June was a good month for reading!

On the Calculation of Volume by Silver Balle (FICTION)

The main character continues to relive the same day over and over. It is slow. I kept waiting for it to get good, but it didn’t. Disappointing.

No Elevator to Everest by Will Acuff

If you have read these for any length of time, you know that I love author and speaker Jon Acuff. This is his brother. This is a book about finding peace and joy in the midst of the difficulties of life. It is written from a Christian worldview, although I believe it would be helpful for people, whether or not they are Christians. I liked it. RECOMMEND.

Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global by Laura Spinney

This book was fascinating. Using linguistics, genetics, and archeology, Spinney traces the history of one of the earliest and most numerous language families on the planet, Proto-Indo-European, the peoples who spoke it, and how it spread and evolved over the centuries. RECOMMEND.

Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt

Bill Campbell might be one of the most influential people that most of us have never heard of. He was a coach to a mind-boggling number of the most important tech leaders who have led some of the most successful businesses of the last 50 years. The book is less a how-to, although there are lessons the authors learned from Bill, and more a tribute to the life of a beloved mentor. This book was an inspiration and encouragement to live a remarkable life and love the people around you. RECOMMEND.

Living Faith: A Theology of James by Dr. Robert Plummer

A decade ago, I took a Greek review course with Dr. Plummer. He is a wonderful man and an excellent teacher. This short commentary on the New Testament letter of James continues to confirm that. It is a quick read and helpful in categorizing many of the disparate and repeated themes in James. RECOMMEND.

How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships by Leil Lowndes

I am someone who feels comfortable talking to anyone. Still, I was hoping to find some additional tips that could help me meet and engage people in conversation. I was disappointed. Although there are tips that would be helpful for many, the book felt manipulative to me. There are better books out there on this topic. I would skip this one.

The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

I enjoyed this book, but I will need to go back and read it. I listened to it on audio, which wasn’t the best format to “read” a book of aphorisms, which are short, poignant sentences designed to share wisdom. It is the same genre as the book of Proverbs in the Bible. This book needs to be read slowly to allow it to sink in and simmer in your mind. Understandably, as I listened to it while driving, I found myself frequently thinking, “That’s good!” or “What did that mean?” RECOMMEND.

QBQ! The Question Behind the Question by John G. Miller

If and when I write a book, I want it to be similar to this one. Short and to the point. This is a refreshingly brief and helpful book on personal accountability. The questions we ask ourselves (because these QBQs are intended for us, not others) should (1) begin with “What” or “How”, include an “I”, and focus on action. Constructing personal questions following this framework will help you maintain agency and take responsibility for the situations and relationships you are in. RECOMMEND.