I just finished reading David Kirkpatrick’s insider’s tale of the birth and adolescence, The Facebook Effect. Wow. If anyone can either make you feel like a slacker or totally inspire you, it’s Mark Zuckerberg and his crew. This was a well-written, engaging, inspiring, educative book. Sure, it was 1 part puff piece, but only slightly noticeable. It’s a book I’ve recommended already and will recommend to any entrepreneurs out there looking questioningly at their vision. Zuck had his from the start. And it’s a great read on his view of the world, not just social media or Facebook. The type of book that you read and want to head right out into the world headfirst and create something.
My favorite quote: “Unless I feel like I’m working on the most” — he lingers on these words for emphasis — “important problem that I can help with, then I’m not going to feel good about how I’m spending my time. And that’s what this company is.”
This now makes my bookshelf of most inspiring reads. It’s in good company: Leaving Microsoft to Change the World by John Wood made this shelf last year when a friend graduating with his Masters in Business recommended it. A story about turning inspiration, natural workaholism and great connections and connecting skills into good for the children of the planet.
Rounding out my top 3 on this bookshelf, believe it or not (and those who know me definitely will), is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7). Not only do I find Jo Rowling an infinitely passionate, intriguing and inspiring person, I think this book is an anthropological study of hope, courage and love. She is a self-proclaimed “born tryer.” I love that. Even if you don’t get into the fun magicky things or can’t relate to the teenage protaganists, the seventh book in the Harry Potter series will dredge up your honest humanity. And for me, it inspired me to be a little braver and to leave “tolerance” behind for compassion and genuinely seeing the best in people.
What books inspire you? I’m taking suggestions for the 4th and 5th spots on my Bookshelf o’ Inspiration. I’ve heard 3 Cups of Tea is good?
Jessica Best a.k.a bestofjess 
You can always go with Randy Pausch’s “The Last Lecture”, but that’s a bit of a gimme, (though it touched me immensely). “The Tipping Point” and/or “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell is always a welcome addition; his research is thorough and his “well, DUH”-appearing findings are often surprising.
“Freakonomics”, obviously, (’nuff said, right?)
To throw a couple of personal curveballs, though… first I’d have to say the “Famous American Speeches” book that I picked up for $4 at Barnes and Noble.
What tops my list, though? Anything by Robert Fulghum, particularly the indispensable “Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”. He is such an inspiring, down-to-earth writer, one of the few I know who is capable of disseminating advice from 60+ years of experience so applicably.
How’s that? 😀
@Clint
Good stuff! I keep forgetting about Freakonomics. What do you think of Crush It, by the way?
@bestofjess Haven’t read it yet, but it’s on the (rather long) list… I mean, *I* don’t have *two* Kindles to handle the load.
I actually prefer podcasts for inspiration. Hearing @mitchjoel and the Media Hacks crew always gets me re-energized.
@Ramsey Mohsen
Love that! I’ll look up Media Hacks. Thanks Ramsey!