I read a lot. I read books about high level business strategy, personal growth, and marketing. I also love to read books about history (specifically American history around the time of the American Revolution), poker strategy, and personal and business finance.
I thought I’d start posting once a month to let you know what I’ve been reading, and what’s in my queue for next month.
Just Read
The Kickstarter Handbook: Real-Life Success Stories of Artists, Inventors, and Entrepreneurs by Don Steinberg
An interesting, but pretty basic look at using Kickstarter to raise funds for a project or new product. I’ve been backing projects on Kickstarter for years now, and have backed more than 20 campaigns, so there wasn’t a lot of new information. Still, it’s a good overview for anyone not familiar with the platform.
Crowdfunding: The Next Big Thing
by Gary Spirer
Very similar to the book above, this book gives a high level view of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter with some great strategies for creating a successful campaign. If you’re looking to start a project on Kickstarter or Indiegogo but don’t know where to start, consider one of these titles.
Screw It, Let’s Do It: Lessons In Life (Quick Reads)
by Richard Branson
I’m a big fan or Richard Branson and have read several of his books. I like his adventurous spirit and that he’s not afraid to take (calculated) risks. I also respect his views on employees and what makes a business successful. Great (and short) read for anyone who owns (or wants to own) their own business.
The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau
This book is about quests. A quest is much different than a goal. Chris’ quest was traveling to every country in the world, which he successfully completed last year. This was an amazing read, much more than a “self help” book it helped me realize it’s the journey that’s important not the destination.
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson
After reading Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs, I was really intrigued about this book. It was a great contrast to Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography, was thoroughly researched and cited, and was written so well I could hardly put it down. Great book.
In My Queue for November
Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham
Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty
Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence by Daniel Goleman
Stay tuned for short reviews of these books and more next month.
What About You?
So what have you been reading? Let me know in the comments below.