Recommended Reading
Crazy Good Books to Check Out
Crazy Good Turns encourages everyone to think more deeply about generosity, gratitude and how to lead a better life. We also support the work of our past guests, who include authors and writers. Check out these books from our past guests for unique ideas, inspiration, and new ways of thinking.
Useful Not True
By Derek Sivers
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Derek Sivers is one of the most interesting thinkers of our time. In his latest book, he offers a reminder that our beliefs are not objective truths, and yet they still shape our lives. It's a meditation on changing or reframing perspectives, asking good questions, and embracing the views that serve us best.
Listen to Derek discuss his book and the eclectic career that brought him to the point of being a writer here.
Listen to Derek discuss his book and the eclectic career that brought him to the point of being a writer here.
What Really Matters: How to Care for Yourself and Serve a Hurting World
By Hal Donaldson
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: As founder of the charity Convoy of Hope, Hal Donaldson knows from experience that it's all too easy to become overwhelmed, burned out, and completely depleted when devoting your life to others. In his latest book, he shares the story of growing one of the world's largest humanitarian charities, the toll that compassion work can take on people - including him - and solutions to taking care of others as well as ourselves.
Hear Hal describe what called him to lead a life of service here.
Hear Hal describe what called him to lead a life of service here.
The Genius of Israel: The Surprising Resilience of a Divided Nation in a Turbulent World
By Dan Senor
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Considered one of the foremost experts on Israel, best-selling author Dan Senor asks how the country of Israel remains so resilient - with a growing young population, low rates of despair, and high rates of innovation? In this book, he tells the story of a society built around the values of service, solidarity, and belonging - and what other people and countries can learn from it.
Hear Dan talk about his book and the Israeli conflict here.
Hear Dan talk about his book and the Israeli conflict here.
How Leaders Learn: Master the Habits of the World's Most Successful People
By David Novak
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: David Novak, the co-founder who grew YUM! Brands restaurant companies to one of the largest corporations in the world, has mastered active learning. His new bestseller features wisdom and practical habits from him as well as some of the world's most successful CEOs, experts, coaches, and military and political pioneers on putting learning at the forefront of everything you do.
Listen to David's talk about his successful career here.
Listen to David's talk about his successful career here.
BreakProof: 7 Strategies to Build Resilience and Achieve Your Life Goals
By Jenn Drummond
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: In June 2023, Jenn Drummond became the first woman in the world to conquer the Seven Second Summits - the second-highest mountain peaks on each continent - despite having no previous mountaineering experience. Her book, "BreakProof," chronicles her quest to reach this audacious goal, and provides lessons on resilience and finding strength to face life's biggest obstacles.
Listen to Jenn describe the horrific car crash that nearly took her life and inspired her to live more here.
Listen to Jenn describe the horrific car crash that nearly took her life and inspired her to live more here.
Morning After the Revolution: Dispatches from the Wrong Side of History
By Nellie Bowles
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: As a reporter for the New York Times, Bowles tackled some of the most controversial topics of our times. Her writing was fundamentally sympathetic to the causes, but also clear-eyed about where they may have gone astray. Written for those who feel politically homeless, "Morning After the Revolution" is a humorous and insightful description of questioning where you thought you belonged.
Listen to Nellie discuss why she continued to ask questions after being told not to here.
Listen to Nellie discuss why she continued to ask questions after being told not to here.
Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential
By Stephanie Nelson
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: You know her as the Coupon Mom. But you don't know that her website began as an idea to help others save on groceries so they could give more to foodbanks. Now, Stephanie has written a book explaining the story behind her story, and offering a roadmap for others looking to fulfill their dreams.
Listen to Stephanie talk about using what you love to help others here.
Listen to Stephanie talk about using what you love to help others here.
The Dip
By Seth Godin
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Seth Godin's manual on when to give up and when to persevere has had an enormous impact in the 25 years since its release.
"That came out around the same time I became CEO of Home Depot, and it was hugely influential to me," said Frank Blake, Crazy Good Turns host. "I used a chart of his over and over."
Listen to Seth explain why he wrote a book about quitting here.
Listen to Seth explain why he wrote a book about quitting here.
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
By Dan Heath
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: A favorite of host Frank Blake, this book examines why some ideas remain in people's minds while others are quickly forgotten, and reveals the six traits that "sticky" ideas share. Through stories of successes and failures, the book teaches how to communicate so your ideas will be remembered.
Hear Dan discuss this instant best-seller here.
Hear Dan discuss this instant best-seller here.
Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Results
By Shane Parrish
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Through personal insight and anecdotes, Shane Parrish's book details three key ways to make wiser decisions in everyday life, which will ultimately make each day better, more productive, and more enjoyable.
Hear Shane discuss what led him to write this book here.
Hear Shane discuss what led him to write this book here.
