Friendly Books
Must Read Life Changing Books
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World- John Wood left a successful position at Microsoft to found Room to Read to build libraries for children in Nepal. Shortly after reading, I quit my corporate job to follow my heart.
Stirring It Up: How to Make Money and Change the World- The question on all our minds: Can we do good and make money? Gary lays out a blueprint for building a company with values - and one that leaves the world better than before. We need more companies to do this!
Vagabonding: The Art of Long-Term World Travel- I’ve yearned to travel for the past 5 years. Rolf Potts’ best-seller scratched my itch, lessened my fears, and gave me the know how to go for it. I’ve read it 3 times in last year and a half and carry it with me on the road.
The 4-Hour Workweek - I know it sounds too good to be true and there is much in contention
in Tim’s book, but the concepts and principles are groundbreaking and life-changing. There are so many useful resources in this book that it pays for itself. And dramatically changes your perceptions on how to live. I’ve read it 2.5 times. If you don’t buy it, please go to the bookstore and read the first 100 pages!
Meditations- The “journal” of one of the wisest and greatest emperors of all-time, Marcus Aurelius, this book is full of practical philosophy for living a better life. It can be read all at once or clips at a time. I have it with me and read a few pages every few days to help rebalance.
Paradigm Shifters and Great Reads
Three Cups of Tea- The account of Greg Mortenson’s failed ascent of K2, only to be taken in by an impoverished Pakistani village. He has since dedicated his life to building schools for girls in Central Asia, in turn educating future generations and even fighting terrorism. I couldn’t put it down.
Into the Wild- The true story of Chris McCandless, who wandered around America and into the Alaskan wilderness in search of…truth. A remarkable insight into a brave soul who dared it all in search of freedom.
The Power of Unreasonable People: How Social Entrepreneurs Create Markets that Change the World - A great pump up book and resource for aspiring and current social entrepreneurs.
Cradle to Cradle - A look at remaking the way we make things so they can have an endless useful life, not a one-time use and to the garbage can. Sure to blow your mind on the opportunities of creating a “cradle to cradle” system.
The Diamond Cutter: The Buddha on Managing Your Business and Your Life - I read this book once per year.
Natural Capitalism - Because companies don’t have to fight with the environment.
Banker to the Poor- Muhammed Yunus, founder of the Grameen bank, winner of Nobel Peace Prize, and fellow Vandy Alum talks about the beginnings of micro-credit and it’s ability to lift people from poverty.
