Apparently December is Read a New Book Month. That seems funny, because people are often so caught up in holiday preparations that it can be hard to find time to sit and read, but on the other hand, it’s when we’re busiest that we most need a break!
I’m reading Secrets of Power Marketing: Promote Brand You by Peter Urs Bender and George Torok. I’m planning to write a proper review when I’m finished, but since I’ve already started highlighting passages in the first few pages, I’ve decided to share bits and pieces with you as I go along, beginning with this quote:
“To thrive in business, you must be seen. You must be heard. People must talk about you. And they must know where to find you.”
I was lucky enough to win this book as a door prize at the recent Golden Horseshoe Virtual Assistants Group event, but if you’re not so lucky, you can order a copy from Amazon.com or Amazon.ca.
What are you reading right now?
I just finished “Eragon” (for the second time) and I’m reading “Eldest” (for the second time) so I can start “Brisingr”.
I also really enjoyed “The City of Ember” series and “The Giver”. I’ve also read almost every series of the “Rainbow Fairies” and am currently reading a Nancy Drew mystery. The “Keys to the Kingdom” series is really good. We’re waiting for the last book of the series to come out.
I listened to Seth Godin’s “Tribes” book on the train last month (reading on the train makes me sick). Peter Walsh’s “It’s All Too Much” was a good, quick read. I love his sense of humour!
I’ve been working on the book “Flawless Consulting” It isn’t easy reading but it is very informative.
I’m going to start working through the CPO reading list in the new year. I’ve asked for bookstore gift cards for Christmas.
Jacki, I’m really impressed! How do you find the time to read so much? That’s not a rhetorical question – I’d really like to know!
Years ago, when I took the bus, subway, and/or GO Train, I read during my commute, but since then, it seems to be hard to fit it into my schedule, except at bedtime, when I’m lucky to get through a few pages before my eyes start to droop. And of course, that’s not a good time to read business books, because I want to be able to highlight and make notes.
I’ve just started reading A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis, which he wrote after his wife died. It was recommended to me by someone who, as a fact-checking favour, read a paragraph in my novel-in-progress. (Actually, he assumed I HAD read Lewis’s book, which I think means that I’m getting some stuff in my novel right. In that paragraph anyway.)
I’m also reading – aloud at the CNIB Recording Studio – The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patricia B. McConnell. I recommend it highly, especially if there’s a dog somewhere in your life.
I recently finished The Nine Lives of Travis Keating by Jill MacLean. It might be the best children’s book I’ve read all year, and I’ve read some good ones!
What a great subject for a December blog post, Janet. It will be fun to see how your readers respond.
Kathy, I knew I could count on you to answer this one! []
I don’t have a lot of time for non-business reading – I’m so busy reading my RSS feeds and all those e-books you keep telling me about – but I have found time to read the Species Imperative Trilogy. OK – so I had to reread the first book since it had been so long since I’d read it, but I’m starting on the third book now and I heartily recommend the series to any Sci-Fi fans.
The author, Julie Czerneda, is a biologist so her books have a scientific focus that appeals to me. And her characters are fun!
Another favorite author of mine is Robert J. Sawyer. His Neanderthal Parallax series is very thought-provoking. I can’t wait to read more of his books!
I could go on and on. Reading is one of my most favorite things to do
Melodee – are you saying it’s my fault you don’t have time to read non-business stuff? Hmm, maybe I can blame you me spending more time online than on reading all the business books I have on my shelf!
Well, yes Janet, I’m saying that your informative blog and tips on where to find great e-books is keeping me from sitting in my easy chair with a hot chocolate and a good book about aliens kidnapping salmon biologists! Maybe you should take a vacation for a month or so. Maybe than I could get caught up on stuff
I get it, Melodee! Instead of thinking I can’t take a vacation because the world needs me, I’ve got to realize that the world (at least part of it, anyway…) needs me to take a vacation!
Now you’re catching on
I’m reading Get Clients Now – a 28 day marketing program recommended to me by Kelly at http://www.maximumcustomerexperience.com
It’s definitely helping me with my marketing which is what I feel is my one weakness in my business.
The last fiction book I read was one of the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett.
Melodee – Of course, if I were to take vacation, that would give ME a chance to catch up on reading some books! I’ll have to keep that in mind when making my plans for ’09!
Alex – I have heard great things about Get Clients Now. It sounds more practical than theoretical, which is what I like.
By the way, I do read fiction too! I’m currently reading Hangman by Michael Slade.
Hangman, huh? Well, this is a whole other side to the sweet, mild Janet Barclay that I’ve come to know. Who would have thought that you would be one of those bloodthirsty and gory readers? I’m shocked!
Melodee, it’s like the T-shirt my good friend Chris gave me that says “Don’t let the innocent look fool you!”