Undistracted: Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy
By Bob Goff
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff understands what it's like to live in a world full of distractions, from desperate news headlines to endless to-do lists to the nagging questions of your heart. In his latest book, Bob uses real-life stories and Biblical references to remind readers how to stay focused on what matters in order to live a more fulfilled and joyful life.
Hear bob talk about his book here.
Hear bob talk about his book here.
Radical Candor: Be A Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity
By Kim Scott
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Executive Coach Kim Scott has written the definitive guide to giving feedback at work that is both caring and direct. Written after years of management experience, including what she calls the worst mistake of her career, the book is a guide on avoiding the pitfalls of Obnoxious Aggression, Manipulative Insincerity, and Ruinous Empathy that will help you communicate better both at work and in your personal life.
Hear Kim explain more here.
Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals
By Laurie Zaleski
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Laurie Zaleski never intended to run an animal rescue and sanctuary. Today she and a team of volunteers care for a motley collection of hundreds of abused and neglected animals - from dogs to emu to steer - who roam free on her farm, where visitors can see them at no cost. Hers is a story of unusual friendships, perseverance, and taking care of each other.
Hear Laurie talk about her farm here.
Hear Laurie talk about her farm here.
Kick Up Some Dust: Lessons on Thinking Big, Giving Back, and Doing It Yourself
By Bernie Marcus
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Bernie Marcus created one of the best entrepreneurial stories in American history - the launch and success of The Home Depot. In this book he uses stories to recount simple but highly effective lessons he's learned, and the accomplishment he's most proud of.
Hear Bernie talk about his life and achievements HERE.
Build for Tomorrow: An Action Plan for Embracing Change, Adapting Fast, and Future-Proofing Your Career
By Jason Feifer
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Jason identifies the four phases people experience when living through a major change or crisis - stages he began to notice as people around the country adjusted to life during the worst of the pandemic. He has excellent insights into surviving - and thriving - through difficulty.
Hear Jason talk about Build for Tomorrow HERE.
Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words
By David Whyte
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Consolations is packed with simple, easy-to-read writing that expresses profound thoughts. Each of it's 52 short chapters focuses on the deeper meaning of words we all use often. One surprising word stopped us in our tracks.
Hear David discuss Consolations here.
Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad
By Austin Kleon
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: The thought process Austin applies to his art applies universally, with lessons applicable everywhere from business to parenting. The book is accessible, fun to read, and will teach you to pay closer attention to what you're paying attention to.
Hear Austin discuss Keep Going here.
Studying with Miss Bishop: Memoirs from a Young Writer’s Life
By Dana Gioia
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Studying with Miss Bishop is an engaging memoir and expression of gratitude. This collection of essays reflect on six family members, teachers and mentors who helped guide him from a working-class L.A. suburb to becoming a famous poet.
Hear Dana discuss Studying with Miss Bishop here.
The Almanac of American Philanthropy
Karl Zinsmeister
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Karl's Amanac is an essential read for anyone interested in the U.S.'s tradition of generosity. You'll discover how the country has used private donations to meet public needs for generations, setting America apart from the rest of the world.
Hear Karl discuss The Almanac here.
Wake Up Grateful: The Transformative Practice of Taking Nothing for Granted
By Kristi Nelson
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Nelson has a true gift for noticing the details that make life matter, and gracefully shares that gift with readers. You'll come away from the book more attentive and appreciative for your life, exactly as it is, right now.
Hear Kristi discuss Wake Up Grateful here.
Your Hidden Superpower: The Kindness That Makes You Unbeatable at Work and Connects You with Anyone
By Adrienne Bankert
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Bankert took an unconventional path to the top of the dog-eat-dog world of broadcasting, standing out by never having a bad word to say about anyone. Her meditation within this book offers you a path for getting ahead through kindness.
Hear Adrienne discuss Uncovering Your Superpower here.
The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed and Happiness
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Money is an area of life where so many people can so easily go so wrong. Housel helps readers see more clearly the factors that influence our decision-making around money so you can make smarter choices.
Hear Morgan discuss The Psychology of Money here.
The Negativity Remedy: Unlocking More Joy, Less Stress, and Better Relationships Through Kindness
By Nicole J. Phillips
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Can a tiny shift in perspective lead you from living life to loving life? Phillips, who spent more than a decade writing a syndicated newspaper column on kindness, says the key to solving negativity is already inside you.
Hear Nicole discuss The Negativity Remedy here.
Dare to Matter: Your Path to Making a Difference Now
By Jordan Kassalow
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: The moment Jordan gives a young boy the gift of sight sets the author on an unforgettable journey. After changing thousands of lives for the better, he shares useful techniques for helping you discover your own mission.
Hear Jordan discuss Dare To Matter here.
Taking People with You: The Only Way to Make Big Things Happen
By David Novak
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Novak set out to make recognition the #1 behavior he drove in every work environment - and it eventually led him to become CEO of YUM Brands. His lessons in putting purposeful recognition to work can help you lead happier, more productive organizations.
Hear David discuss Taking People with You here.