Do you like books? I do.
A voracious reader, holder of many tomes and just as eclectic as my Vata nature I always have books on hand and read several at once (which I do not recommend).
Toward the end of 2012 I began to think about being a little more choiceful in my reading. Mindful if you will. I mean, there’s only so much time we have on this planet so I wanted to be sure I was filling my head with as much good information as I could.
Could I develop a list of 52 books to be read in 52 weeks? Well, I could do it on my own but collaborative solutions are always better. Don’t believe me? Read Egonomics.
Using SoMe I began to ask people about formative books they’ve read and would recommend and used crowd-sourcing to help generate my list of learning. Naturally as editor I retained the right to add the titles I was most curious about too. I mean, no one suggested Autobiography of a Yogi – but its an important book hence, its on the list.
So how did I compile the list? Focusing on non-fiction I was looking for titles that were primarily new – (but not all: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is almost 45 years old now) – and were all focused on some aspect of learning or development on a personal or group level. Leadership, social mores, spiritual growth and perspectives out of the ordinary. If I felt the book would confront me with new ideas or values and concepts I hadn’t thought about enough, I considered it.
What I’ve learned is that there is a wealth of information out there; the art of writing as a means of sharing ideas and driving compelling original thinking is alive and well. I also found some people around the world have favorite works they would not do without. One person moved literally across the globe with one suitcase and two books to begin life anew: as a result of that The Mindful Leader made the list.
So there you have it.
52 weeks, 52 books, each designed to challenge, confound, enlighten and enthuse the reader. Periodically I’ll post updates about my progress. Its going to be a good year.
And based on all the volumes I had to consider as a pared the list to 52, I will have to live a very long time to read all the pieces that have interest for me.
I’m okay with that.
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ChristopherinHR 
Christopher,
Wishing you success with your project — a challenging and worthy endeavor indeed.
eden
So thoughtful Eden – thank you for taking the time to stop by and encourage me. I appreciate it!
What a great idea for a project Christopher!
Thanks Alex – it’s been interesting so far!
It is also a great experience to pick up a book that was formative for you ten or even twenty years after. I re-read some of my all-time favorites in every decade. I have wondered in my thirties how I was able to understand “The Catcher in The Rye” or “The Process” or “Views of a Clown” when I was a teenager. Now, in my forties, I believe that one maybe understands books best as a young person, when everything is still fresh and new.
Interesting, although I see it differently. There is no question I voraciously consumed books when younger – my teen years were full of them! Yet looking back I see it was without a critical eye that now allows me to question the authors points and considerations more. Regardless of age,reading is leading, and I so enjoy it.
And,may I say. It is a delight hearing from you – you are truly one of the brightest most engaging people I know.
Thank you, it is always a pleasure to see your Gravatar and hear – or actually, read – from you!
Thank you for the kind words: we are in a mutual admiration society!
Hey, I’m a new blogger, and without sounding too “spam-y” I’d love it if you could check out my blog, Christopher. I’m an aspiring author and I noticed on your blog you have a passion for reading, and I do to, but I also want to have my work heard whether you know who I am or not. I would love it so much if you could tell me what you think about my writing. Thanks so much for reading this! =)
Such an enthusiastic, worthy & inspirational endeavor indeed !!!!