“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” -Isaac Newton

These authors represent some of the giants onto whose shoulders I have scrambled up. Here is a curated list of books I’ve recently enjoyed for the first, second or fourth time, recommended reading for:

small business owners, or
hope-to-be business owners, or
creative professionals, or
decision makers, or
basically anyone who likes new ideas, wants to get better at things they're passionate about, or seeks to get more out of life.

In no particular order…

LIMINAL THINKING: Create the Change You Want by Changing the Way You Think

By: DAVE GREY

my thoughts…Opportunity and new potential are available when we step into a thought space between the poles of black-and-white conventional ideas.

This is a book about being open to new forms of thought that are in between widely accepted notions. (Despite its title, this is not a book about manifesting outcomes).

who should read this? knowledge workers and anyone whose work involves solving problems

UNDERSTANDING COMICS: The Invisible Art

By: SCOTT MCCLOUD

my thoughts…This incredible page-turner bridges the gap between my love of art and my love of words. It is simple yet profound and it came to me at the perfect time. Most of you will not consider reading this (and that’s okay!), but there’s a few of you wild ones out there who ask questions to yourself and others about life, experience, loneliness and art that this book will satisfy in the most nourishing way.

If you’re like me, this may be a book that you share with others forever; this is a book that I will gift to anyone that I know will actually read it. (This book is about comic books, but my interest in it is not about the comic books.)

who should read this? anyone with an interest in art and storytelling, or who endeavors to make creative assets even if you’re not a creative “professional”

THE DIP: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick)

By: SETH GODIN

my thoughts…Good poker players know when to hold and when to fold; but how do we do that in our work on creative projects?

This book is an easy read (and frequent re-read) where Godin breathes out authority in every word. You’ll love how it helps you push you through your own "dip".

who should read this? solo entrepreneurs, marketing professionals and all creatives

MINDSET: The New Psychology of Success

By: CAROL S. DWECK Ph.D.

my thoughts… This book, Mindset has been a game changer in my life, and I read it recently for the fourth time. This book is for those (who like me) would truthfully prefer to be seen as someone who does good work, than to actually do the work. It’s for those of you (who like me) seek continual validation from others but in the end know that truly it feels even better to roll up your sleeves and get things done than for others to tell you you’re good at something.

This book will benefit any individual in any circumstance (relationship, education, job, life change, etc.)

If you read only one book from my list, make it Mindset.

who should read this? quite literally everyone. especially the person who reads the back-of-the-book description and thinks “I don’t need this.”

ALCHEMY: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business and Life

By: RORY SUTHERLAND

my thoughts…Social media is filled with a bunch of newfangled noise about what digital marketing is and how to do it. Sutherland is a national treasure of the UK who has been there / done that, literally been seated at the biggest, most important, round tables in the world for marketing strategy.

This book validates that in marketing, sometimes up is down and down is up; and gives you the data and the permission to stop obsessing over formulas and algorithms and give yourself space to trust your instincts, have fun and make magic.

who should read this? anyone interested in brand strategy, especially if needing some fresh inspiration

TO SELL IS HUMAN

By: DANIEL H. PINK

my thoughts…Introverts and ambiverts rejoice, extroverts beware. Even if you don’t think you’re a salesperson… you actually are because everyone everywhere is selling something.

This book busts open all of the myths you may believe about a stereotypical professional salesperson, and it certainly broke apart my own preconceived understanding of selling and sales.

who should read this? business owners who recognize they’ve outgrown old and tired sales models

THE WIN WITHOUT PITCHING MANIFESTO

By: BLAIR ENNS

my thoughts…This short read is a straightforward anthology of topics that Chris Do calls the most important book for creative professionals.

Enns is a legend on career objectives, price, time, valuing your work, honoring yourself and honoring your client well. Inspired us to move toward a deeper niche and away from being generalists. (Note: You might also like the podcast: 2Bobs)

who should read this? creative business professionals, especially agency owners and entrepreneurs

DANCING IN THE STREETS: A History of Collective Joy

By: BARBARA EHRENREICH

my thoughts… Yesterday’s rebellion is today’s social norm. Who is in charge of this cycle, and why does this happen? that is what this book is about. A history book for those who intellectually aren’t quite sure why they enjoyed punk rock and sports so much, they just know that they did (or do).

Consider this a recommendation and a warning; and don’t tell your mom or your pastor that I told you to read this. This book is dangerous, if misinterpreted, it could destroy someone’s stable life. But in the right hands, it will afford you the freedom to relax your shoulders and embrace joy without letting others push you down. If you are so bold, then read this book with both eyes open and full caution.

who should read this? those who embrace the concept of disruption and who challenge the status quo; if the word unorthodoxy intrigues you more than it scares you

“We read to know that we are not alone.” — C.S. Lewis

Reading is for everyone, practiced by few. If you read any of these based on this recommendation and enjoy them, it would do my soul good, will you please let me know? If you read any of these and it helps you, do the world a solid and share it with others… and also let me know! dan@griffinbrandandbusiness.com

Recommended Reading List 21.1

Summer Reading