Read Well: September 2004

Wednesday, September 1, 2004

Book: Benjamin Franklin, An American Life by Walter Isaacson

Isaacson gives what seems to be a realistic view of the life and legend of this inventor, writer, and statesman.

A great read about an extremely important man in the history of the United States. There haven't been many, if any, like Franklin. Read this and you'll understand why the legend continues.

Why a Reading Blog?

The purpose of this blog is:

1. for me to keep track of what I've read and the chronological order

2. for me to share what I'm reading with others

3. for me to learn more from what I'm reading and

4. for me to have easy accessiblity to my notes (some here but mostly, I make notes in the books themselves...not just notes, but many of the books serve as a journal of sorts)

"A book read only once is not really read." C.S. Lewis

In 2016 I began adding audible books to this blog. Audible books have become an unexpected highlight to my learning and growth. Only audibles that I’ve primarily listened to while walking make it on this blog (motivation thing!).

About Me

Since 1984, Danny's goal has been to make a difference in the community that he serves through home ownership and helping people build themselves out in front of their businesses.

A Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist and a Certified John Maxwell Team coach, Danny has in intensity for helping people.

His guiding principle is to seek excellence and do his best work for God’s glory and the good of others. Danny's reputation and trust with his business partners leverages his use of knowledge and experience to methodically create solutions that best aid the client.

You can reach Danny at on his cell at 512-773-6528 or Danny@DannyLSmith.com.

Click here to find out more about Danny: LinkedIn Profile

Note

1. You'll notice that some of what I have to say seems a bit random, similiar to a journal entry.

My format for books I really want to learn from;

a. begin the read
b. highlight important passages
c. write up those passages as I go
d. some of the better "quotes" on Twitter @DannyLSmith, and could end up in the review or synophis of the book.

2. I will normally start another book, or two, or three.....before finishing one. Many times I will come across a book I want to read, or am "told" I'll like or "need" to read and I'll read enough to know that I want to and then move on to others before coming back. I enjoy this type format - it adds to the spontaneity and keeps me from getting too deep into one author's thoughts and viewpoints. This also keeps me from becoming too obsorbed in a book whereas it begins distorting my thinking.

I have found from practice that we really can change through what we read, listen to, watch, and who we associate with and reading is a huge part of that influence.

3. most books I read are from a recommended list or are given to me by a friend. When I read a book, it's because I believe the book has something to offer me.

4. I enjoy reading what the author has to say about his/her subject and will read it for what that purpose. Thus, I'll normally only comment on the words he/she writes and not try to bring into the picture what was not written about.

5. the archives below are not complete for years prior to 2007.

God bless, read well, and "get better,"

Danny

Pages

Wednesday, September 1, 2004

Book: Benjamin Franklin, An American Life by Walter Isaacson