Most people who know me know I love to read. My basic goal is to read at least twelve books a year. That is only one per month. On average I read around 15-20 books a year. I am not bragging, (I know some folks who do that in one-fourth the time), but I think it a pretty good goal. Someone asked me recently what ten books I thought every man should read and why. The first book I answered with was the Bible. They meant besides the Bible. So, in addition to the Bible: here is my answer to the question. This list is not an end all list. I believe it is just a good start. And, yes, I have read all these books. Some of them several times.

1. Personality Plus by Florence Littauer because every man needs to understand himself and the personality of others to have better interaction.
2. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie to understand how we influence others through relationships.
3. The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman – Everyone speaks and receives love differently. This helps us continue to understand ourselves and others.
4. Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs – Women need love, men need respect. There is a difference. One of the best books in sorting out and understanding that difference.
5. The 5 Languages of Apology by Dr. Gary Chapman – because we all blow it and make mistakes. Relationships are strengthened by making complete apologies.
6. The DNA of Relationships by Dr. Gary Smalley – A deeper look into our relationships and how to strengthen them. We need others.
7. The Purpose Driven Life by Dr. Rick Warren – Every man is here for a purpose. This book will help define and refine a man’s purpose for his life.
8. 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by Dr. John Maxwell – because every man will be called upon at some time to lead, whether it is his family, his fellow workers, or himself.
9. 13 Resolutions for Life by Orrin Woodward – A man needs to know what he stands for. This book helps him define what he believes and put those beliefs into action.
10. Man of Steel and Velvet: A Guide to Masculine Development by Aubrey Andelin – the title says it all. Because it doesn’t come naturally.

If you are curious as to what other books I like to read you can access my profile on Goodreads at the link listed. I would also love to have you in my friends circle there.  Thanks.

T.J.’s Goodreads profile link