Leading Team Alpha by Joel DiGirolamo

Dean, the main character, finds himself dealing with some tough business decisions and decides to reach out to a former professor for leadership advice.  Unlike other business books, this is a fictional novel, but is filled with leadership principles. 

DiGirolamo takes the reader through Dean’s decision making, his relationship with his team, and dealing with difficult workers.  The key concepts covered in the book include selecting team members, motivating them, ensuring their work aligns with the organization, remaining goal focused, and job satisfaction.

I want to know my future by Linda Dipman

Elizabeth’s life was turned upside down.  She fought for her kids, found her church turn against her, and even spent time in jail.  It sounds like fiction, or even a dramatic movie, but it’s the personal experience of the author, Linda Dipman.

As Linda shared with me, she used a fictional name to protect her kids “because of the constant hiding and the fear that anyone could do anything they wanted to me without consequence”.  The story tells of Linda/Elizabeth’s struggles with her church as she found herself in a homosexual relationship.   

Futurecast by George Barna

What has happened to morality in our culture?  In Futurecast, Barna asks this question and discusses changes in family life, religious beliefs, technology and our behavior.  We have become a ‘whatever’ generation that isn’t always concerned with gaining real wisdom.  We change our values without thinking of the implications.  The media is becoming even more influential in our lives, which obviously, is not necessarily a good thing.

6 Secrets to Startup Success by John Bradberry

Thinking of going out on your own?  Are you an entrepreneur looking to start a small business?  Don’t jump in without doing your homework. In Bradberry’s book, he offers tips to people who are interested in a startup.  

Entrepreneurs easily get caught up in their ideas without necessarily knowing the market.  When people become so attached to an idea, their view of reality becomes distorted.  Spending time on something doesn’t mean there’s a need for it.  Before starting a new venture, do your research to evaluate whether there’s really a market for your product or service.  An idea isn’t great until your prospects say it’s great!

With God all things are possible by Tim Clark

I can’t do it.  I’m too young.  It’s too difficult.  I’m not athletic.  How many times have you heard - or used - an excuse to not reach for a goal?  After reading Tim Clark’s book , you’ll reconsider any excuses you may use to not do something.

Tim was born with only one arm and with no legs.  He wrestled in high school, swam, and ran because he saw no limits.  His stories of growing up will encourage readers.  Although there’s nothing wrong with complaining on occasion or feeling down, those feelings don’t have to rule our lives.  When he wanted to play an instrument, he didn’t let having only one arm stop him.  Tim knew there were limitations to the type of instrument he could use and choose accordingly.

Jewelry Upcycled by Sherri & Michelle Haab

Green is in.  One person's trash is another one’s treasure.  In “Jewelry Upcycled, “ Sherri Haab & Michelle Haab work with both of those themes.   

They start the book with a solid list of materials needed for their upcycling projects.  Jewelry hobbyists probably have many of these materials already, such clasps and round nose pliers.  Other tools, for the more advanced users, include a jewelry saw and electric drill.

Projects are divided up by the type of material used, including metal, plastic, glass, fabric and found items.  With the large color photographs of the final project and of the steps along the way, crafters have a good idea of how involved a project is before they get started.

Exploiting Chaos: 150 Ways to Spark Innovation During Times of Change by Jeremy Gutsche

Chaos scares people. Most of us like our routine and are not necessarily responsive to change. Gutsche addresses chaos and how it can actually be advantageous in Exploiting Chaos: 150 Ways to Spark Innovation During Times of Change. His book has easy to understand points which are applicable for the CEO of a large company or a young adult dreaming about the future. Gutsche’s liberal use of pictures and color make this an especially engaging and very easy-to-read book.