"Be a Sport" Reading Campaign

Read Across America: Americans Must Build a New Reading Frontier

2011-03-01T14:55:00.003-05:00

By Michael Hickman, author of the book Me, Watch TV?

Many adults and parents are leading the way in a crucial area in child development: reading. Teachers across America are right there with them in building students’ reading skills and levels. Children’s librarians and people reading to children are playing a dual role in child development. You may find them reading in libraries, book stores, coffee shops, kids clubs and other places across America, increasing literacy efforts as kids are held captive by the spoken word, illustrations and fun associated with this group activity. However, it would behoove parents to continue to help their babies stay ahead of the race to learn how to read and start or re-ignite the concept to read for production.

As a library manager in the 1990’s, my experiences proved that there needs to be a transparent shift in the reading/bookstore/library/school landscape. The phonics way of learning to read gave way to the whole language method way of learning to read. Today, accelerated reading and reading books that value word count and degrees of difficulty are in vogue. These strategies and methods have found footing in the education of children and school systems in America. All these methods have contributed to reading success in this country. With those in mind, a recent snapshot in a national newspaper suggested that the time is near, if not now, to consider a new reading frontier.

In a USA TODAY Snapshot dated Tuesday, January 4, 2011, the newspaper illustrated something that appear to be a waving flag. It signaled that the act of reading was again on the radar but positioned as a fading past time activity. The headline stated: “Reading for fun loses value as kids age.” The statistics compiled by Scholastic 2010 Kids and Family Report illustrated the following:
• Sixty-three percent of children between the ages of 6-8 value reading books not for school; 37% percent of children value a past time other than reading.
• Fifty-two percent of children between the ages of 9-11 value reading books not for school; 48% percent of children value a past time other than reading.
• Forty-nine percent of children between the ages of 12-14 value reading books not for school; 51% percent of children value a past time other than reading.
• Thirty nine percent of children between the ages of 15-17 value reading books not for school; 61% percent of children value a past time other than reading.

Students are reading less. We should not be surprised by this. School-aged children have options. There are many things youth can do. They can read more if they desire to do it. My position is that students, parents and guardians of the education system should embrace this: as school age children grow older, between the ages of 12 and 17, they should add reading for production as a component to the school climate.

Reading for production represents the new frontier. When a budding pre-teen and teenager begin reading for production, the idea is they will read books that interest them. Books about people, hobbies and special interests- lots of them fall in this production category. Resources for these types of books should be in the budget.

Can reading for production and reading for sport/fun exist together? Some parents and guardians are not bothered by the numbers presented in the chart. Their children are embracing and balancing reading assignments. They are making the necessary grades. They are reading for sport (fun), reading books that fall into the entertainment and fun categories. Also, they are reading for production. This category includes any books aimed to help them pass tests and complete school assignments. Some kids pick up this desire to read from others; and some learn the value on their own. But the question remains: should we be concerned that children lose interest in reading as they grow older?

For me the snap shot in the USA Today newspaper was waving like a flag on a good day in Chicago. More to the point, sometime after reviewing the chart on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, I drew one conclusion: Read-up America!

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

2011-02-04T16:40:00.002-05:00

Who is the man that would risk his neck for his fellow man? What would you do when the weight of the world is on your back? Ayn Rand's book answers that question using the railroad industry as he primary business and industrialist like Hank Reardon, Dagny Taggart and Francisco d'Anconia. I found the theme, characters and moments of compelling oratorical dialogue stupendous. There must be reason why this book is present today. Many readers will want to add this book to their collection. It's a must read for new managers and some voracious readers!

The Wall Street Journal guide to management by Alan Murray

2011-02-04T16:29:00.003-05:00

The WSJ Guide to Management by Alan Murray provided some very good information. I enjoyed reading about the value of strategy versus execution. Superbowl viewers will see the concepts applied on Sunday. The idea of managers needing to be leaders too may become, if not already, today's axiom. This book should be read by new managers and those who are building a collection of management books.

