I have a passion for reading and research, and a personal library of over 3300 books (I inventoried them, so I keep a pretty accurate count – Book Collectorz software is a great resource!) Many of my clients share my interest in books and resources, and this seems like a perfect place to keep my recommended book lists. I always welcome recommendations (my husband is less enthusiastic as he tries to find more places to build bookshelves and informs me that we will soon have to remove some furniture, or a wall), so please do share your favorites with me as well.
What I’m Reading Now
I continue to be fascinated by behavioral economics. I just finished Richard Thayler’s Mis-behaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics. Great stuff.
I was also very intrigued by Robin Chase’s book Peers, Inc.: How People and Platforms are Creating the Collaborative Economy and Reinventing Capitalism, and I give that a strong recommendation. I immediately started researching additional new collaborative endeavors. Unfortunately, living in the sticks, some have not reached this area, but a surprising number have. As an independent entrepreneur who usually has 4 to 6 work engagements at any given time, this was of great interest to me. I was wondering what happened to the movement promised by Daniel Pink in Free Agent Nation back in 2001, and was very disillusioned when he took down the support website. The movement has continued to grow, particularly since the 2008 recession.
Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being – Martin E.P. Seligman
A lot of books about the space shuttle Challenger, in preparation for the Reacting to the Past game I am attempting to write.
Last year, prior to my foray into undergraduate teaching, I read a dozen or so books about teaching college. Many were fascinating, but the one that set me on fire was Minds on Fire: How Role-Immersion Games Transform College. I couldn’t put it down. In fact, I did something I’ve never done before – I wrote to the author, and he immediately wrote back! I have since attended two conferences to play and play-test these wonderful games.
Next up: The Awakened Company by Catherine R. Bell. Catherine is someone I’ve met a few times and someone I really admire. She is a fellow Enneagram student from the Enneagram Institute (and wrote this book in collaboration with our teacher Russ Hudson) and a passionate consultant who works to help companies to be healthy and successful.
Recent Reads
Click here to see my most recent book review blog post.
From the Stacks
The following links will take you to my book lists, which contain recommended reading on a wide variety of topics. I am always on the lookout for more books to add to the teetering “to read” pile, so please share your own recommendations and comments. Looking for info on a particular book? Try the search box on the sidebar. Happy reading!
Project Management
The opinions expressed here are strictly mine, based on my learning and style preferences, which, of course will vary from yours. Take what you like and leave the rest.
I have only included books I’ve actually read, or attempted to read. I admit to not finishing some books I found inferior. So many books, so little time; I have to move on to the remaining reading pile, which teeters precariously as I continuously add to the pile.
You are welcome to contact me with other opinions or suggestions for this list, at the e-mail address below.
Note: some books have later editions, especially the exam prep versions. Check with your bookseller for updated versions.
Business Analysis
This discipline is growing since the advent of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), though many of these books pre-date that organization. I think you’ll find that the later ones will start using more uniform language based on the BABOK® Guide (A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge). While the terminology of the earlier books may vary, the principles and practices are still very useful.
As with the other books, the comments are strictly mine and you may find other books more suited to your learning style and preferences. Over the years as I’ve kept these lists my own opinions and ratings have sometimes changed – in both directions! These reflect my own changes in perspective (some books have become more meaningful, some less useful, etc.) as well as each one’s comparative value to other books of the genre that have been written or that I more recently discovered.
Intelligence, The Brain and the Mind
I am fascinated with how we think – the mechanics of the brain and body, the patterns of the psyche, what we have in common and how we differ. The books listed here have provided some fascinating insights about how and why we do what we do.
Management and Leadership
Books on leadership have existed probably since people started writing books – and there is always more to say. Here are some of my favorites – so far.
People and Personalities
This list has a variety of sub-topics on resources for understanding ourselves and others.
Career Management
The most important person you manage is yourself – and that includes your career. Here are some resources to help you continue on your journey to make a living and make a life.
