DONNA TARTT

I had the pleasure of meeting Donna here in Charlottesville (she’s a resident), and it inspired me to listen one of her books. I figured I might as well start with the one that won the Pulitzer. This story is nothing short of amazing. The story and the characters are absolutely brilliant. This is not a quick read (nor listen), but good Lord is this a good book. In speaking with her a couple weeks ago, she mentioned to my wife that it took over five years to develop these characters – what a magnificent five years. She deserves all the praise she got for this masterpiece.

LIZ CHENEY

Given the press this book received, I wanted to read it for myself. Since this is not a political newsletter, I’m not going to unpack this book, but I do suggest reading it to inform yourself – regardless of your political persuasions.

WALTER ISAACSON

Whether you love him or hate him, there is no denying the impact he’s had on business, technology, innovation, and our lives both now, and long into the future. Isaacson’s level of detail and his ability to retell stories is masterful and really helps illuminate the man behind the name. If you think Elon is brilliant, read this. If you can’t stand Elon, read this.

WALTER ISAACSON

After reading Elon Musk, I decided to jump to another visionary with an equally polarizing personality – Steve Jobs. I know this is an oldy, but I had never read it. Wow. Such a great book! Do yourself a favor and read Musk and Jobs back-to-back to glean an insight into two of the most impactful innovators of our lifetime.

MICHAEL LEWIS

If you love crypto, read this. If you hate crypto, read this. Seriously, what a fascinating exploration of cryptocurrencies, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), and his trading platform, FTX. Whether SBF was nefarious or naive, I’ll let you judge for yourself, but Michael Lewis goes deep and captures the ridiculous nuances of SBF and the team he surrounded himself with during the rise and subsequent collapse of FTX.

GERALDINE BROOKS

This book was recommended to me by several people. It’s a fascinating story about…wait…a horse. Brooks weaves together – beautifully, I must say – different narratives from the 2010s, the 1950s, and the 1800s all focused on one horse, Lexington. It focuses on the dynamics of wealth, slavery, race relations, and equine love in such an exquisite way. Even if you’re not an equine aficionado, I enjoyed this a lot.

KAI BIRD & MARTIN J. SHERWIN

The story that inspired the movie, Oppenheimer, American Prometheus is a fascinating look into the life of Robert Oppenheimer – the good, bad, and ugly. If you haven’t seen Oppenheimer yet, perhaps start here.

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY

Loved this book. It can be challenging to track as he hops from story to lesson, to reflection, and then back to the story again, but if you can track it, it’s worth the time. I gained a lot of respect for McConaughey after this book as he is certainly not just Dazed and Confused.

KATE QUINN

A fun read if you’re into WWII novels. With a spotlight on the women who supported the English war efforts, it was a brilliantly written novel with a unique look at the challenges behind the front lines.

ANN PATCHETT

Set in northern Michigan, this is a beautifully written book with great characters and a thoughtful plot. If you need an easy read that will transport you to a different place, I recommend the audiobook, narrated by Meryl Streep.

MICHAEL FINKEL

Did you know the most prolific art thief in the world, having stolen billions of dollars of art, lived in an attic with his girlfriend in the 90s? I didn’t. This story is wild!

OG MANDINO

Referenced in Greenlights, I thought this book was about selling and how to be a great salesperson. It is…and so much more. As a man of faith, the twist at the end made me smile. If you read this book, just know, I have 20 more days of Scroll One.

PETER ATTIA MD

If you can handle the detail, this book is outstanding. At a macro-level, this book triggered something in me. Attia explores the science and strategies behind living a longer, healthier life. He focuses on optimizing our healthspan – the amount of time we remain healthy and functional and draws on his experience as a physician and researcher to provide practical advice on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle factors that can help us achieve optimal health and longevity.

JOE COULOMBE

Joe offers an insider’s perspective on the creation and evolution of Trader Joe’s. Joe shares the story of how he built a company that prioritized customer experience and employee satisfaction, and how those values continue to guide the company’s success today. This is more than just a story about a grocery store, Coulombe’s anecdotes and perspectives around nuanced issues, branding, politics, etc. is startlingly deep and deadly accurate.

PRINCE HARRY THE DUKE OF SUSSEX

I’ll spare you the write up. Let’s just say, I know what family would be my dream client.

BOB BURG

An amazing business parable that emphasizes the power of giving and the importance of building relationships. The book follows the journey of a young, ambitious salesman named Joe as he learns the five laws of stratospheric success from a wise mentor named Pindar. I’ve read this several times now. Thanks for the recommendation, Barb!

HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA, ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU (WITH DOUGLAS ABRAMS)

This beautiful book chronicles a week-long meeting between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama as they discuss their personal experiences of joy, compassion, and overcoming adversity. The book offers practical advice and insights on how to find lasting joy and inner peace in the face of life’s challenges. Thanks for the recommendation, Mike.

GREG LUKIANOFF & JONATHAN HAIDT

I loved this book, a recommendation from my brother, who is a high school teacher. It explores the cultural and psychological trends that have contributed to a climate of intolerance and fragility on college campuses across the United States. This is a must read for parents and is spot on in my work with families cultivating the next generation of family-business leadership.