How the Mighty Fall and why some companies never give in by Jim Collins

2010-03-11T16:50:00.004-05:00

I wanted to read this book by Jim Collins, "How the Mighty Fall." I read "Good to Great" and was so intrigued by it that I felt compelled to pick up a book that describes how companies fall. I get how professional sports franchise like the Indianapolis Colts get to become king of the hill. I understand how an organization like the Baltimore Orioles can fall from glory. Two great examples for me. What "How the Mighty Fall" by Jim Collins told me how companies get to the top and how some companies fall so far down and dissolve, disappear, KaPoof!

The demise of a profitable organization according to Jim Collins happens in stages. Those stages are:

*Arrogance based on success
*More, more, more expansion without discipline
*Failure to understand the risk
*Grasping for salvation
*Surrender to Kapoof or irrelevance

After reading this book, I felt the stages could apply to small companies as well as major corporations. But I will let the readers decide on this: One, do the stages described in the book transcend the human experiences? Are they limited to business? Two, could this book become one of the top 100 business books?

Reflections for Managers: a Collection of Wisdom & Inspiration from the World’s Best Managers by Bruce Hyland

2009-10-27T21:48:00.001-04:00

Many readers aspiring to become managers or working in management might find the book by Bruce Hyland and Merle Yost useful and helpful. It can be read straight thru for enthusiastic managers with a need to feed their desire to effectively manage a department or team. I can see others who want to fortify a position in a work related scenario to browse this book. The topical layout fits.

I like the book for both purposes. Under the Heading the “Big Picture” there is a phrase I have experienced. “You won’t always win” is one I favor. I lost a person high on my list of people to hire to another agency. Although that candidate we lost learning curve was longer than the one we hired, we wanted that candidate. Along with the Big Picture as a major category, I think readers would like these:

The Day-to-Day
Image
Team Building
Sensitivity
Image
Technique
Leadership
Company Politics

Those headings and the brief text that follow them make this book an interesting read.

The Truth About Managing Your Career and Nothing But the Truth by Dr. Karen Otazo

2009-10-25T15:37:00.005-04:00

This could be a popular book among people looking to enhance their careers. It gives readers 60 rules that if applied or consulted from time to time increases their chances of employment plans and success on the job.

Dr. Otazo is on to something. She labels her rules as "truths." If they are, the rules should be applied, practiced. What made this book a gripping read is the first truth in managing the career: "Hitting the ground running can get you into trouble." She goes on to briefly explain it and provides an example. I can agree with this axiom. Just like I agree with truth number 53: "Likeability Means Leverage." There is value in being liked for the work employees put forth. Good work results lead to successful days and careers. I can see the wisdom in Truth 9: Kissing the ring. This simple truth refers to respecting the chain of command. Even the most talented employee, the breadwinner, must find the wisdom to respect the chain of command and communicate strategically.

The truths presented in the book are simple with brief explanations. If employees are looking for career direction or need guidance, Dr. Otazo's book is a good book to read.

Loops the Seven Keys to Small Business Success by Mike Chaet

2009-10-18T22:09:00.002-04:00

Employees in small businesses or operations, public or private, would get something from the book Loops. Using the popular storytelling/parable writing style, the authors Mike Chaet and Stephen Lundin share with readers the essentials to workplace success. Those elements are:

Manage your experience zones
Build a winning culture with vision moments
Help execute fundamentals with a Loops Group
Standardize every process
Innovate constantly
Live in the real world
Lead by example

As I was reading this book, I thought about the elements in workplaces. They appear to have solid links to profits in for profit businesses and goodwill in non-profit organizations such as libraries. If a business does not innovate, for example, profits either slow down or disappear. If people do not value your service, they will resort to alternatives. I see what the authors points of view and I am buying it.

If mastering your work environment is crucial, this is a good, quick book to read.

The Hands-off manager: how to mentor people and allow them to be successful by Steve Chandler

2009-09-06T00:01:00.001-04:00

The Hands-off manager: How to mentor people and allow them to be successful
By Steve Chandler

Steve Chandler has written an extraordinary book about leading people. What I like about is it’s filled with tips, anecdotes and words of wisdom. Take a look and the passage below.

