“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” – Harry Truman
Wow! The last month of 2016 is upon us! It seems like the older I get, the faster the years go by. Is the same with you?
I am to delighted conduct my 1st annual ‘Best Book Read Survey’.
Reading inspirational and faith books are one of my favourite pastimes and like English Author, Neil Gaiman observed “A book is like a dream you hold in your hand”.
How many books have you read or listened to in 2016? It will range from none to as many as fifty. If zero, I hope that you will intentionally make out some time in the future to practice the habit of regularly reading books. The practice of reading is one of those important but not urgent items, but serve us incredibly well.
Some of the benefits of reading, as culled from the Readers’ Digest Magazine include:
Reading keeps your brain young – Digging into a good book can literally take years off your mind, according to a recent study from Rush University Medical Center as reported by Prevention. Adults who spent their downtime doing creative or intellectual activities (like reading) had a 32 percent slower rate of cognitive decline later in life than those who did not. Another recent study found that older adults who regularly read or play mentally challenging games like chess or puzzles are two and a half times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, reported ABC News.
Reading can melt away stress – Snuggling up with a good read tamps down levels of unhealthy stress hormones such as cortisol, Weight Watchers recently reported. In a British study, participants engaged in an anxiety-provoking activity and then either read for a few minutes, listened to music, or played video games. The stress levels of those who read dropped 67 percent, which was a more significant dip than that of the other groups.
Reading can encourage life goals – Reading about someone who overcame obstacles may motivate you to meet your own goals, Ohio State University researchers found. If you’d like a raise, following a character into the boss’s office may give you the courage to make the same request. The more you identify with a character and experience the events as if they were happening to you, the more likely you’ll be to take action.
I will like to know the best book (fictional and/or non-fictional) that you have read in 2016. I will compile a list of these best books of 2016 and send the list to you. The survey closes on 14th December. I hope you will participate in this survey.
If you have not read any book this year, I still want to hear from you and will send you the list of ‘Best Books of 2016’. This might stir you to develop the habit of regular reading.
I hope that you will respond to this survey. I am certain there will be 1 or 2 books from this survey that you never knew existed. And when you read it will add tremendous value to you!
I look forward to receiving your response,
I did not do so much reading this year even though I set a goal to read a minimum of 10 books this year, I did not do up to 50%.
The Best Book I have read so far in 2016:
1. The Power of the Mind by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
2. 40 Lessons I learnt along the way by Bayo Adeyinka
3. How Remarkable women lead by Joanna Barsh and Susie Cranston
4. How to Motivate people by Patrick Forsyth (Still on it though)
Still have some left left in 2016, I do hope to catch up and make at least a 50% mark.
Thanks
Blessing Okorafor
Thanks Blessing for your response. Yep! I am sure you will hit the 50% mark. Way to go girl!
I have read a couple of books in 2016; some I completed, some I paused halfway but in all, one of the best I have read all year would be James Allen’s As a man Thinketh.
Others include Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, Bradley Sugars’ The Business Coach, etc.
Thanks for your response. One of my all time favourites is Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich. As a man thinketh is also a classic! I will check out the Business Coach – I dont think I have read that one.
I did very poorly this year. I read:
1) “The Road Less Travelled” by M. Scott Peck
2) “The 4 Disciplines of Execution” by Sean Covey, Chris McChesney and Jim Huling
3) Loads and loads of literature reviews, journals and articles as I am working on a dissertation
Kay, thanks for your response. You read more than a majority of people. I have not read “The Road less Travelled”. I hear it is really good. I will check it out. “The 4 disciplines of execution” is excellent!!!
My best book for the year is “Eat that Frog” by Brian tracy. I find it life changing and I will read again in year 2017
Thanks Omotayo for your response. Yes, “Eat that Frog” is a great book. I read that a while ago. I think I will add it to my reading list for 2017.
I read a number of good books this year. Since you want my best read for the year, I would not bother you with the list of books I read. The one that really stands out as my best read for the year 2016 is HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE BY DALE CARNEGIE. I strongly recommend that book, it should be read and re-read over and over again.
Michael, thanks for your response. This book by Dale Carnegie is a classic of all times. Surprisingly, I have not read it, but plan to do so in 2017.
Good morning, I came very low on reading this year.I did plan to read as low as 30 books this year I think I was only able to do between 10 and 15. My best book this year will be Think and Grow Rich .Thank for your update and motivation.
Regards Pedro
Thanks Pedro for your response. Think and Grow Rich also remains one of my favourite books!
Undeterred by Rania Anderson
Yetunde, thanks for your response. I have not read this book but I have already checked it out. I will add to my reading list.