Book Club Central by Michael

As you guys know, Michael loves to read.

Michael has giant stacks of books around the house ( any unique decor suggestions? ). He can finish an entire novel in a single day, it’s impressive!…& part of why I fell in love with him in the first place.

Panicky Susan ( him ) always knows little random facts & history tid bits…& he SWEARS it’s because of all the reading.

Naturally I had to pick Michael’s brain.

Books make GREAT gifts, so give your man, brother, father, or friend, one of these for the holidays. Ok! Time for Susan’s BOOK CLUB.

Hi guys, it’s Michael. Here are some of my favorite books:

1. The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I love this book, everyone should read it more than once in their lives. It is the complete guide to basic strategy that can be applied to every aspect of your life.

2. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

Everyone is familiar with the movie starring Christian Bale but few have read this amazing piece of literature by Bret Easton Ellis. I have read this book multiple times and I always finish it completely satisfied. Patrick Bateman is a wealthy, well educated, handsome psychopath earning his fortune on Wall Street during the day while spending his evenings in a tunnel of madness and violence. The book has me laughing out loud at times and completely terrified at others.

3. The ONE Thing by Gary Keller

This book is by far the most important book I have read in 2015. The lost art of staying focused. This book will help you zone in on what is most important to your life and business.

4. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty

The western of all western books and a Pulitzer prize winning series. The way this story is written is so amazing and it will take you back to a much simpler time.

5. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Where did my obsession with slicked hair and leather jackets come from? This book at the age of 12. So slick your hair back throw on a leather jacket and read this book.

6. Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger

Talk about someone with some serious accomplishments in their life. Immigrate to the U.S., become the world’s greatest body builder, invest in multiple businesses, become a leading Hollywood actor and then become Governor of one of the largest states in the U.S. How did he do this? Hard work and reps reps reps. This book inspired me this year to work harder and stay focused.

7. When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead: Useful Stories from a Persuasive Man by Jerry Weintraub 

How awesome would it be to take Elvis Presley on the road? Wouldn’t it be cool to go back in time and put Sinatra in Madison Square Garden? Want to produce a movie with George Clooney and Brad Pitt? Do you like John Denver? Ever wonder where he came from? Jerry Weintraub did all of these things and lived to tell about it. Read this book!

8. Shogun (and all of the Asian Saga) by James Clavell

If I could pick one fictional writer to read for the rest of my life it would be James Clavell. Shogun which is the first book in the Asian Sage series by Clavell changed my life forever.

9. Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover 

Take yourself to the next level. Be the best at whatever you do.

10. The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins 

A bit controversial for those who don’t believe in Evolution. I really enjoyed the scientific look into our existence and why we are what we are. Not for everyone but I really enjoyed it.

11. Genghis: Birth of an Empire: A Novel (The Khan Dynasty) by Conn Iggulden 

An easy read by a very entertaining author. This series follows the rise and fall of the Mongol Empire and Ghenghis Kahn. Iggulden also wrote a series on ancient Rome which I loved and is currently writing a series on England and the war of the roses.

12. Sam Walton: Made in America 

The man behind the largest retailer in the world. Sam Walton’s book about his life and building the Walmart empire. Talk about needing to step my game up.

Enjoy ( & of course I love Lauryn’s book too ; ) ). xx

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