“Lasting behavioral change is always the ironic specialty of the hands off manager. By not micromanaging more things change….Would you pull a flower up from the ground with your hands to help it grow? Why try to do similar things to an employee?”

Steve Chandler mentions the old way of management with fear gets in the way of growth and productivity. He asserts that people can help organizations thrive with the effective use of coaching. Like many other books on managing and supervising, he is not beyond firing employees who cannot align themselves with the company plan. However, in terms of improving productivity in the work place, coaching employees work best in the long run for the organization.

Visionary Business: an entrepreneur's guide to success by Marc Allen

2009-09-05T23:57:00.001-04:00

According to the author, Marc Allen, if you go into business, you need to have a something to guide you. In the Visionary Business: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Success, what sticks out is the prospective entrepreneur needs a business plan and a mentor. Bernie, the mentor, leads his mentee, Marc on the path to prosperity.

As the story unfolds, Bernie points out to Marc twelve keys to success. Those keys include inspirational words as well as some things the author believes are essential to business, employees and the marketplace. One phrase is new to me like the one found in key number eight. The passage below can be found in many best selling books about hiring people.

“Hire people who are passionate about their work. Learn the difference between technicians, managers, and entrepreneurs, and hire appropriate people to do what they love to do. Treat them like adults and they will act like adults; give them responsibility, and they will be responsible.”

I found this book to be a delight to read and is moved by a final message: Dare to dream and go for it!

Do The Right Thing by James F. Parker

2009-07-26T10:30:00.002-04:00

"Employees who love their jobs will cause customers to love the company. Employees who hate their jobs will make customers hate the company." That statement sounds so believable and is from the book Do The Right Thing: How Dedicated Employees Create Loyal Customers and Profits.

According to former Southwest Airlines CEO James F. Parker, Southwest Airlines is one of the best in the industry. Southwest Airlines is this way because the leaders put together a good business strategy and implemented. This book reveals some of the nuts and bolts that places the business among the elite.

The title sums up the spirit of Southwest Airlines. The company rely upon employees who deliver exceptional service. There are stories of how employees make traveling fun and enjoyable. The author adds stories that demonstrate how far employees go to succeed. I think the company's commitment to staff certainly paves the way for employees to really work at satisfying customers.

I enjoyed reading about the hurdles Southwest Airlines overcame in the early days as an upstart company and as a mature organization during the aftermath of 9/11. Many people will find this book a good read and practices transferable to their organizations. Those things are: maintaining friendly service, dedicated employees and earning profits.

Better Corporate Back Office Leadership & Management by Charles LeFurge

2009-06-27T23:00:00.002-04:00

Charles LeFurge's book, "Better Corporate Back Office Leadership and Management" aim is to underscore proven management practices. This book may not have the pizazz of books picked up by major players in the publishing industry, I felt compelled to read it and review it.

This book was selected on the strength of the title. What it offered was tips on how to improve the work environment. The author believed that this improvement from the the back office increases the entire organization 's success. This success Charles LeFurge had with the practices were based on his military experiences.

In the book, Charles LeFurge uses power point slides to highlight his work in the past. But the part I found most helpful was the discussion on time management and when to apply clear records of business management practices. The section that dived into keeping track of work practices and analyzing results, there were samples of forms he used. That part of the book offered the greatest value.

The Difference by Jean Chatzky

2009-06-27T22:27:00.002-04:00

Jean Chatzky's book "The Difference: how anyone can prosper in even the toughest times" book shares with readers how to make things work. There are several examples of people who have made strides to make their lives better. Years of striding and staying focused, they made it.

There's an interesting passage on page 37. Nothing is easy and here's her statement: "The Difference isn't easy. The Difference is an advanced concept. And yes, you have to want it, because it will-in all likelihood-occasionally put up a fight." Amid the interruptions in life, success happens.

Jean introduces readers to concepts to help bring her point home and hopefully, it translate to more money. Here are a few:

Smoking hurts the pocketbook
The one best way to save money is to stop spending it
Ten ways to pinpoint your passion
Tweaking things

I like this book by Jean Chatzky. Her examples of people who made it is a reminder that there is room for more success stories.

Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the box by the Arbinger Institute

2009-06-27T20:30:00.004-04:00

The Arbinger Institute's leadership book, Leadership and Self-Deception, seems to have dual purposes. One, it illuminates a position to help leaders understand organizations. Two, using a family issue, it delves into a problem; examines it from different perspectives; and generates a solution that appears to be applicable to organization leaders and individuals.

This book takes the position that self-deception is the reason why individuals fail or have problems leading others and organizations. It adds on that self-deception blinds people. When those individuals are affected and real help comes along or the truth of the matter is revealed, individuals fight it.

According to the Arbinger Institute, self-deception places individuals in a box. The book helps readers understand how to get in and out of the box. The next step for someone interested in the box, self-deception and leadership should find this book and read it.

Savvy Interviewing: How to ace the interview & get the job by John Van Devender

2009-05-31T21:25:00.002-04:00

This book could have begun right here:

In Africa, gazelles must get up knowing they must outrun the fastest lion to stay alive; also in the Africa, lions must get up knowing they must outrun the slowest gazelle to get a hearty meal. Moral of the story: I will share it at the end.

Why should I read this book? What’s in it that will help in securing a job? Now that you have the interview-a screening interview or telephone interview or panel interview-it is show time. This book can serve as a primer to those interviewing for jobs.

This book suggests to readers the things interviewees should do to increase their chances of getting the job. It covers these topics and a few more:

1. Communicating with receptionist
2. Dressing for the job
3. Salary negotiations

Although it’s a quick read, the authors John Van Devender and Gloria Van Devender-Graves want to stress to readers looking for work, that interviewees must do like the gazelles and lions: Every day job seekers must get up and run for success!

Leadership is an Art by Max DePree

2009-05-31T21:13:00.003-04:00

According to Max DePree leadership is an art. He shares with readers his thoughts on leadership.

If you are leading people, it's good to have a body of knowledge and practices to help assess situations. Some of things are right here:

Leaders understand people’s gifts, talents and skills

Leaders have to define reality

Leaders need to build relationships more than structures

Leaders need someone or people to work with their mission

Leaders must allow others to make decisions

Leaders have to let big players room to express themselves

Leaders have to think develop storytelling as a useful tool in the organization

If you’re looking for a leadership book analyzing business leaders based on business outputs, this is not the book. If you want ideas about leadership, yes, consider reading the Art of Leadership by Max DePree!

You Should Hire Me by Ron and Caryl Krannich

2009-04-26T22:47:00.004-04:00

There are thousands of books written about getting a job. Many of them cover the standard pillars of the employment process: resumes and covers letters. "You Should Hire Me by Ron and Carly Krannick emphasizes getting the job interview is key to the employment success.

Accordingly, Ron and Caryl stress that landing a job should be taken seriously and strategically approached. What's written in the book is something many people have heard at some point during their working career. It was told to them by a parent, friend, or career counselor. Or it can be chalked up to the grapevine under the category "word on the street." Those words are: in the job search process, it's not what you know but who you know.

There's a need to have an employment network. Employed individuals, underemployed individuals and unemployed workers can benefit from having a network that consists of people affiliated with their careers. These individuals represent the who you know component of the job search. Here's how they can help:

They can help shape employment direction
Introduce you to key people
Might be able to put you in front of people with job openings

This little book about landing a job is fascinating and timely. I am sure readers will find it practical and useful. One feature along the intereview process that can really help job seekers during the interview can be found in chapter 9: Questions You Should Always Ask.

Good luck with the job search!

2009-04-20T22:20:00.001-04:00

365 Ways to Become a Millionaire without being born one by Brian Koslow

2009-04-20T10:05:00.004-04:00

This is book about becoming rich. It's written for the general audience with very little emphasis on the hard skills set associated with multi-millions of dollars. Charts and graphs along with terms such as net profits, revenues, debt to earning ratios, break-even analysis are absent from this book. What you will find in this book are terms associated with soft skills set such as emotional investment, communication, credibility,opportunity and many others.