KATIE COURIC

A fascinating look into the life and career of Katie Couric. This candid look into the ups and downs of her life is a great reminder that despite what things appear on the outside, we are all just humans, trying to figure out life.

JENNETTE MCCURDY

A painful look into the early life of Jeannette McCurdy. This is not an easy book to read and your heart breaks when you look at the incredible manipulation family members will use when they are bathed in insecurity.

DAVID GOGGINS

Whether you love him or can’t stand him, David Goggins’ mental toughness is off the charts. Yes, his physical feats are over the top, but those are merely the manifestations of the strongest part of his being, his mind.

JAMES B. STEWART & RACHEL ABRAMS

As someone who loves family businesses and the challenges of being family in a family business, this book is the apex of family (and corporate) complexity. If the show Succession were based off a family, this is it.

DR. EDITH EVA EGER

An incredibly powerful read by a Holocaust survivor who goes on to build a beautiful career helping others find meaning and purpose in life. Dr. Eger is a contemporary of Viktor Frankl and she does a brilliant job of building off his magnificent book, Man’s Search for Meaning.

DR. BECKY KENNEDY

Parents, read it! Period. If nothing else, Dr. Becky will present a point of view that may open a lens into how you approach your relationship with your kids. It’s changed mine…

BARBARA KINGSOLVER

If you enjoyed Poisonwood Bible, this will not let you down. Kingsolver’s ability to capture the essence of a drug addicted life is unlike anything I’ve read. The opioid epidemic has ravaged America, sparing few communities. However, some of the hardest hit are those communities least equipped to deal with the surge of overdoses. This novel does a beautiful job of capturing the trials of adolescence under attack by the plight of drug use.

ROBERT WALDINGER MD & MARC SCHULZ PHD

This book is a thought-provoking exploration of human happiness and fulfillment. Through captivating stories and insightful reflections, the book challenges conventional notions of success and offers a compelling guide to finding meaning in an ever-changing world.

PARIS HILTON

Before you judge her (or me), I would suggest listening to the book. I did not know her story, only the stories of her. The history of her family, the trauma she endured, and the brand she ultimately built are all incredible.

PHIL KNIGHT

In anticipation of watching Air, I read Shoe Dog, an old book but nonetheless, a quintessential read for anyone interested in start ups, brands, building a company, or…shoes. I love this book; can’t believe it has taken me this long to read it!

MEG JAY

A 20-something told me about the book and suggested I read it given my work with families. She was so right! If you have kids, this is an important read. Navigating the 20s (the right way) is so critical for young adults, and Dr. Jay’s perspectives are invaluable. I wish I had read this in my 20s and now it will inform how I guide my kids when they get there.

STEVEN PRESSFIELD

A must-read for anyone doing anything creative or looking to challenge the edges of their own comfort zone. A fun read and a great reminder.

BILL BROWDER

While the author’s narrative has been challenged by many, it was still an interesting read into one financier’s experience in Russia.

RICH COHEN

A book that will forever change the way you look at bananas.

RICHARD & LINDA EYRE

A valuable read for anyone with a successful family business or anyone looking to mitigate the negative influences that wealth and access provide.

WALTER ISSACSON

A valuable read for anyone with a successful family business or anyone looking to mitigate the negative influences that wealth and access provide.

BRUCE FEILER

I bought 24 copies after reading this book. They are currently being distributed to friends and clients. This was such a great book. If you have a family, read this. While you may not agree with everything, I can almost guarantee you’ll gain an insight or two that will apply to how you run your family.

BRENÉ BROWN

I know many of you may be rolling your eyes at this book (or Brené), but having a powerful vocabulary for feelings is incredibly helpful in communication. I guarantee that if you read this you will pick up on something that relates to you and how you’re living your life.

BRAD & GEOFF SMART

If you’re in a position to influence hiring decisions (or any people decisions at your company) read this. The number one challenge my clients face is people. Everyone talks about how important people are to an organization, yet very few take the steps to solve it meaningfully. If people matter in your organization, read this.

JOHN ELDREDGE

While I read this for the first time in my 20s, it has new meaning for me now that I am a dad (of a son). I’m glad I dusted this one off.

LAURENCE GONZALES

This was a fascinating look at accidents, getting lost, and what it takes to survive. However, the most impactful part of the book was his look at how accidents happen – or better said, how tragic events unfold due to tiny chains of events that are no accident at all. Thanks for this one, Mike!

DUBNER & DUCKWORTH

Stephen Dubner and psychologist Angela Duckworth (author of Grit), take on some fascinating questions. Some favorites: 7, 8, 13, 15, 31, 49, 61, 71, 85, 100

WILL SMITH

Catch the audiobook to hear Will riff on his life and experiences. There is a lot more to the Fresh Prince than I ever knew and listening to this book put “The Slap” on Chris Rock into perspective.

ELTON JOHN

While not for children’s ears (nor the faint of heart when it comes to drugs, sex, and rock-and-roll), this was an incredible listen. The audiobook is narrated by Taron Egerton, who does a marvelous job channeling Elton John. Sir Elton’s life is absolutely unbelievable, and he captures it with humor, wit, tears, and a profound reflection that can only come from someone who has experienced so so much.

