A Holiday Reading List From My Desk to Yours

As we are approaching the holiday season, I’m sharing a few of the books that have stuck with me, books I’ve already read and now highly recommend for your holiday reading. Whether you’re reflecting on leadership, innovation, or the world we’re building together, I hope these picks spark something meaningful for you.

‍Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne

In the state, it’s good to know what a sociopath is. Years ago, I read a book called The Sociopath Next Door, by Martha Stout, and this book reminded me that we should all recognize one when we see one.

Freedom's Forge by Arthur L. Herman

I’ve recommended this book before, but it deserves a second shout-out. Particularly, anyone in the AI boom, impacted by the US economy, energy, design and engineering, construction and subcontractors, and supply chain, anyone involved in onshoring, mining, refining, and manufacturing should give this book a quick read. It’s happening in real life right now and will affect many industries and businesses for the long haul.

Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation by Bennett Parten

This is a riveting book told from the perspective of enslaved people who saw firsthand accounts of the Seminole episode of Sherman‘s March, playing a critical role in the end of the Civil War and the end of America’s largest emancipation.

The Great Contradiction: The Tragic Side of the American Founding By Joseph J. Ellis

Anyone who has been watching the American Revolution by Ken Burns on PBS will be interested in this book. It’s a fair book that doesn’t demolish the founders, but it forces us to reckon with them more honestly, in that the people who proclaimed all men are created equal did not, in practice, include many human beings in their thoughts.

‍Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. By Ron Chernow

Ron Chernow does an amazing job of telling a story of someone who needs no introduction from me.

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

If you have grandchildren, and I have 10, you probably want to speak up every once in a while when you’re with them, but you bite your lip instead. iPad says babysitters are a dangerous tool. Or is it actually helpful? Time will tell.

The CEO’s Competitive Advantage by Marcela Manjarrez

Clayco Advisory Board member, Marcela Manjarrez, wrote an important book on tapping into amazing Hispanic talent and explains why, even in these crazy times with a drastically changed immigration landscape, businesses, more than ever, must figure out how to tap into this amazing workforce opportunity.

The Winner's Curse: Behavioral Economics Anomalies, Then and Now By Richard H. Thaler and Alex Imas

Updated recently and still very relevant. Watching Sotheby's auction off a painting last week for over $200 million made me think of this book, which makes me wonder why people make such baffling money decisions. Behavioral economics is quirky but shows some real-world examples of how irrational humans can be.

John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs By Ian Leslie

My first record that I ever owned was “Help” by The Beatles. It was a 45. So I was curious to read, but then fascinated by the incredible friendship, creativity, and ego, and what an amazing story this was, and totally worth the time.

1929 By Andrew Ross Sorkin

Not quite finished with this fascinating and well-written book by Andrew Ross Sorkin, for sure one of my favorite journalists today. This is a great story and also causes some serious reflection on my last 40 years in the construction business, and what I see now as this incredibly exciting but dangerous time.