What I enjoyed about Brian Koslow's book 365 Way s to become a millionaire is that its a quick read (although becoming millionaire appears to be long process). Each chapter heading begins with a familiar business or leadership term. There's a paragraph describing or defining the chapter. Many brief sentences follow the controlling paragraph. They are written like a daily horoscope providing insight to the soft skills the author believes are needed to be successful in life, business and becoming a millionaire. Here are a few tidbits from the book.

The only way to keep a good reputation is to continuously earn it.
The best way to make a good deal is to have the ability to walk away from it.
Never interrupt another person who is speaking. It is discourteous, and disrespectful, all which will cost you in the long run.
When your business is more important than your family or taking care of yourself, you are not delegating enough.

If you find yourself on the go with a few breaks in between or writting a speech, this is a good book to read.

The Worst-case scenario survival handbook:dating and sex by Joshua Piven

2009-03-12T17:37:00.002-04:00

In the blink of an eye this book, "The worst-case scenario survival handbook: dating and sex," explodes the myth, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Authors Jason Piven, David Borgenicht and Jennifer Worick must have had plenty fun writing it.

There were a few things to glean from this book. Some of the topics in the book are of the garden variety type. But they seem to be the type of topics people quietly talk about using a very lone tone of voice. For example:

How to fake it
How to tell if he's wearing a toupee
How to survive if your credit card is declined
How to survive if you're stopped by the police
How to stop a wedding ceremony

I found the subject matter very common. Even common knowledge can be hard to recall from time to time. What is common knowledge today may not have been common knowledge back in the day. So if your want to brush up or rehash or reference the general rules of dating, check out this book, "The Worst-case scenario survival handbook: dating & sex." You never know when you might have to carry a date (or spouse) who has passed out.

1/2 Price Living by Ellie Kay

2009-03-08T11:58:00.002-04:00

The idea of raising a family on one income may be a daunting proposition. But according to Ellie Kay, author of the book Half Price Living, living on one income is not an impossible mission.

Sure it's a challenge to live any place in America where there are over doses of excessive living in magazine articles and on television, above the income means brought into the home. Even as people live with a solid comfort zone, living on one income would be a stretch. Ellie Kay's book speaks to that stretch.

This is not a book about every thing is hunky dory while living on one income. With the living on one income lifestyle, the author reassures readers that it's a big family decision. Like the author and others, living on one income is the key to staying connected with spouse and children. Many families have incorporated certain methods Ellie Kay includes in her book. For example, passing down clothes and saving money using coupons aid seems to go hand in hand with the decision to live on one income. But there's more.

I believe readers will find 1/2 Price Living a neat, resourceful book. Along with the discussion about living on income, there are web addresses to help clarify topics and provide additional information. Throughout the book there are opinions by others about living on one income. Some readers will find the charts useful as well as the humor and anecdotes. Finally, if staying at home results in a family business, that's a bonus. Living on one income is the theme and the author provides tips on getting it done.

Better than Perfect by Dale Dauten

2009-02-28T07:29:00.002-05:00

Someone knows what this author is attempting to do with this book. The title alone suggest exploring the possibilities that a new level of performance can be obtained.

Dale Dauten in this lightly written book makes it plain: high performance is being achieved. It's achieved in many industries by many people. In order to get to the level of high achievers, it requires attitudes that seem to be associated with men and women with the bent of an upcoming, hot shot scientist. Or it could be a good parent or a great teacher. It could be a grand parent or someone with a "strong motor." Strong motor in football terms means the football player who is relentless in getting to the quarterback or running the ball or getting to the ball.

Dale Dauten puts forth a few reasons why some employees deliver better than expected results. Accordingly, work teams flourish when they know the answers to the questions and implement them. It helps to know your industry, your domain. But there's more to the story. For more on moving towards peak performance, check out this book "Better than Perfect: How Gifted Bosses and Great Employees can lift the performance of those around them."

