Top 10 Books That Changed My Life

This post is the assignment for Day Four: Write A List Post, part of the 31 Days To A Brand New Blog Challenge.

I grew up in a family that values books. My mom, a Head Start teacher; and my dad, self taught in both linguistics and religious studies, instilled within all of their children the importance of  reading everyday as well as the proper way to take care of books.  Back in those days, very few toys could be found in the Upthegrove house, but you would be hard-pressed to find a room in the house that did not have some type of book to read.

This love for reading has always been a huge part of my life, and I’m so grateful to have a husband who enjoys reading just as much, if not more, than I do.  And just like the Upthegrove house back in the day, in every room of the Simpson’s home you will find a plethora books.  In fact, we are almost at capacity and are looking at making a donation to the local library pretty soon.

I primarily read for two reasons:  1) to become informed and 2) to become inspired.  Very rarely do I read novels or strictly for entertainment purposes. For me, I’m always on the hunt for the next book that will challenge me to grow personally or professionally. The list below represents (in no particular order) the Top 10 books that changed my life.

NOTE: I did not include the any of the books found in the Bible in this list; for me  it is in a class all its own.

SECOND NOTE: Thanks to the feedback from fellow blogger Zone Artis, I’ve added info on when I first read the book, and why it has been influential to provide some context.

Visions For Black Men, Na’Im Akbar

First Read: 1998, as a 3^rd year student at Michigan State University.  In college I seldom read the required texts for my courses, but always had my nose in a book for my personal reading pleasure.  Visions For Black Men was one such book.

Why Influential: I first heard Na’im Akbar speak as a sophomore in high school.  During his speech, he talked passionately about the need for us to rise above the limitations that others try to place upon us in order to fulfill our true purpose.  His message stuck with me for years, and when I found his book online, I had to get it.

My greatest take-away from the book was  that as I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, I have a responsibility to empower future generations toward greatness.  I guess that’s why I consider myself to be a strong advocate for providing high-quality career experiences for Millenials.

Lanterns: A Memoir of Mentors, Marian Wright Edelman

First Read: 2001, after hearing her speak at the National Urban League Conference in Washington DC.

Why Influential:  I am a Head Start success story.  I have always been grateful for her ongoing advocacy for the Head Start program.  Learning about the mentors that influenced her life’s work helped me get a glimpse into what makes Mrs. Edelman tick.  Paying homage to her mentors helped me reflect on the mentors who helped shape my life.

Failing Forward, John C. Maxwell

First Read: 2002, right after I walked away from my first nonprofit job.

Why Influential: At the time, I was condemned and criticized by so many people about making the decision to leave.  The book helped to affirm my decision to move on from a position I had outgrown to discover a more fulfilling position within a larger organization with opportunities for advancement.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki

First Read: 2002, also while unemployed (The best time to read!)

Why Influential: I had no understanding on how to manage money before reading this book.  It helped me understand the strategy of making my money work for me rather than spending my life working for money.

30-Day Plan to Whip Your Career Into Submission, Karen Salmansohn

First Read: 2002, also while unemployed (I’m noticing a pattern…)

Why Influential: Similar to the 31 Days to A Brand New Blog Challenge, this book helped me develop habits toward taking control of my career.  It was this book that helped me realize the evil twins that tend to hold me back: perfectionism and procrastination.

Career Warfare: 10 Rules for Building A Successful Brand, and Fighting to Keep It, David D’Alessandro

First Read: 2003, after moving to Chicago to start a new gig with LISC – a Community Development Finance Institution.

Why Influential: This was the first book that exposed me to the concept of personal branding.  It helped me understand the role that your boss plays in helping to shape your brand, and how your day to day interactions with others can make or break the brand you seeking to build. My favorite rule: #5 – Kenny Rogers was Right, which is based his famous song, ‘The Gambler’.

The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

First Read: 2006, during my first year of marriage and living overseas in Vientiane, Laos, and working on my first project as a consultant to World Vision Laos.

Why Influential: Santiago’s travels to find the buried treasure in Egypt reminded me of the journey each of us is given, but few are brave enough to leave our comfort zones to pursue our passion.

The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz

First Read: 2005.  My husband gave it to me before we got married.

Why Influential: Agreement #2 — Don’t take anything personal.  This is the toughest one for me to master of the 4.  Whether good or bad, in the workplace or on the homefront, staying mindful of this agreement helps me keep every situation in its proper perspective.

Have A Little Faith, Mitch Albom

First Read: 2010, When I first started my blog January 9^th.

Why Influential:  I have admired Mitch Albom’s writing since the early 90’s during the Fab Five era.  He was the reason that I started keeping a journal as a teenager. His latest book challenges you to see beyond the cultural and religious differences that tend to divide us, and focus more on the common threads of faith, hope, and love that bind us together as human beings.

The Janitor, Todd Hopkins and Ray Hilbert

First Read: 2010, visiting the husband in Dubai

Why Influential: Through the unexpected friendship between a CEO and a Janitor, it offers six directives which help you live a life of fulfillment by staying centered on what’s most important to you.

SO….What about you? What books have been the most influential in your life??

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