Summer Reading List for a New Perspective
You’re burned out and stuck in a rut. Each day is starting to feel the same and you are clinging desperately to a vacation that is still two months away. You need something now to reignite your drive and passions; to give you a jolt of something new, to shift your perspective. Here’s a list of summer reading books I am reading, have read, hope to read and may read that I recommend for some eye-opening, perspective shifting, self-discovering shake ups.
Wait… you’re an improv guy, is your summer reading list all improv books? Nope.
There is a story about an older improviser who was once asked, “What is the best improv training?” Their response: “Read a newspaper.” The idea being, of course, that to be a better improviser (translation; human) you need to be curious. Learn as much as you can about as much as you can and pay attention to the world. That’s the inspiration for my reading list. So while, yes, there are improv books on here because there is no better training for being alive, there are also non-improv books that stretch curiosity and breach new ideas and perspectives.
For the sake of organization, this summer reading list is divided into four main categories: Read It and Recommend It, In the Middle of It, The Get-to It List and Pre-Ordered It.
Note: as an affiliate, I may earn a small percentage if you purchase any books below using the links provided.
Read It and Recommend It
Let Love Have the Last Word by Common
If you follow me on my personal instagram or this blog you’ve probably gathered by now that, for me, improv and love are synonymous. Enter this refreshing, honest, vulnerable part-memoir, part-self help, part-reflection from the inspirational and immensely talented, Common. If you ignore every other recommendation on this list (please don’t), do NOT ignore this one.
What’s more, I was so moved, impacted and inspired by Common’s writing that I will be teaching it in my theology/world religions (12th grade) class next school year. The book is powerful while not being preachy. Rather, Common brings a deeply spiritual and faithful perspective to his noble and lofty goal of making the world a better, more accepting place.
Originals, How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant
5 years ago I read a New York Times op-ed titled What Straight A Students Get Wrong. I loved it. It echoed my own educational philosophy. I appreciated it so much that I decided that I would use it for extra credit. Every time a student approached me at the end of a marking period, imploring me to offer extra credit to reach an A, I would acquiesce. They could earn extra credit by reading the op-ed and writing a one-page reflection on the value of an A-, B, etc.
The op-ed was written by Adam Grant and it marked the beginning of my appreciation and respect of him as a thought leader. For each of us, there is that one person who says/writes things that make you wonder, “are they inside my head?” This is Adam Grant for me. You’ll see some other of his titles pop up on this list. I highly recommend anything he writes as well as his podcast, Work Life with Adam Grant.
Play Your Way Sane by Clay Drinko, PhD
This is a practical workbook. Clay Drink achieves, with this book, what many folks have been experiencing organically throughout time; the therapeutic results of improv. Drinko lays out the psychology behind the mental health benefits of improvisation and offers game recommendation for the reader to try.
This book should be required reading and a companion piece for anyone working in education today.
Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses “No, But” Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration by Kelly Leonard & Tom Yorton
This book changed my life. That sounds so dramatic but, as I look back, it is absolutely accurate. I picked this book up (via Kindle) back in 2015 when it was published. At the time, I was improvising in the context of theater — both formally and informally — and I purchased this book without reading the subtitle. It was an impulse buy around my passion at the time. I figured I would get some pointers, learn some new techniques, and maybe grab a few new games. Instead, I was introduced to applied improvisation. My experiences of seeing improv as a way of living as opposed to mere entertainment were being validated. The benefits I was seeing in my own life — gratitude, acceptance, optimism, innovation, belonging, creativity, enhanced relationships, etc. — weren’t happening by chance.
My company, UnScripted Productions, would NOT exist if it weren’t for this book. Also, do yourself a favor and listen to the Getting to Yes, And podcast… it is gold.
Truth in Comedy: The Manual of Improvisation by Charna Halpern, Del Close and Kim “Howard” Johnson
This one is connected to Yes, And above. This book (which should be everyone’s first improv book) solidified the skills of improv and the approach, for me. It was this book that allowed me to start opening up the valves and portals to understand how transformative improv can be.
Anyone reading this who want to give improv a shot or just wants to learn more about the “how” and the “why” of improv should absolutely give this book a read.
In the Middle of It
Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact by Liz Wiseman
When it comes to leadership and talent development, there is no one better than Liz Wiseman. She’s coached the best, she’s worked with the best, she is the best.
Think Again by Adam Grant
Time to revisit my love for Adam Grant. Seriously, everything he says/writes makes complete sense. In this book, Grant explores how vitally important it is for us all to be willing to rethink everything. What if… can be one of the most transformational phrases to inform a life of continued learning and curiosity.
The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation and Growth by Amy Edmonson
Amy Edmonson is one of the foremost experts on facilitating effective, safe and productive cultures of work. In this book, she unlocks the potential that exists in all organizations when its members feel safe enough to make an impact.
Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life by Susan David, PhD
I love quotes. Half of my notes app and more than half of my hidden Pinterest boards are filled with inspirational quotes. One of the challenges I have offered myself is to, when I find a quote that inspires me, seek out the source of the quote and understand it in context. Enter this book. One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from Susan David: “Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.” These words have helped shape my own personal mission statement and have informed much of my perspective as a dad, business owner, coach and educator.
Get-To It
The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams by Seth Godin
Seth Godin’s “Tribes” was a game-changer for me some 15 years ago when I was working at Philadelphia Theatre Company. His thoughts on both work and education have continued to inspire me. I can’t wait to dive into his latest manifesto.
From Amazon:
The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Daniel Pink
Daniel Pink is quick becoming a favorite thought leader of mine. The subtitle of this book is what caught my attention the most. When I was in high school, the Jesuits introduced me to a mantra: An experience without reflection is only half of an experience.
In this day and age, we move so quickly from moment to moment that we rarely even recognize a moment has happened let alone what it might have taught us. I look forward to taking the moments to sit down with this book and spend time in deep, meaningful reflection.
The Person You Mean to Be by Dolly Chugh
This book is recommended by Adam Grant (seeing a trend). I’m looking forward to this, though, as the world continues to navigate what it means to create communities of inclusion for everyone. When we look at teams (especially through the lens of improv), authenticity and acceptance are key components. Those things come with a continued process of reflections and introspection as we discover who we can be.
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
I’m late to the party on this one. “Find your why” has fast become a buzz phrase in countless circles and for good reason. Simon Sinek is another one that is shooting to the top of my list of thought leaders. The beauty of his inspiration here with the “why” is that it echoes every part of our lives— parenting, relationships, work, friendships, etc. Sinek is tapping into the importance of knowing ourselves and understanding that which burns a fire in our soul. Looking forward to diving into the deep end with this one soon.
