The Mindful Leader: Ten Principle For Bringing Out the Best in Ourselves and Others

by Michael Carroll

A couple of years ago, Michael visited Lemuria for his book Awake at Work to a packed house. Awake at Work is helpful reading for anyone wanting to get more out of their day’s labor–especially in every aspect of contribution to self, business and job.

In October of 2007, Carroll came out with a new book about bringing out the talents of leadership while cultivating mindfulness in our job and growing a business that has the best interests of everyone at heart.

Even though Mindful Leader is written more for the corporate job structure, the book challenged and inspired me to come up with some new ideas on how to make Lemuria a better bookstore.

Here is just one quote of many which I marked from the chapter on “Authenticity Leadership”:

“If we are going to synchronize with our world and be at home, we will have to trust ourselves to lead with our heart without scripts, deals and preparation. In fact, our gentleness is how we step in over our head and take on life’s problems and joys, challenges and passions…such tenderness is precisely the courage we hope to inspire in others.”

I have two hopes after reading Michael’s new one:

1. He will visit Lemuria again.
2. He will add a book not just on good work or good leadership but also one about good small business to his canon.

Gene Edwards will be interviewing authors Pia Ehrhardt, John Hart and Jack Pendarvis today for the Mississippi Public Broadcasting series Writers. At 5:00 everyone is invited to come to Lemuria where Pia will sign her short story collection, Famous Fathers, and John will sign his novel, Down River. Both Pia and John will read selections from their books at 5:30 at the LemuriaBooks.COM building where, as always, we will be serving $1 beers and other beverages. Hope to see some people there… it should be fun!

What Is The What
by
Dave Eggers

The last two weeks I’ve spent reading this book have been nothing short of eye-opening. What is the What is by far one of the most memorable reads I have had in quite some time. Eggers tells the story of Valentino Achack Deng, beginning with his current living situation in America, but more importantly how he came to be a U.S. citizen. Forced from his hometown of Marial Bai, a small town in southern Sudan, Achack quickly finds himself alone in search of a new beginning. Unaware that civil war has broken out in Sudan, or genocide is underway by hands of his own government, Achack is soon joined by thousands of other “Lost Boys” all seeking shelter where there simply is none. It seems there is no escape from the bloodshed, no refuge for the thousands of now homeless Sudanese, and simply not nearly enough food or water to go around. Even in the “safety” of the refugee camps, food remains scarce, and the violence still ensues. Eventually, Deng does find refuge in America, only to discover that even in “paradise” there is violence and prejudice lingering around every turn. Sadly, he realizes he is searching for hope in a seemingly hopeless world, but more importantly he never gives up.

I could go on and on about this book, and would still not cover it all. I honestly feel you owe it to yourself to read this book. In my opinion, the best part about this book is how educating it is about the current situation in Africa. Unfortunately, I was mostly unaware of what was going on in places like Sudan, Darfur, and most recently Kenya before reading What is the What. That’s the beauty of this book, it leaves you wanting to know more. Why is this happening? Who is responsible, and most importantly, HOW CAN I HELP? Sadly, the media does a poor job informing the public about the conflict in Africa, however, Eggers does a marvelous job telling not only Achack’s story, but the story of so many in Africa over the last few decades.

I am also compelled to tell you that all the profits from this book are put back into the Valentino Achack Deng Foundation. After fleeing his home and family over twenty years ago, Achack just recently returned for the first time to reunite with all that he was forced to leave so long ago. With the proceeds, he broke ground on a new school that is scheduled to be finished sometime this year.

Links:
–Check out Eggers’ reading
–Find Out More at The Valentino Achak Deng Foundation
(and check out their projects and videos)

I finished The Monsters of Templeton this morning and LOVED it! I can’t wait to meet the author, Lauren Groff, when she comes to sign in February… Monsters of Templeton will be the First Editions pick for February so check it out.

It’s Up to You:

The Practice of Self Reflection on the Buddhist Path

by

Dzigar Kongtrul

Reading It’s Up to You, was important to me. These essays, short, however packed with the wisdom of understanding individual insight and realization. A chapter reading, per sitting was about enough to think about.

I’m inclined to not say too much about this wonderfully presented practical book.

With a forward by Pemd Chodron, and a preface by Mattieu Ricard, not much else needs to be said about how fortunate we are to have the content of It’s Up to You.

I feel certain I will do this book again and perhaps again and again….