While I'm not a Feng Shui expert, I'm more than well aware that my bookshelves need some help. You see, the problem is that I buy books faster than I can read them. And I'm an avid reader.
These days with blogging, business, and broker classes taking up the lion's share of my time, I've had less time for cracking open a favorite book and relaxing on the couch or my favorite massage chair.
So, when my friend Tom Plant tagged me for a Book MeMe, I had to give it some thought. I've been known to discuss books before in my blog:
Realtors Shrugged?
Choosing a Good Negotiator for Your Real Estate Deal
Becoming "The Millionaire Next Door": A Book Synopsis
Freak or Freedom: Realtors Wearing Capes?
Harry Potter Mania -- D.C. & Northern Virginia Top the Country!
So, what are some of my favorite books or recent reads?
Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I finally finished reading "Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling." I've been fascinated with gambling ever since my grandmother taught me to play cards as a youngster. Then during my first college jaunt to Atlantic City, I won over $500 playing blackjack and I was hooked. Since then, I've been to Las Vegas half a dozen times and won over a $1000 on my bachelor party trip playing craps. I've also hit $600 on a slot machine, not to mention private poker parties with friends. I enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of the casinos.
This fascinating comprehensive history of gambling traces games of chance from biblical times up through the present-day casinos in Atlantic City, riverboats, Macau, Monte Carlo, and the Vegas Strip.
The book was written by renowned gambling historian David Schwartz, who is a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Director for the University's Center of Gaming Studies.
More importantly, David's a friend of mine from college and we enjoyed dinner together in January when I was in town for the CRS Sell-a-Bration convention. Check out his interesting blog having to do with everything gambling and Las Vegas at www.DieIsCast.com.
Just be assured that buying or selling real estate with me is never a gamble! You and/or your clients can be assured that I'm your best bet for real estate in Northern Virginia and D.C.
The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More
If you haven't read this informative book, rush out to buy it right now or order it online. This is what blogging is all about, people! Long tail searches... being found on the internet. The new way of doing business. Read the theory behind the practice. Lightbulbs will keep popping up above your head as you experience numerous Ah Ha! moments will reading Chris Anderson's book.
In my opinion, any book with a testimonial on the cover by the CEO of Google is a worthy read:
"Anderson's insights influence Google's strategic thinking in a profound way. READ THIS BRILLIANT AND TIMELY BOOK." -- Eric Schmidt, CEO, Google.
Read it -- you'll thank me.
America Alone -- The End of the World as we Know It
Are you concerned about world politics? The war on terrorism? Current state of affairs? You must read this timely, well-written, funny yet scary book about the future of our country and the world. Here's an excerpt from the inside jacket cover to whet your interest:
"Europe, laments Steyn, is almost certainly a goner. The future, if the West has one, belongs to America alone -- with maybe its cousins in brave Australia. But America can survive, prosper, and defend its freedom only if it continues to believe in itself, in the sturdier virtues of self-reliance (not government), in the centrality of family, and in the conviction that our country really is the world's last best hope."
Inside the Magic Kingdom: Seven Keys to Disney's Success
If you've ever been to Disney World or Disney Land, you know that place works like a well-oiled machine. My wife hired a secretary this year who's her best one ever, and guess what she previously worked at Disney World. They surely taught her well when it comes to customer service. Read this book and learn from Disney's success and learn some fascinating tidbits about the inner workings of the the "Most Magical Place on Earth."
Atlas Shrugged
No book compendium of mine would be complete without mentioning my favorite book of all time.
Ayn Rand's masterpiece champions individuality, industriousness, and entrepreneurship. Her philosophies infuse my life. Voted the most influential book of all time next to the Bible, whether you agree or disagree with her, or are too confused to know, this story demands a careful read. I've previously written about Atlas Shrugged in my post Realtors Shrugged?
There are so many other books that I'd love to share with you. My collection of Ken Follett thrillers, Robert Heinlein's thought-provoking science fiction (another must-read in Stranger in a Strange Land), and assorted business and real estate books.
Patricia Kennedy, please forgive me, I'm still trying to find time to finish your wonderful book "The Irreverent Guide to Real Estate," which you were kind enough to autograph for me.
Speaking of autographed books, these are some of my prized possessions. I have books autographed from two former Secretaries of State -- Henry Kissinger and Alexander Haig, Jr.
I hope you've found something on my short list that might interest you.
While I reorganize my bookshelves, it's time to tag three people to talk about their favorite books:
Jennifer Bukaty
Julie Neerings
John MacArthur
Let us know what's in your library!
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Brian-This is a great list you have my friend. What a great gambler you are. Recently I went to Vegas with my parents and my biggest gambling would be a slot machine that has a penny on it. If I lose 20 bucks I'm completely disturbed for the duration (not quite that bad, I'm exaggerating a bit). We attended "O" and Beatles "LOVE". Now that was a lot of fun. I would love to check out Inside the Magic Kingdom, since that's is the happiest place on earth. I've always thought how wonderful that would be to work there. Everybody's happy!