If you’re in your twenties, reading deeply and widely – and putting what you read into practice – is one of the best things you can do to grow yourself. It’s a universally agreed upon reality (see here, here, and here for a few examples) – if you want to be a leader, you better start reading.
There’s no shortage of things to read. Here are a few books that, in my opinion, every young influencer must read:
1. Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson and Joseph Grenny
If you want to make an impact you’re going to need to navigate conversations about hard topics in challenging moments. There’s no better guide than VitalSmart’s Crucial Conversations. Backed with significant scientific research and packed with practical tips and proven tools for talking when the stakes are high, Crucial Conversations is a book worth reading twice, then keeping on hand to refer back to frequently.
2. Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves
What we believe about God will shape who we believe we are, and therefore how we influence others. Delighting in the Trinity is a foundational book, with Reeves’ guiding the reader into deeper understanding of the Fatherhood and love of God, the roles of the Father, Son, and Spirit, and the beauty of the Gospel.
3. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey.
With over 250 million copies sold since it was originally published 25 years ago, Covey’s Seven Habits has shaped generations of leaders. While not an explicitly Christian book, Seven Habits draws on deeply biblical principles and puts tangible actions to what are often left as distant ideals. Put the practices outlined into this book into action and you’ll find yourself on the road to significant impact.
4. Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton
Most people have heard of C.S. Lewis. Far fewer have heard of the Catholic author and philosopher who significantly impacted him. Chesterton’s wit and wisdom are brilliantly displayed in Orthodoxy, a book that is simultaneously laugh-out-loud funny and deeply thought provoking. It will inspire any reader to a deeper delight in the Gospel, not to mention provide an invaluable resource for infinitely quotable phrases about Christianity.
5. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
As mentioned in a couple of the articles linked to at the beginning of this post, research has shown that reading literary novels can significantly increase a person’s empathy and emotional intelligence, both crucial skills for any influencer. Dostoevsky’s final novel is a visceral exploration of ethics, morality, religion, and what it means to be human. Though an often challenging read this, along with many other literary classics, are worth the work of reading for the sake of the way they will expand your view of the world and open experiences that would otherwise be closed to you.
These five books, each from significantly different genres, will give any young influencer a wealth of knowledge and opportunity to apply it. Pick one at start there. Let it be the gateway to a lifetime of reading, learning, and discovering who God is, who you are, and why you were created. You won’t regret it.
“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
– Harry S. Truman
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