Reading Is Fundamental: Books That Inspired Me!
Whenever I find myself off balance, I have to go back to my fundamentals – jazz and books. Reading was strongly emphasized by my elders as a youth; I wasn’t ready to receive this knowledge until years later. As embarrassing as it sounds today, I never read a book for leisure until my senior year of high school. After reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley, I began to religiously cheat on my first love – music.
Over the years, I developed the habit of reading 1 hour daily for education or leisure. Through the power of words I have journeyed to exotic places I have never physically visited. I had the luxury to be taught in a one-on-one class by some of the greatest minds ever to exist: Imhotep, Socrates, Sun Tzu, Machiavelli, The Dogon, Henry Hazlitt… In addition, I witnessed first hand the numerous abominations committed upon the oppressed and voiceless people all over the world.
Here are a few life lessons from some of my personal jewels:
1. Things Fall Apart (Chinua Achebe) – Change is inevitable, nothing stays the same. A truth today doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a truth tomorrow. To be productive, one has to develop the ability to criticize his or her own beliefs, as culture isn’t static.
2. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand) – This book is a fiction classic but the experience is very authentic, as it pertains to our daily struggles. Howard Roark (main character) emphasized the importance of individualism and the obstacles on the journey of the road less traveled. Never stop pursuing your dreams.
3. The New Student Bible (NRSV) – Self-explanatory, there is a reason why this is the #1 selling book of all-time worldwide. Even if you are not a Christian believer, the wisdom in the Bible as well as other Holy Books is universally applicable. Regardless of your ideology, every human needs to live by laws. In addition, the Book of Proverbs is my all-time favorite book.
4. Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life (Brian Tracy) – One of my favorite self-empowerment titles. My first article (What Is Your Time Worth?) was inspired by Brian Tracy. Within the covers I found an abundance of priceless mantras. “The comfort zone is one of the greatest enemies of human potential.”
5. The Healing Drum (Yaya Diallo) – This is one of my Top 5 books, highly recommended for all earthlings! There is no SECRET, at our simplest form we are vibrations and music is vibrations. In essence, music is the harmonization of the visible and invisible worlds. Never marginalize the power, influence and medicinal effects of music.
This is what I’m reading currently:
What are you reading?
Thanks for these book suggestions. This blog is inspiring.
I am reading Conversations with God Book 3 Neale Donald Walsch. I’ve read 1 and 2. I am also Finishing up Brazen Careerist by Penelope Trunk. When I’m through, I’ll check out a few of your suggestions. Thank you. Reading is Fundamental. Remember that program?
T,
As usual, you didn’t let me (& all readers) down. It’s funny how I was just telling someone recently that I didn’t get into leisure reading until later in life. However, now that I am into it, there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the schedule (baby, etc.) to do it nearly as much as I would like to. Currently I am reading "Good Punishment?" by James Logan. It’s educating me on the penal system today, as I would like for my ministry to reach all, including those incarcerated. Thanks as always for making us think.
Stay Up!
~ 360 (C.Smith)
http://www.cdbaby.com/360hiphop
T,
thanks for the suggestions and the link. I will be looking for future posts! Also if you have the time check out my blog. The link is cknight38.blogspot.com
Love the selections. Some I’ve read many I haven’t but I will look into some of the titles. Also what about Confessions of an Economic Hitman. Excellent book on the United States and other developed nations and their role in oppressing smaller nations. Really puts into persepctive why the world is structured the way it is. You put me on that. Peace.
Very inspiring.. I constantly tell myself that I need to read more.. I find myself on the computer more than I want or need to, however your blog gave me just what I needed to finally start reading a book that my husband brought me this weekend, called "The Love Dare". Very funny but you knew just what I needed this day..
Wow, reading. I’m scared to say I don’t read much. But what I do has to really interest me.
My favorites that I am reading right now
1. Proverbs…The inspired words or G-d
2. In Defense of Israel – John Hagee
3. No B.S. Direct Marketing – Kennedy
Thanks to Talani for an awesome blog and some really wonderful perspectives!
Lisa B
Great list, indeed, Talani! I will seek out some that you’ve selected. I am currently re-reading one of my favorite novels, The Spook Who Sat By The Door by Sam Greenlee. I also recommend his Blues for an African Princess-a collection of poetry. Beautiful.
Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Heart and Diamond Sutra/s, Sutra on Perfect Wisdom, I Am That, Siddhartha, works of Ramesh Balsekar, works of Ramana Maharshi, Journey of the Songhai People, Slave Culture, Dancing Wu Li Masters, Consciousness of the Atom, Story of Jazz, Power of Black Music, Capitalism and Slavery, Amilcar Cabral, works of Dr Ben/Dr. Clarke, Who is the King of Glory
Quantum Theory, 4 Noble Truths, Rivers of Life…
take your pick Taa.
