Have you thanked an author lately?
I read about 50 books every year, and maybe five of them are fiction. That’s not because I don’t love a good novel—it’s because I’m endlessly fascinated by what I can learn from real people, real history, and real ideas. Nonfiction opens doors into the minds of experts, innovators, and storytellers who’ve lived the stories and lessons they’re sharing. And every year, I find myself grateful that these authors took the time and effort to put their experiences into a book.
I’ll mention a few from so far this year. One standout is Stories Sell: Storytelling to Influence, Inspire, and Get Your Way by Matthew Dicks. As someone who works with stories all the time, I appreciated how he breaks down the art and science of storytelling so it’s not just interesting—it’s actionable. His ideas have made me more intentional about how I share my own stories and helped me see how stories can shape both personal and professional influence.
I USE what I learned from this book nearly every day as I help my author clients craft their books (mostly memoirs).
Another powerful read was Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy. It completely reframed how I think about getting things done. It’s not about asking “How can I do this?” but instead, “Who can do this or help me do this?” That shift is so powerful. No more bottlenecks!
I also enjoyed God Talks: How to Have a Friendship with God... Even if You’ve Made a Million Mistakes by Ed Rush. It’s personal, inspiring, very entertaining, and practical. It reminded me that spiritual connection is about openness, honesty, and actually listening. (It’s also a great example of how a memoir is about a message, while the author uses their personal life experiences to illustrate the message.)
And currently, Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World by Irene Vallejo. It’s a journey through time, showing how books came to be, how they shaped civilizations, and how much we owe to the people who believed knowledge should be preserved and shared. The Library of Alexandria was even more incredible than I imagined.
Each of these books has changed me in some way—sometimes in big Ah-Ha! ways, sometimes in small, quiet ways that show up later. That’s the magic of reading nonfiction: you never walk away the same person you were when you started. And I haven’t even mentioned the many books I have the privilege to work on with the author and how much I’ve learned on topics from opioid addiction to the history of large church bells to escaping Vietnam in 1975 to the real lifestyles of dinosaurs.
But here’s the thing: none of this would be possible if those authors hadn’t sat down and done the work. Writing a book is a labor of love, persistence, and belief that your words might make a difference for someone you may never meet. I’m so glad they did it, because their courage to write has enriched my life.
That’s why I’ll always encourage people not just to read—but to write. You never know who needs your story, your expertise, your perspective. Someone out there might be waiting for the very words you haven’t yet put on paper. And just like the books I’ve mentioned have left their fingerprints on my life, your book might one day leave its mark on someone else’s.
So read widely. Learn deeply. And if there’s a book in you—don’t keep it locked away. The world needs it. And readers like me can’t wait to be inspired by it.
PS You can thank an author by leaving a 5* review on Amazon. You do not have to have purchased the book on Amazon (you do need to be a customer). Many authors read the reviews and are so glad to know their words made a difference. Also, the ratings help other people find, buy, and read the book. Sometimes you can find the author’s email on their website or in the book, so that’s also a way to let them know what their book meant to you.
PPS If you ever want a book recommendation to fit a personal interest or need, just ask me!
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