GINO WICKMAN & MARK WINTERS

This is my third read/review. I work with a lot of visionaries and they all struggle implementing. The greatest leverage a CEO/visionary/founder can get is understanding the role of an integrator and how critical they are to success.

MARY POPE OSBORNE

Not your typical business reads, but when you have kids, sometimes you have to lean into life’s realities. We can all learn something from Jack’s attention to detail and Annie’s curiosity. And I must admit, on a long car ride, even I was whisked away in the spinning treehouse.

BOYD VARTY

Having spent time in Tanzania, I enjoyed this brief read about the parallels between tracking lions and tracking one’s own path in life.

TIM S. GROVER

While very few of us will achieve the fame recognized by some of Grover’s clients, we can all be Cleaners in our own way.

TIMOTHY GALLWEY

This serves up some amazing insights into the mental state required to deliver peak performance. An amazing read for any mom, dad, athlete, or executive!

GRANT CARDONE

Even if I’m not a fan of the man, I love this book! Take action, take action, take action.

NATHAN PHILBRICK

History is written by those who hold the pen and Philbrick rewrites a bit of this in this fantastic profile of George Washington and Benedict Arnold.

COLIN O’BRADY

As an amateur adventurer, this book stands out as one of the best I’ve read. O’Brady’s quest to cross Antarctica, solo and unassisted, will take your breath away and make you shiver with admiration for what he accomplished.

AMOR TOWLES

Another beautifully written book by Towles who has a genius for creating dynamic characters who come to life in a way few authors can achieve.

BEAU DONNELLY AND NICK TOSCANO

Fascinating story of lies, deception, mental illness, and a woman who showed the world a lot less than 10% of who she was.

PATRICK RADDEN KEEFE

A phenomenal read on the Sackler family and the three generations that served as the tip of the spear for the opioid crisis in America. This book highlights the power of greed and is a glaring example of why organizational culture starts at the top.

CHARAN, BARTON & CAREY

It’s my second time through, but great insights on people, teams, and talent continue to pour off the pages from these brilliant minds.

TIM KELLER

There were two sons in the parable of the prodigal son, this shines light on the other son and the implications on our lives.

DON MIGUEL RUIZ

A great re-read from many years ago and a great reminder that freeing yourself from the constructs of the past can be achieved if you’re willing to make a few personal agreements with yourself.

SEBASTIAN JUNGER

While many people think success is about ME, in reality, it takes a whole lot of WE.

MICHAEL LEWIS

You’ll never view another weather report the same.

RON CHERNOW

Here was a man who faced the realities of war with stark clarity, while refusing to ring the reality bell of his own (significant) shortcomings. A stunning portrait of a boy, man, general, and President.

BETH MACY

We should not, ever, ignore the realities of prescription drug use and the impact it has on individuals, families, and society. We have 100,000 examples already this year.

PETER NICHOLS

In 1968, nine sailors set off to race each other around the world in single-manned sailboats. The goal: to be the first to circumnavigate the globe, nonstop. Only one returned. An epic read racked with truth, lies, and high seas adventure.

ALEXANDRA ANDREWS

Sometimes the truth is ringing in your ears, and you just choose to ignore it, completely. A brilliant story masterfully weaved together.

TIFFANY JENKINS

Someone who clung to truth like a rabid dog and refused to let go. An amazing story of overcoming addiction in the face of insurmountable odds.

MICHAEL EASTER

Massive personal growth accompanies embracing discomfort and finding opportunities to stretch the art of the possible.

JESSICAN SIMPSON

It’s easy to judge people on what we hear from others, but we all have complex backgrounds and would be better served holding judgment until we know someone completely.

ANDERSON COOPER & KATHERINE HOWE

A must read for all my family business clients – heed the lessons we can learn from the Vanderbilts.

ANDY WEIR

Just a fantastic escape from reality.

JANELLE BROWN

A fun novel with some deep insights about the (emotional) risks of social media.

HARVEY KARP, MD

A valuable read for parents and perhaps more so, managers!

STEVEN PINKER

What makes us rational―and why are we so often irrational? This book synthesizes the most satisfying explanations of our mental life.

DANIEL COYLE

A look at what makes top-performing cultures so successful, including a special-ops military unit and a professional basketball team.

STEVEN JOHNSON

Discover the patterns of genuine innovation and gain insight into how some of the most interesting business breakthroughs came to be.

CHARLES DUHIGG

Learn more about the scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed.

JAMES CLEAR

Practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and more.

DANIEL KAHNEMAN

Take a groundbreaking tour of the mind and discover the systems that drive the way we think.

ANGELA DUCKWORTH

I make it a point to reread these three books annually to reset and refocus. I highly recommend you add them to your reading list.

MARTIN E. SELIGMAN, PHD

I make it a point to reread these three books annually to reset and refocus. I highly recommend you add them to your reading list.

CAROL S. DWECK, PHD

I make it a point to reread these three books annually to reset and refocus. I highly recommend you add them to your reading list.