Brother Talani,
I have to say that I rarely read books that don’t relate to my immediate personal interests, but your jewel has inspired me to start reading "outside of the box".
Thanks,
Al D
Talani,
You continue to surprise. Your introduction made me think of the Bronx. Currently, I am reading "Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust", by Immaculee Ilibagiza; and "Same Kind of Different As Me" by Ron Hall.
Thanks very much for bringing us this post and encouraging people to read.
Most of what I read is not inspirational but rather informational. As a history teacher, tastes generally run toward the historical non-fiction, but that’s not to say there is nothing in that to inspire. Ones that come to mind are:
The Ugly American – Lederer and Burdick. Made me really look at how government policy is formed and how American foreign policy is (was)practiced.
Give Me Back My Fathers Body – Kenn Harper. Non-fiction story of an Inuit who seeks the return of his fathers stuffed body, which was collected by early Arctic explorers and displayed in the Museum of Natural History in NYC.
A Prayer for Owen Meany – John Irving. Fiction – the story lays out that the path isn’t always clear, but the info you gather on the journey is important and it has a end that’s inevitable.
Krik? Krak! – Edwidge Danticat. After I returned from a Mission Volunteer trip to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, I read as much as I could about this sad place, the most uplifting was this collection of short stories.
Hope this inspires someone to read more – my recommendation is to take a walk near some water sit down and read. It’ll lower your blood pressure – guarenteed!
My current favorite book is: “Left To Tell”
By Immaculee Ilibagiza
The author writes about surviving the genocide in Rwanda (that took place in 1994).
I found the book compelling. She was passionate, but not sentimental or self indulgent. She simply wrote about her experience. She was undaunted by death, which she faced every minute. She was strong, courageous, and defiant. Her hope and faith was unshakeable. The human spirit that she expressed was riveting!
T,
I have always enjoyed reading as a young child. My parents made us turn off the television and read books of our choice, during leisure time. At times we wanted to throw the books out the window, especially if we were missing "Good Times". However, it taught me that reading is essential to life. The new student bible has been my choice for many years and I agree that proverbs is my all-time favorite place in the book. Thanks for sharing your book selections with us, they sound very interesting.
The books that I am currently reading:
Letter To My Daughter by Maya Angelou, this book is full of life lessons of Maya Angelou. She quotes "I gave birth to one son, but i have thousands of daughters. And I am
speaking to all."
A Wealth Of Wisdom by Camille O.Cosby & Renee Poussaint, this book consist of legendary African American Elders speaking a wealth of knowledge.
2009 Action Plan Keeping Your Money Safe & Sound by Suze Orman, this speaks for itself.
Why Is God laughing? The Spiritual Path To Joy and Spiritual Optimism, by Deepak Chopra. This book is like most of Deepak’s inspirational books, however it has a bit of a twist because it is about the life lessons of the comedian Mike Myers.
Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. This book is must have for any female who is on the path to being a vegetarian or just making better choices in her life. Do not let the title intimidate you, its not about being skinny. I can’t say enough about this book and best of all you can read it in one night. For the men, go out and purchase this for your lady, then secretly read it while she is sleeping. It is
hilarious, but very informative. I have recommended this book to so many people, that these two writers owe me a kick back. I have been a vegetarian off and on for many years, but my husband and children are not. Thanks to this book, it gave me more ideas on vegetarian meals that the whole family can enjoy.
Great topic once again. And I am so grateful for my sight.
Live Well,
Sharone
The mind is a maze, reading is the search and discovery of the inner you…Great Post young brother. I look forward to your lecture in Germany. By the way have you been brushing up on your German? The last time you told my host student, "good Afternoon, can you eat dress him at Mcdonalds.. lol
Great post Dr.
I started reading the same book at the same time in life. Im sure you know which is my favorite from your list(lol), but I try to read to read it all. Just read for about the fifth time " Who Moved my Cheese". I know its not "War and Peace" but it spoke to me. I believe it is necessary to read for both inspiration as well as knowledge. To quote your favorite book. " The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out". Prov 18:15
Love ya Bro.
Talani as I’ve shared with you in the past, reading is my great escape. My favorites are always books that have a spiritual and enlightening cadence such as Celestine Prophecy, The Alchemist~Paulo Coelho, The Four Agreements~Don Miguel Ruiz, The Way of the Wizard~Deepak Chopard, the Bkagavad Gita and my most recent favorite read it 3x Eat, Pray, Love ~Liz Gilbert. Unortunately our society is tainted by cynicism & resignment & it can at times infect us. My choice in books reflects the state I prefer my spirit to remain in which is peace, love and awareness. It’s not easy but thankfully we have the above mentioned masters to coach us along the way.
Paz y Amor
~Vonnie
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