what are you reading

“A man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.” – Mark Twain, American writer

Ouch.  But true.

In some respects, I could probably trace the outline of the last twenty years by the books I was reading at the time.  Different books for different seasons.  Learning new skills, fine-tuning others.  Trying to expand my mental reach beyond just material necessary for my job.

I believe a hunger for reading is one of the distinguishing marks of successful people. Moms read about how to be better moms.  Coaches study how to motivate and inspire.  Teachers look for new ways of teaching old material.  It’s been said many times before: Leaders are readers.

Growing people take advantage of the opportunities to learn from others.  A good book allows you to sit in the classroom of a Harvard professor or to get inside the mind of a neuroscientist.  Through their writings, many authors have served as vicarious mentors to me.

So, what are you reading right now?  What is by your bedside or sitting on your desk?  Are you re-reading any good books?  If not, head to the library or click on over to Amazon.  There’s no better time to start than today.