Here’s a list in no particular order of the new (or recent) business books I’ve got lined up on my shelf for summer reading. I won’t read most of these cover to cover. I’ll skim, look for useful tidbits, consult the index, etc. I bet you read most business books the same way.
Groundswell by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff (comprehensive and spot on: what corporations need to know to understand and make use of social media)
Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath (provocative: the essential ingredients that make some ideas take hold)
Johnny Bunko by Dan Pink (fun: it’s in Japanese manga or comic book style)
Tuned In by Craig Stull, Phil Myers & David Meerman Scott (provocative: how to identify what your market wants and then create products that resonate with them)
Wikinomics by Don Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams (updated: new intro admits that first edition was sooo 2006)
Beyond Booked Solid by Michael Port (convincing & genuine: part 2 of his manifesto on how to grow & manage your consulting business)
The Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam (cool: how to think and convey ideas visually)
Personality Not Included by Rohit Bhargava (innovative approach: great case studies paired with tools and guides for how to execute)
Secrets of Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income by “Problogger” Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett (don’t I wish… but there’s some useful stuff in here)
Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds (must read: my new bible for preparing presentations)
Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky of Cognitive Surplus fame (everyone’s talking about this one… just ordered it)
For pleasure
I’m reading Ted Sorensen‘s new book, Counselor, after hearing him speak at Carol Joynt‘s live Q & A Café (links to Part 1 of 5-part YouTube interview). For a guy who just turned 80, he is sharp, funny, fascinating. Sorensen was JFK’s top aide and confidante in addition to being his speechwriter. Here’s the NYTimes book review.
Also in my summer bookstack are The Unthinkable by Amanda Ripley, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski and Cost by Roxana Robinson.
What’s on your bookshelf?