thomas L. Friedman Fittingly, I finished this book on a flight from Tokyo to Shanghai. Another core for any personal library.

- Re-Imagine!: Tom Peters An admitted Peters fan, this book is my favorite. Stuck in a rut? Pick up this one to get the gears turning again.

Got a suggestion for a must-read? Email me.