An Appetite for Reading
I devour about 50 books each year, not counting the ones I read 20 times over because I’m the editor working on the development, fine-tuning, and proofreading.
This passion is so worthwhile to me, in part because I open a book with the intention of taking away something really valuable from it. I read like a mouse looking for savory crumbs—some to gobble up, others to return to later, and some to carry away to share with friends, family, 
colleagues, and clients.
And so, I am excited to share here three books from recent months that I believe you will find worth your time, as I did. (So hard to only pick three!)
I have different favorites among the books we at Suncoast Digital Press published, which I write about and feature on the Suncoast Digital Press website. The following are from various other publishers, and all are available on Barnes & Noble or Amazon.
The 5 Types of Wealth
A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life
By Sahil Bloom
What it's about:
Bloom asks an interesting question: What if you're tracking financially, but losing in the areas that matter most? This book explores five forms of wealth: Time, Social, Mental, Physical, and Financial.
A quote from it:
"You'll achieve much more by being consistently reliable than by being occasionally extraordinary."
One thing I took away:
As someone who spends my days helping people write books, I couldn't help noticing that many authors are already richer than they realize. They have a lifetime of experiences, lessons, relationships, and wisdom to share. That's a form of wealth too.
Still savoring:
The section on Time Wealth is mind-blowing. “My Life in Weeks” awakened me to where I am on my lifeline. Wow.
Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend
By Matthew Dicks
(Fiction)
What it's about:
The story is narrated by Budo, an imaginary friend who fears disappearing when the young boy who created him no longer needs him. It's funny, original, heartwarming, and surprisingly profound.
A quote from it:
"You have to be the bravest person in the world to go out every day, being yourself when no one likes who you are."
One thing I took away:
Matthew Dicks (one of my favorite mentors) has a gift for making us see ordinary people differently. Beneath the imaginative premise is a beautiful reminder that friendship, loyalty, and belonging matter deeply to all of us. It’s a brilliant writing example of “show vs. tell” in the way he made me feel the ups and downs, especially those of courage and compassion.
Still savoring:
I can’t think of any novel I’ve read that brought me to tears, in a good way, except this one.
Servant Leadership in Action:
How You Can Achieve Great Relationships and Results
By Ken Blanchard and Renee Broadwell
What it's about:
We equate “leader” with “the one in charge.” This book turns that upside down. It's about using whatever influence you have—at work, at home, or in your community—to help other people thrive. The contributors make a compelling case that leadership is less about position and more about service.
A quote from it:
"Servant-leadership is all about making the goals clear and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win."
One thing I took away:
I was attracted to this book because the title includes the words “IN ACTION.” I love concrete, practical stories that inspire me to action. One theme that runs throughout this book is that leadership is ultimately a spiritual practice. The best leaders aren't focused on themselves, their status, or their achievements. They are focused on serving a purpose larger than themselves and helping others grow. There’s more clarity in the book than any other I’ve seen on this topic. Whether we're leading a company, a family, or simply the people around us, our greatest impact often comes through connection, service, and genuine care for others.
Still savoring:
There’s no “try to incorporate Biblical principles into good management and leadership practices” because they are one in the same.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Those are my thoughts today on three books. I confidently recommend each one– check it out if the theme appeals to you.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Why are fanatics so terrified of girls' education? Because there's no force more powerful to transform a society. The greatest threat to extremism isn't drones firing missiles, but girls reading books.” —Nicholas Kristof
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