Buzzard's Best Books of 2021
Here we go, my annual list. I read less than usual this year as I put most of my free time into being the general contractor for our big projects on our property. Nevertheless, here are some fantastic books to consider reading. As usual, these aren't necessarily books published in 2021, but the books I read this year that I enjoyed and profited from the most. Click here to read my best books of 2020 list, and links to all past year's lists.
The God Who Plays, by Brian Edgar. Does anyone know how to get a hold of Brian Edgar? If so, tell him this: Brian, thank you for writing this book! "Play" is the great theme of my life/theology/walk with God, and you helped sharpen things for me. You've hooked me. I just ordered your book on friendship and your book on laughter, I'll be reading the friendship book over Christmas break.
Network Power: The Science of Making a Difference, by David John Seel. This book got me thinking, thinking, thinking. I took lots of notes and I'm re-thinking how to make a difference in our world in light of this book. Thank you, Chris Robertson, for recommending this book.
The Storm Before The Calm: America's Discord, The Crisis of The 2020s, and The Triumph Beyond, by George Friedman. A helpful read for making more sense of our current destabilizing times and the cycles of American history.
Lament for a Son, by Nicholas Wolterstorff. Crushing and beautiful. I read this to get more in touch with how deeply I love my three sons, and to seize and enjoy the gift of their lives.
Managing Leadership Anxiety, by Steve Cuss. Read this! I bought copies for several of my leaders. I keep telling my wife to read it. Can you please tell her to read this? If I were to pick one book on this list that would make a significant difference in the world, immediately and over the next decade, if everyone read and practiced its content, this is the book.
How I Invest My Money: Finance Experts Reveal How They Save, Spend, and Invest, edited by Josh Brown and Brian Portnoy. It's always interesting and helpful to see how other people invest their money. By the way, don't forget to apply to be in The 3 Fs cohort by December 31st, 2021.
A Burning In My Bones The Authorized Biography of Eugene Peterson, by Winn Collier. A great read.
Invent & Wander: The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos, by Harvard Business Review Press. I only read the first half of this book, which is decades of Bezos' annual letter to shareholders. I loved reading these letters, watching the consistency of vision and evolution of strategy over the years. It's Day 1!
Post Corona: From Crisis to Opportunity, by Scott Galloway. Some interesting ideas, takes, thoughts (and stock picks).
Click here to read my best books of 2020 list, and links to all past year's lists.