Favorite book and SAP Community Readers?

[smarchesini]

Hello Community! 

Is it possible we haven't started a discussion yet about your favorite books, or the "book that changed your life," or the type of books you enjoy reading⁉️

I know it's impossible to pick just one favorite book, but I'm looking for recommendations for my next read.

Right now, there's a book that changed my life, but after reading it three times, the third version of myself might not recommend it as highly, haha 😂

Your Erroneous ZonesYour Erroneous Zone

This book helped me take more responsibility for my choices and stop blaming external environments or situations.

I usually alternate between reading classic books and "self-help" books. 
One of my favorite classics is:

1985 - George Orwell

I don’t think this book needs much explanation. If you haven’t read it, you definitely should. It's an incredible book. I read it in my native language because it was too difficult for me to read in English.

But my favorite author overall, the one who got me into reading, is:

Herman Hessen

I love how he blends psychology with narrative. Siddhartha, Demian, Narcissus and Goldmund—I love them all. 

Special mention to another author:

Yuval Noah Harari

He wrote best-selling books that introduced me to history (which used to be one of my least favorite subjects in school 😅). Well written and a pleasure to read

Anyway, enough about me—I’m really curious to hear about your favorite books and authors.  I’m always on the lookout for something new to read, so hit me up with your suggestions!
What books have made a difference in your life, or just ones you really enjoyed?

Can’t wait to see what everyone’s into!

[MRobalinho]

The Servant - A simple story about the true essence of leadership
from JAMES C. HUNTER

[smarchesini]

I've never heard about it—wow!
Thank you!

What do you like about it so much?

[MRobalinho]

The book explores the idea that true leadership is not about authority, but about influence, humility, empathy, and the ability to listen and meet the needs of others. Hunter emphasizes that leaders must cultivate relationships based on trust, respect and commitment, and that the leader's role is to empower and develop their team.

Throughout the narrative, John begins to understand that effective leadership is a daily choice to put the needs of others first, promoting a positive and productive work environment. The book offers valuable lessons for leaders at any level, showing that true leadership is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

https://medium.com/@mrobalinho/the-servant-a-simple-story-about-the-true-essence-of-leadership-34c85...

[KellyO]

Sounds really good! Reminds me of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I will check it out, thanks!

[Filippo_Naggi]

Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals is a 1971 book by American community activist and writer Saul D. Alinsky about how to successfully run a movement for change. 

The Rules

1. "Power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have."
2. "Never go outside the experience of your people."
3. "Whenever possible go outside of the experience of the enemy."
4. "Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules."
5. "Ridicule is man's most potent weapon. There is no defense. It is almost impossible to counterattack ridicule. Also it infuriates the opposition, who then react to your advantage."
6. "A good tactic is one your people enjoy."
7. "A tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag."
8. "Keep the pressure on."
9. "The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself."
10. "The major premise for tactics is the development of operations that will maintain a constant pressure upon the opposition."
11. "If you push a negative hard and deep enough it will break through into its counterside; this is based on the principle that every positive has its negative."
12. "The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative."
13. "Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it."

[greg_not_so]

who are the enemy?

[TammyPowlas]

My favorite books is always the last book I read, which is an old one about a nurse from the 1970's working in an urban hospital:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/919280.Nurse

and Jackie as Editor:

https://www.jackieaseditor.com/jackie_as_editor_103668.htm

It was interesting for me to read how a former first lady of the US who witnessed her husband's assassination re-entered the work force at age 46 during the 1970's when she didn't have to do so.

[smarchesini]

Hey Tammy! 

I have a question for you: 
"My favorite books is always the last book I read"

Do you stop a book if you don't like it before reading it, or do you always continue until the end? 
Do you read multiple books at the same time? 

Those are the questions I usually ask to my reader friends 😄

[TammyPowlas]

Great questions.  Sometimes I will read parts of a book and skip chapters - for example, any book about the Kennedys - I'll skip chapters.  I don't think I simply stopped reading a book.

I do read multiple books at the same time - I am usually reading a fiction, biography and self help books all at the same time!

[jerryjanda]

Maybe it's time to bring back the SAP Community book club! It's been more than 4 years since the last one, but @TammyPowlas and I were regulars. She even introduced me to new authors.
https://x.com/workjerryjanda/status/1242089278408138758

[smarchesini]

I'm not ready yet for a SAP Community Book Club. 
Because most of the time I want to read what I want. My presence will be partial for sure. 😅

[ramkry]

My latest book which completed last week was "The man who planted trees" by Jean Giono, published in the year 1953.  Very inspiring and a great lesson on perseverance and resilience.

[SvenS]

Bit late to the party since I haven't been active in a while. I currently only read for entertainment and am just halfway through a very fun book series called "The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy" by "Adam Douglas". Just brain off easy to read comedy and entertainment. Fun fact I read the main characters voices as Marty and dr. Emmett from back to the future, which makes it even better for myself.

[smarchesini]

I read one; it was really fun and well-written. I think I read in 1 week

[Abhijit_Shinde]

Mindset

A highly insightful and engaging read for professionals, students, teachers, and everyone alike. Well worth the time! The first chapter alone is enough to set the stage 😊

"mindset" by Carol S. Dweck explores how adopting a growth mindset - the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning - leads to greater success, resilience, and personal growth compared to a fixed mindset, which sees abilities as innate and unchangeable.

Mindset

[smarchesini]

Thank you, for sharing your specific takeaway from the book !
It seems interesting!

[KellyO]

I used to teach 1984 to 11th-12th graders! Mixed reviews from the teens though 😂 My favorites are:

East of Eden —got me into literature

Man’s Search for Meaning —Life changing

Their Eyes Were Watching God —a woman finds herself, beautiful use of language

Anything by Toni Morrison, usually heart breaking but her way with words is unmatched

Thanks for all the great recommendations!

[TammyPowlas]

Dr. Dyer - there are no justified resentments and "I'd rather be kind than right".  I say that to myself everyday but fail.  I hope to never give up trying.