Blood on the Leaves by Jeff Stetson

2009-02-20T16:03:00.002-05:00

There are a number of things that make the book Blood on the Leaves by Jeff Stetson a page turner. The author provides a murder mystery with roots in the civil rights era and set in Mississippi. There's an interesting plot as well.

A prominent professor makes it his business to teach students about unpunished hate crimes that occurred during the civil rights era. His students are enthusiastic; love the topic; and enamored with him. When a man is found murdered, the police pays a visit to the popular professor.

Soon the students and the professor are formally introduced to the District Attorney's up and coming district Attorney. As the story unfolds and intensifies, the Assistant District Attorney, the professor and other characters make this book a very interesting read. Theme, plot and characters and throw in the documented history of the US civil rights movement will make this book a sort after historic fiction book request.

Go Green, Live Rich by David Bach

2009-01-26T15:57:00.007-05:00

There's a lot of talk about "going green." "Going green" is the code phrase for doing something in small ways that will improve the local environment and the planet. Author David Bach has written a few books about becoming rich, a millionaire. In his recent book Go Green, Live Rich he has identified fifty ways that will enhance the environment and help people save money. With these two factors in play, they can possibly put dollars in reader's pockets.

David Bach's book appear to be right on time. There are a few suggestions like the ones listed below that are intriguing and may be do able immediately.

Save money on gas purchases
Start or work in an industry that is improving the environment
Try a go green vacation cost efficient vacation
Discover your carbon footprint

With so much discussion today about the economy and environment, this book "Go Green, Live Rich" by David Bach is one you want to add to your to do list.

Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

2009-01-21T21:14:00.004-05:00

I wanted to start the reading season, the reading of 100 books, with a book of interests. Given that the book was Barack Obama's Audacity of Hope, interests in the man is very high. I found the book to be insightful and positions Barack Obama as a superb storyteller. He takes on major themes and breaks down their influences on America. In each chapter, he shares with readers why some things are the way appear and uses anecdotes to clarify his position. The most captivating chapter was written last and it is rarely seen clearly in a photo op or a brief moment on television. I think much of what he has provided readers cannot be captured by photo ops and brief moments on TV. This book is clever in how it attempts to relate to humanity; this book written in the narrative style forces one to fit in the author's shoes; and this book says, despite all things that may be wrong today, there is hope for tomorrow.

Audacity of Hope is probably not on reading lists around the country. But it made my list of recommended books to read.

Cross by James Patterson

2008-12-28T00:45:00.002-05:00

In this story author James Patterson has delivered an interesting angle. A mob hit man business is so rewarding and thrilling that it causes him to commit more crime. His behavior gets messy and draws the attention of the ex-FBI employee Detective Cross. Then there is one more interesting thing about these two characters: the mob hit man and Detective cross has some history.

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

2008-12-23T16:55:00.002-05:00

Outliers the story of success by Malcolm Gladwell provides readers with a different take on success. He looks at studies, cultural upbringing, place of birth, birth year, and work ethic to make his book an interesting read. The one part about success that stood out for this reader is the position of 10,000 hours. I almost want to say the rule of 10,000 hours. The that would be adding a bit to the author's position. For those who have read other works by Malcolm Gladwell, here's another book to consider reading.

Midnight

2008-12-06T21:26:00.002-05:00

Sister Souljah may have taken urban lit to another level. She captures a part of street life-crime, hustling and basketball- and places a love story right in Brooklyn, New York. This love story goes on despite the rules of streets and the many interesting characters. This love story grows despite the differences of the two individuals. This love goes on respectfully with family support. Even as Midnight the main character deals with his feelings and sets his sights on his love interest, Akemi, he still has to go the distance to be true to his manhood and nature and what he knows it means to be man.

FAHRENHEIT 451

2008-07-10T21:06:00.004-04:00

It's hard to picture, to imagine a fireman going to house to set it ablaze. In Ray Bradbury's book Fahrenheit 451 that was the job of the fire department. Now they would not burn every house down to ashes. The only houses set on fire in the story Fahrenheit 451 were the ones with books found in it. Where did the people get facts? good ideas?